APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Fox River waterfront trails are a frequent stop for Dave Vicksta and his friends from Appleton.
“We come here to walk, it’s about a 2-hour circuit; we start by the bridge and go all the way around.”
And to ensure trail users have access to the river, Appleton Communications Director Chad Doran tells FOX 11 the city is proposing a policy requiring new developers to include riverfront trails.
“The reason really is because the riverfront is one of our most precious resources. It’s one of the things that really makes Appleton great.”
Doran said he believes the policy won’t affect previous landowners, but it will if they choose to redevelop a site.
The policy will have a set of standards including a minimum trail width of 12 feet.
“What we don’t want to have happen is an instance where you’re walking or riding a bike down a 12 foot wide trail and then all of a sudden it goes down to 6 feet.”
Doran said the policy will keep all the trails uniform. The proposal will also require light posts and benches along the trails.
“I believe the maintenance of the trails falls on us, but any developer that wants to do a project will be required to install all those things, as part of the policy.”
That means developers will have to pay for the trail and the amenities.
But Doran told FOX 11, it benefits both the City and businesses.
“It’s what draws people down to the coffee shop, draws them to the hotel, people have access to riverfront there.”
Appleton’s municipal services committee is expected to take up the standards next month.
