Dane County Executive Joe Parisi Announces PARC & Ride Bike Trail Grants Totaling Over $400,000 for Municipalities

January 18, 2024
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced awards totaling $402,500 for Dane County PARC & Ride grant recipients. The program provides matching grants to communities interested in expanding trail interconnectivity throughout Dane County or developing new regional bicycle playgrounds. Municipalities were eligible to receive grants matching up to 50 percent of a project’s costs to offset bike trail design, engineering, and construction expenses.

“Dane County is proud to have an expansive network of bike trails. The PARC & Ride grant program allows us to partner with communities on projects that enhance trail access and connectivity and improve Dane County residents’ quality of life,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients. By partnering together, we are creating more opportunities for trail users to spend time outdoors, exercise, and have some fun.”

Grants were awarded to capital projects that expanded bike trail interconnectivity, created destination-oriented regional bike trails and skills-building areas such as bicycle parks, playgrounds, and pump tracks, and improved bike safety. Trail projects needed to provide a regional trail connection, as identified in the 2018-2023 Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan, and could include associated amenities like trailheads/parking areas, signage, and safety facilities.

A resolution to approve these project allocations will be introduced at tonight’s Dane County Board meeting.

Funded Projects Include:

The Village of Windsor will be awarded $215,000 for its Charlie Grimm Road Boardwalk project. The boardwalk will be part of a year-round multi-use path and will run through wetlands, creating a continuous path along a road that does not have sidewalks or wide shouldering. Once completed, this path will provide a safe, continuous route for residents to connect to the larger path system in Windsor and DeForest, including the Upper Yahara River Trail. The total estimated project cost is $430,975.

The City of Madison will be awarded $187,500 for its Country Grove Park Bike Trail project. The trail will be located adjacent to Chavez elementary school on Madison’s southwest side and will be approximately 6,400 feet long. The trail can best be described as a “Bike Optimized Singletrack” with fun and challenging features. The new trail will allow users to get some exercise, improve their biking skills, and get to school. The total estimated project cost is $386,150.