Village residents might not be aware there is a 26.6-acre natural park called Momper’s Woods in Pleasant Prairie. The area is not well-defined or easily seen when traveling south along Green Bay Road. Pleasant Prairie Parks Commission is considering investing resources to develop convenient public access to the natural wetlands, wooded areas, and historic spaces within the park.
Momper’s Woods was dedicated in 2001 as a permanent nature preserve. It is located west of Green Bay Road and south of 108th Street. The park has historical significance and is home to the Jambeau Trail, which was formed by receding ice from the last ice-age. Animals such as deer and elk first traversed the historic trail, followed by Native Americans and early settlers. The Jambeau Trail was used to connect early settlements between Green Bay, WI, and present-day Chicago, IL.
On August 4, the Parks Commission reviewed a Conceptual Plan for Momper’s Woods Park that proposes improving the entrance and enhancing the amenities within the park’s natural ecosystems. The park’s proposed improvements bring environmental education, interpretive walking trails, community gathering spaces, and an observation tower that would get visitors off the ground to engage with the upper tree canopy.
Due to the high speed of traffic along Green Bay Road, the plan suggests adding a turn lane to help guests safely enter the park. A portion of the natural clearings at the center of the park would transition into a looped drop-off area with on-sight parking. The plan incorporates several looped trail systems with boardwalks, a teaching council ring, and a pavilion for guests. The site is ideal for people who enjoy spending time outdoors, observing
wildlife and plants.
Another consideration is to set 5-acres aside for overnight camping and retreatstyle outings. The overall goal is to create a Passive Park that maintains the natural ecosystems and capitalizes on the underutilized property.
The Village owns the land and is in the process of evaluating design and construction costs for the improvements. Due to the educational component, the project is an excellent candidate for grant funding. The Village plans to continue to assess renovation ideas and incorporate the project into the Village Capital
Improvement Plan.
To provide feedback and participate in the Momper’s Woods Park survey,
click here. Survey closes Thursday, September 24.
