Dane County Executive Parisi Announces Grand Opening of the Brigham Trail

July 24, 2015
Stephanie Miller, 608-267-8823
County Executive

                                   Trail to Connect Bike Trails to National Landmark

 

Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced the grand opening of the Brigham Trail, a hard surface multiuse trail in the Town of Blue Mounds. The off-road trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and extends from the Military Ridge State Trail to Brigham County Park and also includes a connection to the Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark.  Dane County Parks and the Dane County Highway Department teamed up to plan and construct the new Brigham Trail. The cost to build the trail was $400,000.

 

“Our world class biking trails add to the high quality of life in Dane County,” remarked County Executive Parisi. “The Brigham Trail and Brigham County Park afford users some of the best scenic views Dane County has to offer of southwestern Wisconsin’s Driftless Area while connecting key paths to a state park and national landmark.”  

 

Bicyclists who plan to try the trail for the first time should be aware of the hilly terrain that is typical to this region of the County.  Brigham County Park is one of the highest points in Dane County, with approximately 200’ of elevation change on the trail from beginning to end.  Brigham County Park, with its campground, shelters, water and restrooms will serve as great trail head or destination for bikers. 

 

In addition to this trail, County Executive Parisi has prioritized connectivity and use of bike trails across Dane County.  Earlier this summer, County Executive Parisi announced the new PARC & Ride Bike Trail grant programs.  This program, built on the Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) grant program, provides matching grants to communities interested in expanding trail interconnectivity throughout Dane County. The 2015 Dane County budget has $750,000 in matching funds available through the PARC & Ride Bike Trail grant program.  Municipalities will be eligible to receive up to $250,000 (or up to 50% of the project costs) to offset bike trail design, engineering, and construction costs.

 

“County Executive Parisi’s support and investment into Dane County’s bike paths has been vital to making bicycling convenient, safe, accessible and fun,” said Dave Cieslewicz, Executive Director of Wisconsin Bike Federation.  “At the Bike Federation we strive to build a better, more bike friendly Wisconsin  and this new trail is another great step towards that goal.”

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