Business View Civil Municipal - Sept 2023

97 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 ONALASKA , WISCONSIN As a delegated community, the city is able to fast-track state plan approvals for contractors, reducing turnaround time. “Time costs money, and we’re trying to reduce that for our businesses,” she says. A Connected Community, and a Destination of Choice With an expansive sidewalk program in place, Onalaska effortlessly fulfills the criteria for an exceptional walkability score, embodying a highly connected community. A testament to its allure, A.J. Frels, Executive Director of Explore La Crosse, outlines some of the other qualities that make Onalaska an ideal place to call home, and a destination of choice. “Onalaska is a great example of how the quality of life for residents and visitors can coexist,” he portrays. “The way the bluffs from the driftless region frame the waterways allows for the topography to attract people that would normally not see that. We offer something naturally that other regions of the area throughout the Midwest cannot. So, it is a very unique and special place to live and visit.” Great River Landing, a natural haven, and “an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground,” according to Frels, is another popular attraction to the city. Nestled along Onalaska’s waterfront, this area serves as the gateway to the Great River State Trail, affording access to an array of natural wonders, including the Wittenberg Marsh, the Onalaska Spillway, and the Black and Mississippi Rivers. “We have worked with the city to have a visitor center at that facility. The water access is tremendous. It’s known for outstanding fishing, and the canoe and kayak trail that exists here in Onalaska is a draw for tourists to come and partake in it,” he affirms.