Oneida County Biking & Walking Trails Council celebrates upgrades at Hanson Lake

The Hanson Lake walking/snowshoeing trail is better than ever after receiving enhancements over the summer.

The City of Rhinelander, through a resolution passed in 2022, gave the go ahead to the Oneida County Biking & Walking Trails Council (OCBWTC) to work on the trail. 

(Submitted photo)

The enhancements included picnic tables, benches, signage, trail brushing and selective grubbing of roots and rocks to retain the character of the trail, according to an OCBWTC press release. 

The project was also supported by a grant from the Rhinelander Community Foundation, the release states.

“The park improvements are welcome and can result in greater satisfaction by trail users year-round,” stated Mayor Kris Hanus. 

Hanson Lake ranks among the top five city parks by residents answering the Rhinelander Outdoor Recreation Plan survey, he noted. “This park improvement is part of addressing the needs identified in the Outdoor Recreation Plan,” he added. “We are moving forward on making changes.”

“The park experience is more user-friendly with the addition of benches and picnic tables, all of which makes Rhinelander a better place to work and recreate,” noted Jackie Cody, president of the Oneida County Biking & Walking Trails Council. “Activities enjoyed at the park in addition to walking and snowshoeing, are canoe/kayaking, fishing, dog walking, bird watching, geocaching, picnicking, and swimming.”