GLENDALE, Wis. — The Friends of Kletzsch Park group believes the recently completed fish passageway will enhance the park.
A few weeks after the path was completed, Scott Kuesel and Eric Zentner went to check out the project.
They are part of the organization called Friends of Kletzsch Park that advocates for the park. For Kuesel, this project represents preservation.
“The first and foremost would be that it does help preserve those two species of fish: northern pike and sturgeon and their ability to reproduce upstream, which their instincts tell them to do,” said Kuesel.
Kuesel said supporting this project also meant keeping the park’s history intact.
“I believe in the matter of preserving the park and this man-made waterfall as an attraction and for enjoyment by the public,” said Kuesel.
The fish passageway had been in discussion since 2017. Zentner explained their organization didn’t support the project’s initial design.
He said that the first design involved building the path on the west side of the Milwaukee River.
“That would have torn out some heritage oak trees, it would have disturbed archaeological artifacts and it would have really changed the nature of the park,” said Zentner. “It would have made it less natural and wild and more manicured.”
Kuesel has lived near Kletzsch Park for decades. He said he is thankful the fish passageway was built without removing the dam.
“It would have changed the entire character of the region here and we wouldn’t have the beautiful Kletzsch Park that we have right now,” said Kuesel. “Needless to say, it would also change all of us who live in the immediate area too.”
With the new path, northern pike and sturgeon will be able to swim upstream easier.
Kuesel and Zentner believe this will help Kletzsch Park attract visitors for generations to come.