New Lake Street Park in Middleton prevents direct runoff into lakes

MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- The ribbon was cut on a new lakefront park Friday in Middleton.

Lake Street Park on Lake Mendota used to be an asphalt road.

Now, it serves as a greenspace that prevents direct runoff into lakes, reducing pollution from sand and salt.

James Tye with Clean Lakes alliance says the project was inspired by the mayor of Middleton.

"She was inspired by things like the Clean Lakes Alliance does, art, family culture, and said we can do better. And so, we no longer have an asphalt road going to the lake, but we have this beautiful park that also stops a lot of erosion and stops a lot of the chemicals and runoff from going straight into the lakes," Tye said.

He says the lakes are an economic engine for our community, providing more than $230 million in direct economic benefi