DRAFT PLAN RELEASED AUGUST 2022!
After collecting feedback on route options in the Spring of 2022, the project team worked closely with the Core Team and Stakeholder Group to develop the Draft High Cliff Connection Plan, which includes a proposed route for the High Cliff Connection, recommendations for trail amenities, estimate of costs, and detailed strategies for implementation. The document also includes a summary of the feasibility analysis and community engagement efforts. 

Click here to view the full draft plan document. Scroll down to view/download individual chapters.   

Stakeholder presentations will be held on the following dates/times:

  • Village of Harrison Board Tuesday, August 16th 6pm
  • City of Menasha City Council Workshop, Monday September 19th 5:15pm
  • Village of Sherwood Board, Monday September 26th 6:30pm

Please contact Kim Biedermann at ECWRPC (email: kbiedermann@ecwrpc.org or call 920-751-4770) if you have questions or comments. 

Below is a map showing the draft route recommendations (also found in chapter 5 of the draft document). 

High Cliff Connection Draft Plan Chapters

Cover and Chapter 1: Project Context
Chapter 2: Feasibility Analysis
Chapter 3: Community Engagement
Chapter 4: Route Exploration
Chapter 5: Connection Plan
Chapter 6: Implementation

About the Project 

Creating a path to High Cliff State Park

The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) is working in partnership with the communities of Menasha, Harrison, and Sherwood, to develop a plan for a new pedestrian/bicycle route, linking lakeshore communities to High Cliff State Park. The intent of the route is to provide a safe and enjoyable recreational and transportation corridor for pedestrians and bicyclists. This connection has been identified as a priority through a number of previous community planning efforts. 

The study is considering accessibility, route types, land impacts, intersection crossings, amenities, and links to existing trail networks, to create a connection that will serve a variety of users, such as walkers, cyclists, and others. 

This project has been identified as a priority through a number of previous community planning efforts, and the study will provide guidance on the route alignment, as well as design and strategies for funding and implementation. 

The study focuses on identifying a route that connects the Loop the Little Lake Trail, the City of Menasha, the Village of Harrison, and the Village of Sherwood along an east-west corridor to High Cliff State Park, with potential for building off of the existing Friendship Trail. Other spur connections and links to other surrounding communities will be identified as well. 

Over the course of the study, this website will be used to share information, register for events, and provide a way to gather input on the plan and planning process. 

The study began in August of 2021, and is anticipated to be completed in September of 2022. HKGi, a planning and landscape architecture firm, has been contracted to provide professional services as consultants for the study.

Project Partners

The following representatives are working together with the project team to provide guidance and input for the plan and plan process:

  • City of Menasha
  • Village of Harrison
  • Village of Sherwood
  • Village of Kimberly
  • Fox Cities Greenways
  • Fox Cities Cycling Association
  • Friends of High Cliff State Park
  • Calumet County
  • Winnebago County
  • Wisconsin DNR
  • Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
  • Fox Valley Thrives
  • ESTHER
  • Wisconsin Bike Federation
  • Residents in the study area

Project Timeline

Phase Complete

Organize the Effort

Phase Complete

Community Engagement Phase 1

Phase Complete

Feasibility Analysis

Phase Complete

Develop Master Plan

Phase Complete

Community Engagement Phase 2

Phase in Progress
Current Phase

Final Document and Approvals

Completed Community Engagement

Events

Saturday, October 9th 2021 Neenah Farmers Market

Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 Appleton Farmers Market

Saturday, October 23rd 2021 High Cliff Halloween Hike

Wednesday April 20th, 2022 and Wednesday April 27th, 2022
Two open house events were recently held to share and gather feedback on the route options. Approximately 75 people attended an in-person event on April 20th, and 24 people attended a virtual open house event on April 27th. 

Click here to view the presentation materials along with comments left by participants.  

Open House Discussion 4/20/2022
Photo Credit: Dave Horst

Stay Connected

Stay up-to-date with project progress, events, and ways to get involved. 

Project Area and Context

High Cliff Study Area
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