Sam Poerio Park in Kenosha

This 101.8-acre City of Kenosha park has two distinct sections with separate vehicle entrances. A footpath connects the two.

 

Poerio Park Nature Center, the north section, has a 1.5-mile looping trail that threads through woodland and prairie. At the eastern tip of the park there is a glimpse of the Pike River. North Pond is a popular fishing hole. Amenities include an open air pavilion and playground. The entrance is on 20th Avenue between 12th and 15th Streets.

 

Poerio Park Sports Complex is in the south section. It has four baseball/softball fields. The entrance is at 1401 16th Avenue.

 

The nature trail is generally considered easy. This trail is great for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

 

Accessibility: There are 3 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of 20th Avenue at the west end of the trail. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is paved asphalt, gravel, or dirt and typically at least 4 feet wide. The estimated grade of the trail is gentle (3% or less), except for steep (8-12%) sections in the unpaved eastern loop from about 0.8 miles to 1.0 miles when going clockwise. Trail goers using wheelchair/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections or to avoid them for safety. Users can continue south at about 0.8 miles on the paved portion to avoid the steep sections. If the steep (8-12%) sections are avoided, this trail will likely be navigable for most trail goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers.