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One of the trail segments,
east of Miller Stadium, is a former brownfield.
The segment provides a compelling example of brownfield
transformation into public open space. Restored
riverbanks, trees, prairie grasses, and forbs have
replaced vestiges of manufacturing. There is habitat
for fish, wildlife, and wildfowl. Just east of the
site, an observation deck made of recycled plastic
milk bottles provides trail users with a new and
different perspective on the river.
The trail is the product of
a complex partnership. In addition to the city and
county, DNR, the project's sponsor, reached
out to business and citizen groups along the trail
corridor. Milwaukee Sentinel Journal, Miller Brewing
Company, Milwaukee Brewers, Potawatomi Casino, M&I
Bank, and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Civic Alliance
provided project funding. A National Park Service
Cost-Share Grant is helping with trail signs, interpreting
natural features and cultural history of the surrounding
area. The Hank Aaron State Trail Friends Group re-enforces
the trail's public/private roots. The Friends
Group will work to support further development and
enhancement. Linking people and places together,
the Hank Aaron Trail provides a model in brownfield
redevelopment.
For more information:
Contact Melissa Cook, State Trail Manager, (414)
263-8559.
HarborPark comprises 69 acres
along the shore of Lake Michigan. Forty two acres
of the site were formerly used to manufacture Simmons
mattresses and General Motors automobiles. The city
bought the site for $1.00 in 1994 and assumed liability.
The city and previous owners shared clean-up costs.
Transformation of the brownfield
site into residential housing, parks, trails, and
a public museum, is the cornerstone of an effort
to make downtown Kenosha a place where families
come for recreation, and where people will want
to live.. HarborPark is a pedestrian-friendly environment
with separate walking and bicycle paths. The streetscape
is orientated towards the lake, with each street
terminating with a water view. Five electric street
cars restore a mode of transportation popular in
the area from 1902-1932. The rail line, which enables
residents and visitors to be car-independent, connects
with commuter rail station in downtown Kenosha.
In addition to a public museum
of natural history, open space is an essential component
of the redevelopment. The open spaces vary in size
and design, but are all intended as public gathering
places. Celebration Park's 12 acres will accommodate
festivals and concerts. HarborWalk Promenade and
Park will provide continuous public access to the
lake along a mile long multi-purpose trail. In another
park, a fountain serves as magnet. Future plans
for the open spaces include a farmer's market,
an ice rink, and performance areas. Together, the
parks will be key to providing a high quality public
environment - one of the project's stated goals.
For more information:
Contact Ray Fergianni, Kenosha City Planner, at
262-653-4030.
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