The Wall Lake Bike Trail Committee is going back to the drawing board for a proposed connection to the nearby Sauk Rail Trail due to difficulties securing a suitable route. According to Clerk, Chris Rodman, city officials began exploring the feasibility of building an approximately $1 million trail east out of town earlier this year. Initially, they had planned to follow either the northern or southern shore of the privately owned lakes between the Sauk Rail Trail and town. However, Rodman says they ran into some roadblocks.
He adds Hallett Materials, who owns the gravel pit, has offered to provide the raw materials needed to extend the shore out far enough to build the trail near the railroad line. However, the city would need to find a contractor and equipment to move an estimated 100,000 tons of stone, sand and soil. That will likely prove to be a challenging endeavor, so city officials have decided to slow down and look at other solutions.
He notes they have not given up on the idea of a Sauk Rail Trail connection, but the committee is in need of people willing to assist in the process. If interested in volunteering, contact Wall Lake City Hall at 712-664-2216. Rodman says public support for the trail has been overwhelming, and that is why they are set on finding a way to make it happen.
Thousands of bikers, walkers, snowmobilers and more use the Sauk Rail Trail every year, and city leaders believe a connecting route to Wall Lake would benefit the community, residents and businesses.
