Health & Fitness
Ozaukee Interurban Trail in Sixth Place to Receive $30,000
Vote once a day until August 1 as part of Liberty Mutual's Facebook contest for the Ozaukee Interurban Trail to receive $30,000 for current and continued improvements.
Free money!
Liberty Mutual's "Like My Community" competition lets local people decide where $30,000 will go to build local community. Insurance agent Dan Gudates nominated Ozaukee's very own treasure — the Interurban Trail — as one of seven contenders. Anyone can vote once per day until August 1, at which time the top three organizations are each given a check.
Now for a brief biography of why the Interurban Trail is so cool.
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In 1905, the trail wasn't a trail at all, but a railroad line connecting Milwaukee to Sheboygan, running the entire 30-mile length of the county.
It's historical, cultural and artistic significance blossomed in the '20s and '30s when it shuttled blues musicians from the south to Paramount Studios in Grafton, where artists — including Louis Armstrong, Son House, Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Son House and Skip James — recorded in the attic of the Wisconsin Chair Factory. Had the train not brought these talented artists to the resources to record it, this musical legacy may have been lost.
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After the railroad operation ended in 1951, the railroad bed was reborn as the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. Most citizens already know about the safety and beautiful natural areas and views of Lake Michigan from personal experience or from tourists, so I'll spare the redundancy.
But, back to why you should vote.
Receiving the "Great Wisconsin Birding Trail" designation is additional proof that our trail is a great asset to the Ozaukee community, but the Interurban Trail Advisory Committee has great plans to further improve the trail's safety and aesthetics. They are working hard on completing information kiosks, directional signs, mile markers and benches.
Future goals include adding parking lots and restrooms to increase accessiblity, and adding historical markers along the trail.
I just voted for Ozaukee Interurban Trail, which is currently in sixth place to receive the $30,000. Vote at least once (preferably once per day) to show support for our local treasure that is enjoyed now and will be by future generations.