By Holly Femal, Community Enrichment Director of the Village of Kimberly

The Village of Kimberly has plans for a waterfront trail as a part of the larger Loop the Locks project, to increase free recreational opportunities in the Heart of the Valley region and the Fox River corridor.

The former NewPage mill site

As a part of a larger redevelopment plan, this paved trail network will allow pedestrians and bicyclists alike to explore and experience the Fox River in a completely new way. The Kimberly segment of the trail is unique because it will offer access to newly established shops and restaurants and a connection to the already established trail systems in Little Chute and Appleton. Additionally, trail users will enjoy views of the Fox River on the former NewPage mill site that have not been accessible to the general public for more than 100 years.

Future trail route

Local residents of the Heart of the Valley region will easily be able to access the Kimberly segment of this network through connections at the CE Trail to the south, the Newberry trail to the west and the Little Chute trail network to the east. The overall project is expected to encompass 13.1 miles of trail upon completion.

Kimberly is partnering with the City of Kaukauna, the Village of Little Chute, Outagamie County and the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to complete the project.

Kimberly received $14,600 in grants from the Community Foundation, with $9,600 coming from the Bright Idea Fund and $5,000 from the Environmental Stewardship Fund. The grants from the Foundation will help to purchase native plantings and informational trail signs and aid in the redevelopment of the old NewPage paper mill site.

The total cost of  the trail system and the future Treaty Park is estimated at $1.3 million, with more than $1 million of that already secured through grant funding, village trust funds and special bonding.

Donations in any dollar amount will be welcomed. Opportunities will be available for sponsoring  memorial benches and picnic tables for along the trail system and the playground.  In addition, any other gifts are appreciated for tangibles such as trees, lighting, signage, etc.

Without this funding, the project will still be completed and we are applying for additional grants. The Loop the Locks project is slated for completion in 2020.

To contribute from your charitable fund, contact your Donor Services Manager.

You can make the Bright Ideas burn even brighter by adding your support.

Check out our current Bright Idea Fund results from 2018 – 2019!
See how our Bright Idea fund impacted our community last year.