KAUKAUNA — The second and final phase of a major boardwalk replacement project at 1000 Islands Environmental Center in Kaukauna has been completed and is now open to the public.
The initial phase was completed in January.
The City of Kaukauna received a $240,000 grant from the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund to help replace over 2,700 feet of boardwalk along the Fox River.
In addition to replacing the aging 4-foot-wide boardwalk with 6-foot-wide decking and toe-rails, the 1000 Islands Boardwalk Project includes additional hand-railings, bench areas, multi-lingual trail signage, native planting, and Kaukauna Public Library Storybook Walk signage stations for events and education.
Radtke Contractors of Winneconne was awarded the project, which will be completed in two phases. Phase one, the stretch of boardwalk along the river, is anticipated to begin early October 2024 and to be completed by mid-January 2025.
Work on native plantings and land restoration will be completed with the help of city staff and volunteers.
“Having these trails updated will provide more opportunities for people to enjoy everything 1000 Islands and the City of Kaukauna has to offer,” Mayor Tony Penterman said at the time. “Thank you so much to the Nelson Family Fund for making this project possible!”
Work also is ongoing to install new siding on the roughly 50-year-old Nature Center building, with the Kaukauna Street Department handling the installation.
The project was announced a year ago as part of a major upgrade to improve accessibility and safety, including replacing the boardwalk connecting the Environmental Center to the Nelson Overlook.
Last year the Nature Center received a much-needed flooring update.
This upgrade will replace the original wood siding with a lower maintenance product that will better withstand the elements, according to the 1000 Islands.
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