A New Walk Along The River

By Andrew Plath on January 14, 2012

  Last fall, the City of Wausau opened up a new section of the River’s Edge Walkway this time on the northwest side.   This section has already become popular with joggers and walkers alike.

Though it passes Beloit-Regal (Marathon Electric) it is somewhat separated from the noise of industry by white pines.   The trail”s gentle curves follow the river down to Knox Street from its confluence with Bos Creek at Schofield Park.

It is just one more step towards full-filling the dream of Wausau’s River Edge Commission of completing a walkway running the length of the Wisconsin River on both sides through the city.  This greatly adds to the quality of life here in Wausau by making the river as much publicly accessible  as possible.

What was once sadly called “the nation’s hardest working sewer” is there for all to enjoy.

As the trail curves up and away from the river at its northern end at Randolph Street and Burek Avenue near Schofield Park, you can hear a gurgling noise.  Even in winter, small streams like Bos Creek rarely freeze over.    Even in a city, there can be places where nature is free to give us the best and most peaceful of places.

Now that spring has come, I continue to walk this trail, and it has become  very popular, especially with 50 something adults.   It is a quiet walk despite the low pounding sounds from Regal-Beloit’s (Marathon Electric) foundry.

The company seems to be working to improve their share of the riverfront near the walkway.  It is a shining example of how industry can work with the River’s Edge Commission.   Other industries along the riverfront would, indeed, do well to follow.

A big part of what sells a community is in how industry treats the environment around their facilities.  Aesthetics can mean a lot to the company as a good corporate citizen.