Waukesha Trail Project Reaches Second Phase

WAUKESHA, WI—The second phase of the Discovery Trail project at Retzer Nature Center is underway. The goal is to provide barrier-free access to both nature, outdoor education elements and programs.

The second phase began in early July near the Nature Center building. The phase is expected to be completed midautumn.

Construction will include the following.

• A gateway feature at the entrance and a series of Exploration Stations along the trail for outdoor education.
• Sensory-based play experiences.
• STEM activities for families and school groups.

The original trail at Retzer Nature Center was built in 1993. The deteriorated trail was reconstructed, ensuring full Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, according to Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use.

A new asphalt addition to the ADA-accessible trail was constructed to connect the original trail footprint to a new ADA-accessible boardwalk. This will increase ADA access by an additional 400 feet, and it will connect to a recently constructed 600-foot long boardwalk.

Waukesha County joined forces with local organizations to assist with funding. The Waukesha Rotary Club made a $45,000 commitment over three years to support the project.

The Friends of Retzer Nature Center provided a matching grant of $45,000. The Department of Parks and Land Use applied for and received $143,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to cover another portion of the project for accessibility. Waukesha County contributed $24,000.

Additional fundraising is in progress to complete future phases.