From Concept to Construction...
In 2020, the vision for the High Cliff Connection was realized — a bike/pedestrian route that will extend the regional east/west trail corridor from the Loop the Little Lake Trail to High Cliff State Park and establish extended linkages to neighborhoods. The connection will tie into the Friendship Trail and existing and planned local trails.
March 24, 2025: The Feasibility Studies were presented at Sherwood’s Village Board meeting for approval and support in proceeding with grant requests and supporting partner community’s grant applications. The studies were previously presented at Sherwood’s Park & Recreation Board Meeting on 3/17 and the Board approved the studies and future related grant applications. The studies were also presented in detail at the 2/25 board meeting.
March 17, 2025: The Feasibility Studies were presented at Menasha’s Common Council meeting. The Council approved the studies and supported the City proceeding with grant requests and supporting partner community’s grant applications. The studies were previously presented at Menasha’s Park & Recreation Board Meeting on 3/11 and the Board approved the studies and future related grant applications.
February 25, 2025: Feasibility Studies presented at Harrison’s Village Board Meeting. The Village approved the studies and supported the Village proceeding with grant requests and supporting partner communities’ grant applications.
January 23, 2025: Keynote address regarding the High Cliff Connection project at the Annual Fox Cities Greenways meeting.
December 2024: Additional private donation of $10,000 received towards the project fund through the community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
November 2024: Jefferson Park Trail rehabilitation paving completed.
October 2024: Additional private donation of $200,000 received towards the project fund through the community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
Continuing: Feasibility Study work continued on STH 114 and Local Roads sections.
August 2024: Village of Harrison is awarded WisDOT grant for Old Highway Road Trail design and construction!
May 15, 2024: Public Involvement Meeting held for the Trail Feasibility Study for STH 114 and input for future bike/ped improvements along Manitowoc Road.
April 30, 2024: The team submitted a Wisconsin DNR Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant for rehabilitation of the existing Pigeon Road Trail in Village of Sherwood.
April 3, 2024: The City of Menasha was awarded a $100,000 Wisconsin DNR Recreational Trail Program (RTP) for trail rehabilitation within Jefferson Park.
March 21, 2024: Public Involvement Meeting (PIM) held at Harrison Village Hall from 5-7 pm to review potential trails along Old Highway Road and the northern end of Pigeon Road. Displays from the meeting and Public Comment Form can be found here: Parks & Recreation – Village of Harrison (harrison-wi.org)
Continuing: Feasibility Study work continued on STH 114 and Local Roads sections.
January 2024: Kick-off for the Feasibility Studies begin.
October 2023: Village of Harrison submits a WisDOT TAP application for the design and construction of Old Highway Road Trail (1.8 miles).
September 2023: Village of Harrison unanimously supports Old Highway Road Trail concept & WisDOT TAP grant application.
- Summer/ Early Fall 2023: WisDOT grant agreements executed, Feasibility Study Contracts development. CFFVR pledged 100% of the local share of the grant.
- July 2023: WisDOT TAP grant agreements being processed and proposals received for Feasibility Studies.
- June 2023: City of Menasha and Village of Harrison were awarded the WisDOT TAP grants for the Feasibility Studies. The Feasibility Studies will review the feasibility of potential alignments along STH 114, Old Highway Road, Manitowoc Road, and Pigeon Road.
- May 2023: The team submitted a Wisconsin DNR Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant for rehabilitation & realignment of the mainline trail within Jefferson Park.
- March 2023: The team submitted (2) WisDOT Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grants to complete Feasibility Studies for potential trail segments within the corridor. Village of Harrison and City of Menasha sponsored the applications and the CFFVR pledged the 20% match.
- February 2023: The CFFVR hired Trail Strategies, LLC to work with the team to assist in project development & planning.
- July 2022: The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund (a fund within the CFFVR) pledged $2,000,000 towards the High Cliff Connection.
- 2021- 2022: ECWPRC worked with HKGi and the community to develop a master plan for the High Cliff Connection. The master plan was presented to all communities and adopted by ECWRPC in October 2022.
- 2021: The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region (CFFVR) donated $100,000 towards the completion of a Master Plan for the High Cliff Connection.
- 2020: The Fox Cities Trail Summit identified the High Cliff Connection as a regional priority.