For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – The newest section of Stevens Point’s Green Circle Trail is completed.

Project leaders say the 2.1-mile Whiting Crossing section provides a greener, more aesthetic trail.

A rapid flashing beacon installed at the Green Circle Trail’s Post Road crossing in Whiting and a wider median allows bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the busy street while traffic stops. Submitted photo

“The Green Circle’s new Whiting Crossing section is greener and safer.  With a couple of new loops and several access points, residents in the Whiting area will be just steps away from miles of natural trails,” said Steve Menzel, president of the volunteer Green Circle Board.

“After three years of planning and working with the village of Whiting and state Department of Transportation during the Post Road reconstruction project, a portion of the Green Circle has been rerouted,” a Green Circle Board release said. “Rather than follow Tommy’s Turnpike and other streets through Whiting, the trail goes from Upper Whiting Park at Cedar Street through the scenic Mainland Meadows, part of the village of Whiting well field. Elm Street connects the two green spaces.”

The Whiting Crossing Trail runs from an intersection with County Highway HH and McDill Trail on the east, to the Plover River bridge at the edge of Upper Whiting Park on the west, where it connects to the Paper Mill segment.

A rapid flashing beacon was installed by the village of Whiting at the trail’s Post Road crossing, so bicyclists and pedestrians can safely cross while traffic stops.

The project was a collaboration of Paul Stroik and Nic Schmeiser, village of Whiting; Matt Schnoover, Department of Natural Resources; Ray Reser, retired curator of archaeology, UW-Stevens Point Natural History Museum; Portage County Parks staff; Department of Transportation; Preston Schleihs, Eagle Scout candidate; Bushman Electric; and Ladick Trucking.

The Green Circle is a scenic 27-mile hiking and biking trail that winds through the Stevens Point area, through forests, parks, wetlands, and along rivers.

For more information, visit https://greencircletrail.org.