Tribe and Trail

On the unfinished side of a major highway from Sioux City, Iowa to Lincoln, Nebraska, a young boy walks inches from high-speed tractor trailer trucks. The boy, like many other residents of Winnebago, Nebraska, must cross U.S. 77 as part of his daily commute by foot, bike, or car. In response, the Winnebago Active Living by Design partnership has created a new trail, which offers a safe, healthier commuting alternative for townspeople and tribe members.

The Winnebago Active Living by Design partnership is called Wasik Wago, which means active or peppy people in the HoChunk tribal language. And among the most active and peppy in this town are the kids who have taken advantage of the new trail the most. Children from ages 5 to18 are using the trail to get where they want to go. "It gives them a sense of freedom," said Quince Bass, a program manager with the partnership. "Each day there are at least 20-40 kids out there walking. They aren't specifically walking for exercise, but now they at least have a safe way to get around." Bass says that kids are now able to walk safely between the Teen Center and the Wellness Center, which are located across the busy highway from one another.

Other Winnebago residents in need of safe transportation are benefiting as well. Bass has noticed two men in wheelchairs frequenting the new trail. With landscaping, generous sidewalks that are 10 feet wide, and bicycle traffic signs, Bass says that the trail "provides a sense of comfort to people," who know that children, the elderly, and people with disabilities have a safe way to get around.

Phase 1 of the trail, which has been completed, connects the center of town with new development north of town. Residents are now able to walk to a new community store, the Winnebago Artists' Guild, five new houses, a new apartment building, and several other new local businesses. Phase 2 of the trail will connect the center of town to its south end, where a new housing development has just been built. Eventually, the phases will connect in the center of town to complete the trail.

Wasik Wago's vision is to create an active village with many opportunities for residents to be physically active, including a network of trails connecting homes, schools, and other important destinations in the village. Bass, a resident who was born and raised in the town he works in, believes this trail and the partnership's other programs are working toward this important vision. "These are my people," he declared. "I know this trail is a good thing for our tribe."

Resources 

HoChunk Community Development Corporation