Oneida County trail accessibility project earns statewide recognition

A collaborative trail accessibility initiative led by tourism organizations from the Rhinelander, Three Lakes and Minocqua areas earned Oneida County a nomination for the Governor’s Tandem Award for Collaboration.
Although the project did not receive the award, local leaders say the outcome—an innovative, countywide trail accessibility database—is a major achievement.
“This collaboration blends technology, community energy and inclusive design to make outdoor recreation in Oneida County more welcoming and sustainable,” said Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council (OCTC) and executive director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. “It’s a model for how rural areas can elevate their trail systems through transparency and a commitment to serving all users.”
According to an OCTC press release, the project brought together local tourism groups, volunteers, snowmobile and ATV/UTV clubs, and municipal partners to gather and centralize GIS data, photos and videos of trails across the county. The result is an online and print-accessible guide that highlights trail amenities, terrain and accessibility features to help users—particularly those with mobility concerns—plan with confidence.
The digital guide is hosted at oneidacountywi.com and includes an option to view or order a printed version.

Beyond improving public access, the effort set a new standard for how trails are documented, maintained and promoted throughout the region, the release states.
“The impact of this project goes beyond information-sharing,” Sharpe said. “It fostered alignment across agencies and embedded accessibility and accurate data as core values in Oneida County’s recreation strategy.”
Local law enforcement agencies have also benefited from access to the updated GIS trail maps, which now support emergency response and public safety operations.
The project was fully funded by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded through Oneida County.