After many years of discussion, the City of Antigo is on its way to having a bike path and boardwalk.
Construction is underway for the recreational path, but it hasn't come without roadbumps.
Duffek Construction has carved out much of the two mile long path. It's a project city officials say will improve Antigo's quality of life.
It started as an idea, one that was tossed around for perhaps, decades.
"People have been talking abou this since, oh the 60's, but the most current addition of this idea has come into fruition since 2004," said Dale Soumis, Antigo's director of administrative services.
In 2005, the city received a state stewardship grant for $600,000, half the cost of the project.
The other half would be the responsibility of two city tax incremental finance districts and the inland lake district.
"We've had a lot of road bumps, it's been very controversial. There are some people that feel this is not a good way to spend money," Soumis said.
Some complain the money could be better spent on road repairs, or bringing in new business.
Others believe the recreation path will improve quality of life, while utilizing the city's natural wildlife preserve and springbrook.
Soumis believes it will attract others to the community.
Though this is only phase one of the project, by Labor Day, bikers and hikers will be able to hit the trail. Some, are already checking it out.
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