Borst Property Could Include Additional Trails

The possibility of creating additional bike and walking paths along a conservancy recently acquired by the city off of Hillendale and Field Drives was discussed at the Parks and Recreation board meeting Monday night.

The idea arose a week and a half ago when Fifth District Alderman Dan Soltysiak contacted Parks and Rec. Director Craig Anderson about additional paths down Hillendale Drive from Racine Avenue and west down Field Drive to the Borst property.

According to Soltysiak's email, the addition of these paths would help further integrate the larger system of trails and therefore allow for a greater number of convenient points of access into the system for area residents.

The Borst property is on 100 acres of land, and is currently designated as a “high conservation priority area” based on the city’s conservation plan. The new land will be joined to the 27-acre “Ridges” conservation site along Field Drive. Borst's property offers additional wetlands, woodlands, an oak savannah and spring pond, and is part of Little Muskego Lake’s watershed.  In addition, a spring-fed stream flows through the property, which lies about one mile from the lake.

"There's a lot of interest there," Soltysiak said in a follow up interview, referring to the number of residents who enjoy utilizing the paths, going on to add, "[But] a lot of the current trails don't connect well. So I see this as playing a small part in making Muskego a more cohesive community."

The idea discussed Monday night will be added to the broader ongoing trail plan, with no action being taken until that plan comes up for a vote in possibly October or November.