Menasha unveiled its new Canal Commons park on Wednesday. May 27, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A major transformation of the waterfront area between the Trestle Trail and downtown Menasha was unveiled Wednesday.
It’s a mile-long park and trail called Canal Commons.
“A unique history with deep roots to industry, but also tourism with our waterfronts — and an abundance of it,” said Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond when describing what the trail pays homage to. “Really wanting to live up to being ‘Your Place on the Water.'”
The park’s trail features rocking benches and historical plaques along the way. It ends at Tayco Street at the Bridge Tower Museum, just south of downtown. The city also repaved Water Street, which runs adjacent to the trail.
Come next January, Canal Commons may already have one tourist visiting from Madison.
“I’ll come back here and ride a bike, for sure,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said when asked about his retirement.
The project totaled about $4 million. $2.074 million was paid for by state taxpayers and about $2 million by local taxpayers. The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau also pitched in.
“The good thing about it is, it’ll be part of what we consider Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation,” said Evers. “Which is a huge way to bring people into a city and enjoy it.”
By revitalizing this area, Menasha hopes it spurs downtown development.
“It unlocks even more of the potential for folks to be able to come and utilize our trails, enjoy the beautiful nature that we have here in the city, but also go right through downtown,” said Hammond.
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