SHEBOYGAN – Sheboygan County Cycling hosted two listening sessions for its Evergreen Park trail improvement concept plan at the end of April to divided rooms of more than 100 people.
The future of the 98-acre park and the proposed plan envisioning repaired trails and more cycling areas have become a central focus for the Sheboygan community.
Here are some takeaways from the meetings hosted at the Mead Public Library April 23 and 30.
What does the Sheboygan County Cycling concept plan propose?
SCC wants to repair the trails, which have historically had little signage and consistent maintenance.
The group has partnered with the city as an Adopt-A-Park sponsor to clean up Evergreen Park. SCC shared volunteers logged more than 330 hours in 2024.
Beyond repairs, the nonprofit wants to increase mountain biking and cycling opportunities for residents and tourists.
How much could the project cost?
The four-phase project, if adopted in its entirety as included in the concept plan, could amount to $1.65 million. SCC completed most of the first phase, calling for more signage and a trailhead at the Jaycee Quarry Park.
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Is the Evergreen Park trails project a ‘done deal?’
No. SCC and city staff emphasized the trail improvement plan was a concept. The nonprofit is seeking city approval so it can continue the next step in the process — design bids. This would entail closer detail to trail routes and environmental impact assessments.
Each project phase would need to get city approval, too.
Some attendees commented they didn’t feel SCC was taking their concerns into consideration to make changes to the plan. They wondered if speaking up would make a difference when it goes before the Common Council.
Still, there were moments of understanding and a possibility for compromise, like when a community member suggested moving the bicycle playground proposed near the Shaw Family Playground to a flat, grassy area on the northeast corner of the park.
Does SCC intend to keep the park shared use?
Yes. SCC said it wants to keep the park a shared-use space. The plan designates several multiuse areas, like the perimeter trail, flow and skills zones.
Community members questioned whether that would be a reality, concerned about the width of some of the skills zone trails, cyclist etiquette and personal safety.
Who would pay for the project?
SCC has about $244,000 allocated for the project, as of April 30. It’s seeking grant funding and private donations for the project and ongoing maintenance. SCC said taxpayers wouldn’t be responsible for costs.
Superintendent of Parks & Forestry Joe Kerlin said the city is helping look for grant money for the project. The city has allocated $50,000 for 2025, 2026 and 2028 in Capital Improvement Program funds designated for design and construction costs.
But some meeting attendees were not convinced taxpayers wouldn’t bear the burden of maintenance costs in the future, which IMBA estimates can account for 5% to 15% of mountain bike trail construction costs.
What are some community concerns?
Those in opposition to elements or the entirety of the concept plan, including citizen group Save Evergreen Park, are concerned about potential impacts to natural habitats and wildlife, like cutting old-growth trees, jeopardizing endangered species and creating soil erosion.
They’re also concerned about parking congestion at the Shaw Family Playground and that trails wouldn’t remain shared use.
What are some benefits the project could bring, according to supporters?
Supporters are confident the SCC project would create safer and sustainable trails, mitigating soil erosion and leading to better water runoff. They also think it would create a great outdoor recreation opportunity for families and youth and would have little to no impact on trees.
What’s the next step with the concept plan?
Mayor Ryan Sorenson told the Sheboygan Press he plans to send the Evergreen Park concept plan back to the Public Works Committee for discussion.
PWC members Dean Dekker, Angela Ramey, Zach Rust, Daniel Peterson and John Belanger on Feb. 25 approved sending the concept plan to the Common Council. But the council voted March 3 to table further discussion after Alder Joe Heidemann suggested waiting until elected alders were sworn in after the April 1 election.
New PWC members include Alder Ryan Menzer, who represents constituents around Evergreen Park, and Alder Susie Boorse, who replaced Ramey.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan’s Evergreen Park plan is still just a concept. Here are answers to 8 questions.
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
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