Title
Approving the construction of a bike path in Zook Park to connect Pontiac Trail to the Southwest Commuter Path
Body
This project seeks to install a 10’ wide path connecting Pontiac Trail with the Southwest Path through Zook Park as a part of the Engineering-led 2026 Pontiac Boston Rosewood Nokomis reconstruction project. Engineering believes that this path will help increase access and mobility for this relatively isolated neighborhood. Furthermore, a version of this path was included in the park development plan for Zook Park, and the West Area Plan also includes the park as a desired connection.
The path has been discussed in two public meetings for this project (8/14 & 10/6) and one public questionnaire. The first public meeting and the questionnaire brought the idea of the path to the public and the second public meeting focused on the planned route and design details. In the questionnaire, 60% of respondents indicated support for the path connection while 15% of respondents indicated they did not support. The removal of the backstop was noted in engagement documents throughout this process. The path was also discussed briefly at a Transportation Commission meeting (10/22) and a Board of Public Works Hearing (11/19) with both bodies recommending it alongside the reconstruction project as a whole.
The path has been coordinated with Parks staff with assistance from forestry, and after a couple design iterations we have arrived at a layout which we believe minimizes impact to the park and maximizes the potential of the connection for the neighborhood. We will need final approval from WisDOT because they own the Southwest Path right of way but are confident this can be secured.