Platteville trail expansion project seeks donations, additional state funds

Organizers say a fundraising initiative to expand Platteville’s trail system is making good strides despite a recent need for additional state funding. The Valley-to-Eastside Expansion Project adds approximately 15 acres of greenspace for public use in two separate areas. The primary part of the project is the addition of nearly a mile of walkable trail along the abandoned railroad bed stretching southeast from Business 151 to Eastside Road. Also in the project scope is the construction of a trailhead on Valley Road, near the city’s dog park, with parking, gardens and a picnic area. The city of Platteville was tentatively awarded a $136,700 grant to help purchase land for the project and the Platteville Community Arboretum will provide the matching funds. A plan to complete the fundraiser by June 1 is still in reach. Platteville Community Arboretum has just over half of its $200,000 fundraising goal “in hand,” with several verbal commitments inching them even closer to that goal.