Muskego Equestrian Trail Could Share Space with Bikers, Walkers

It seems that Big Bend is also looking to expand their trail system, and will be constructing a trail from its village park east to the intersection of Janesville Road (County L) and Edgewood Avenue. Seeing an opportunity to extend the use for bikers to enter Muskego, officials there have extended an offer. 

Eric Pedersen, Superintendent of Public Works for Big Bend, wrote Muskego Parks Director Craig Anderson to ask if he would be interested in linking an existing equestrian trail in Muskego to its planned bike and walking trail. Pedersen felt that the trail in Muskego sees little use, and he'd hope to create a connection between the two communities.

Anderson presented the idea at the Parks Board meeting Monday night, and said that the trail would need to be resurfaced with the same traffic bond material that is used on the Highway 36 and the Interurban Trails. He stressed that use by horseback riders would still be approved.

However, some on the board were hesitant at the mixed use the Muskego portion of trail would involve.

"I am concerned about the trail accommodating walkers, runners, bikers and horses," Jerald Hulbert said. "I know dogs and horses don't mix very well, so I'm not sure how well this might turn out."

Anderson explained that a similar situation exists on the Highway 36 trail, and that dogs are required to be on leash. In addition, he said the trail on Janesville would only be resurfaced with the gravel material on the Department of Public Works' timetable.

He estimated the Muskego equestrian trail is about a mile long and would end at the entrance to Muskego County Park. Costs would be likely limited to the gravel material as it would remain in house. This could mean that, once completed, bikers could ride from the eastern border of Muskego into Big Bend without having to ride on the roadway.