Board puts Ice Age Trail reroute across Cottonwood Wayside on budget list after engineers estimate $15,000 for ADA crossing

The Village of Hartland on Monday moved to include a proposed Ice Age Trail reroute through Cottonwood Wayside in upcoming budget discussions after engineers estimated a roughly $15,000 cost to install ADA‑compliant crossing improvements.

Chad, field project manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance, described volunteers’ work restoring boardwalks in Hartland Marsh and said routing the official trail through the conservancy property would better showcase the restored area. Allison, representing the Walker County Land Conservancy, said the reroute would open a scenic loop and that volunteers and the alliance would help maintain the route.

Village engineering staff noted the primary cost driver is installing two ADA‑compliant truncated‑dome ramps with stone base, adjacent grading to match, crosswalk markings and signage because the village must meet current ADA standards for new pedestrian crossings. Tom (village staff) said the $15,000 estimate covers two ramps, crosswalk signage and pavement marking; he and other trustees discussed visibility, shoulder grading and potential future need for more elaborate active warning devices if pedestrian use grows.

Board members voted to place the trail crossing and crosswalk on the capital/budget discussions so staff can consider the item during CIP and budget planning. Chad and alliance representatives said they would explore fundraising or partner contributions to reduce the village’s share. Staff noted the parcel’s lack of utilities limits large‑scale development, and the board agreed to return to the issue during budget deliberations.