People on their kayaks along the East River. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The city of Green Bay has unveiled a new canoe and kayak launch at St. George Street on the city’s east side.
It’s just one part of a larger project to connect the East River and Fox River trails.
“To connect to that area, All the way to the city deck where the Fox River Trail originates,” said Jeff Mirkes, executive director of Downtown Green Bay and Olde Main Street, Inc.
Part of the kayak launch project included extending the East River Trail roughly a quarter of a mile out to Webster Avenue.
“This is a big piece of the puzzle for us to be able to cut the ribbon on this kayak launch and this section of the trail is really a big step forward,” said Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.
“It’s been a long process, and now we have a game plan moving forward to make that connection a reality,” added Green Bay Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Dan Ditscheit.
The full trail connection project would span one mile.
The city hopes to start construction on a portion of the connection, from S. Baird to S. Irwin streets, sometime in spring or summer.
While the plan is not yet finalized, it also includes the construction of a plaza at the corner of Main and Baird Streets.
“We’re hoping the public gathers there,” said Ditscheit. “We’re hoping that people, you know, it spurs additional businesses to come where maybe they can open another restaurant, grab something for lunch and go sit in the plaza and enjoy the river.”
Ditscheit says the project could potentially cost between $500,000 and $600,000.
Funding is already in place, which includes American Rescue Plan Act dollars and city bonds.
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