Path could lead to walking trail becoming a reality

Mark Mahoney 

Wausa Gazette 

WAUSA – Steps are being taken down a path to potentially bring a walking trail to Wausa. 

The Wausa Village Board of Trustees gave its approval on May 2 for a walking trail committee to continue pursuing the project. 

In a follow-up interview, committee member Leanna Munter explained the Wausa Community Club has a goal of creating a concrete walking trail for the Knox County town. 

“This trail would be non-motorized – basically for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading, etc.,” she said. “It would also work well for strollers and wheelchairs.” 

Munter noted the walking trail committee was formed when a group of people from different clubs and organizations in Wausa came together to get the project underway. 

“We are in the beginning steps of the project, but we have already had city approval to move forward with the walking path and the city will be the applicant for an 80/20 grant for the project,” she said. “We will fundraise for the 20 percent.” 

The plan for the walking trail is for it to go through Gladstone Park and around the Wausa Municipal Swimming Pool. 

Munter noted she plans to report updates on the walking trail project from the committee to the Community Club each month. 

“The Community Club will discuss our updates and can give input as well,” she said. 

The organization’s meetings are open to the public. The next time the Community Club is scheduled to meet is at 8 p.m., Monday, May 16, at the park’s open-air shelter. 

“We are working on getting bids for the project,” Munter said. “The exact map of the path will be confirmed soon and then prices can be determined.” 

People are invited to submit any ideas for the walking trail project; they may be e-mailed to leannamunter@gmail.com.