Central Park—Madison, Wisconsin

Accomplishments and Next Steps

· Raised more than $7 million from federal appropriations, state grants, local foundations, and individual gifts.

· Conducted a capital campaign Feasibility Study that documented: Central Park is perceived as an urgent and important civic opportunity; UOSF is effectively conveying the Central Park “story;” and we have reason to be “cautiously optimistic we can achieve our private sector fund raising goal of $10 million.

· Launched “quiet phase” of the capital campaign; we are currently cultivating and soliciting “challenge” and “family” gifts.

· Secured more than half of the land designated as future parkland.

· Initiated remediation activities to “cap” contaminated soils on purchased property.

· Spearheaded the broad-based public participation process for the development of a “grassroots vision” for the park.

· Helped create the Eastside Farmers’ Market in partnership with the Willy Street Co-op.

· Collaborated in the creation of the East Rail Corridor Plan Advisory Committee with former Mayor Sue Bauman, 6^th District Alder Judy Olson, and others.

Next Steps

· Continue “quiet phase” of Capital Campaign.

· Work with partners to continue to shape the future of Central park, including skateboarders, gardeners, performing arts groups, environmental education programs, public art commissions, farmers’ market folks. Collaborations will include:

o Detailed master planning

o Construction plans

o Business and maintenance plans

o Security plans

o Clarifying real estate agreements (like leases, etc.) to address liability, access, and clarify responsibilities

o Fundraising

· Complete land acquisitions.