MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – What once was a power canal for two paper mills in Menasha will now serve as a kayaking course.
The redevelopment of the Lawson Canal will be for more than just kayakers, though.
“You can bring a kayak; you can bring a tube; you can bring a small personal watercraft through it. You can also fish,” says Menasha Mayor Don Merkes.
Merkes tells FOX 11 there are several options for people going through the course.
“You can do your tricks through there, but you can also do a loop through the Fox Cities through this as well.”
Merkes says it will also be an amenity for the new apartments being developed behind the canal.
Tourism officials say this canal will bring more people to the city of Menasha.
“So, something like this is only going to enhance that, especially in getting people outdoors and enjoying all of the recreational amenities that we have here,” says Greater Fox Cities Marketing Communications Manager Maddie Jack.
Jack tells FOX 11 this will not only attract people in the Fox Cities but also state-wide.
“Increasing access to our waterways is going to be a top priority for us in attracting and generating more tourism to the Fox Cities.”
There are many different factors that go into the funding for this project.
“The Lawson Canal itself is about $1.5 million, that will come from a TIF district that’s in this area as well as donations,” says Merkes.
The project will also receive funding from the Nelson Family Fund.
The mayor feels it is important to redevelop Menasha’s industrial heritage to benefit the community.
Construction on the canal will begin this fall and is expected to take about a year to complete.
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