The situation? For years, the City of Stevens Point has worked to better connect its east and west sides to parks, businesses, and community facilities. The existing pedestrian route across Highway 10 on the I-39 overpass – a narrow, constrained path with limited capacity – presents safety concerns for walkers and cyclists. This creates barriers for residents needing safe, direct access to parks, recreational facilities, and neighborhood destinations, limiting community connectivity and outdoor activity options.
What is the “fix,” and how does it benefit the community? The Plover River Crossing project aims to extend the Green Circle Trail by creating a new, safer bridge and boardwalk path over the Plover River, linking Hofmeister Drive and Ben’s Lane, and extending into Peters Family Park. The project involves constructing a new bridge and boardwalk over the Plover River to connect key neighborhoods and facilities, without requiring pedestrians and cyclists to use the constrained I-39 overpass.
This safer and more accessible route will provide direct access to local soccer fields, an ice rink, and the Hall Nature Preserve. Additionally, the trail will feature interpretive signage to educate visitors about Native American land use, enriching the cultural and environmental experience for trail users. The project will improve community connectivity, enhance accessibility, and increase pedestrian and cyclist safety.
What makes the investment possible? The project is funded primarily by a $1.8 million grant through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The remaining funds come from over $363,000 raised through community donations and fundraising efforts, with the City of Stevens Point committing initial engineering funds from local sources. This project is moving forward after more than five years of collaboration between community members and city officials.
Next steps? Construction contracts were finalized in October 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony in November. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with the new trail extension opening planned for September 2026.
