Downtown Corridor Improvement Plans Ready To Be Viewed

The City of Fond du Lac is seeking public input in the next segment of the downtown corridor improvement planning.

The draft plan for the Downtown Riverfront will be presented on Thursday April 27 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Fond du Lac Public Library, at 32 Sheboygan Street, in the McLane Room which is located on the lower level.

MSA, the City’s consultant, will present the overall vision, goals and policies to support and guide new development and future public improvements in the corridor over the next 10 – 20 years.

Dyann Benson, Community Development Director for the City of Fond du Lac says “We’re making significant progress as we work to finalize our redevelopment plan. “Gathering resident feedback in real-time is essential to entering the next phase of plan development to represent the wants and needs of our community.”

The City developed the Fond du Lac Loop to enhance the City as an attractive place to live, work and play. This planning process continues these City initiatives by developing a long-term improvement plan for the Fond du Lac River through the Downtown District. This Plan will consider amenities and spaces that will provide opportunities to utilize and celebrate the Fond du Lac River and the riverfront as an amenity.

Some key factors that were identified through this planning process include lack of connection between the river corridor and the Downtown District; Lack of amenities and open space along the riverfront; and the existence of transformative opportunities within the river corridor.

The Riverfront District includes the east branch of the Fond du Lac River, specifically from South Street to the FIDO dog park. While the City has built a riverfront trail through downtown, this corridor is underutilized with limited amenities. Many communities are reinvesting along their rivers to improve quality of life, attract visitors and enhance the overall character of this natural amenity. The City of Fond du Lac realizes the importance and benefits its park and open space system has on the City’s quality of life and is committed to providing for the recreational needs of its current and future residents.