MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Parks has completed a new 2.26-mile section of the Oak Leaf Trail through Kohl Park, expanding the countywide trail network and creating new connections for residents, neighborhoods, and neighboring communities.
The new 10-foot-wide paved asphalt trail is an extension of the Oak Leaf Trail’s Zip Line, connecting A.C. Hanson Park to Mequon Nature Preserve and continuing to W. Fairy Chasm Drive. The project helps narrow a key gap in the northwest portion of the Oak Leaf Trail network while creating additional connection to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.
"This is what smart public investment looks like: a federal grant of nearly $2 million, matched locally, turned into 2.26 miles of trail that residents will use for generations," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "The Kohl Park extension is more than just a trail. It connects our neighbors to the natural spaces we share and reflects Milwaukee County's commitment to a park system that works for everyone."
“This project is about creating stronger connections for residents of District 18 and making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors throughout Milwaukee County,” said Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander. “By filling these trail gaps and improving connections to nearby neighborhoods and destinations, we’re investing in a safer, more accessible trail system that brings our communities closer together.”
“This new section of the Oak Leaf Trail is about more than adding miles to our trail network. It’s about connecting people and communities,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. “By closing gaps in the Oak Leaf Trail and creating safer, more accessible connections, we’re making it easier for residents to enjoy the outdoors throughout Milwaukee County and beyond.”
The meandering trail includes benches at select locations, providing places for trail users to rest and take in views. The project also improves neighborhood access to the trail, including connections at 70th and 85th streets, and helps connect neighborhoods west of 76th Street to the greater Milwaukee County Parks trail system.
Installation of a signalized trail crossing at 76th Street will be integrated into the broader reconstruction of 76th Street to further improve safety and connectivity for trail users.
The approximately 2.26 miles of new trail also advances a goal in the Milwaukee County Parks Strategic Plan to expand the trail system by 10 miles. By providing additional opportunities for walking and cycling and creating safe alternatives to traditional transportation, the project supports Milwaukee County’s goals of promoting healthy lifestyles and improving connections between communities.
The extension also supports the recently completed Milwaukee County Parks Trails Network Plan by narrowing a gap in the northwest portion of the Oak Leaf Trail system and strengthening connections within the larger trail network.
The project was primarily funded through a $1.97 million-dollar federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program grant administered through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with match provided through Milwaukee County providing capital funding as well as a Wisconsin DNR grant of $249,999 from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
1 p.m.
Kohl Park – Oak Leaf Trail Extension
Parking will be available at Mequon Nature Preserve. Attendees will cross County Line Road to reach the ceremony location in Kohl Park.
About the Oak Leaf Trail
Explore more than 135 miles of paved trails that loop around Milwaukee County. The majority of the Oak Leaf Trail is paved asphalt, with connectors along parkway drives and municipal streets. Nearly a quarter of the trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering scenic views and connections to parks, neighborhoods and destinations throughout the county. Multiple access points are available throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.
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