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Madison presents parks master‑plan concept designs for Central Green, Delbarton, Livezey and Summerhill
Summary
Consultant Tom Solaki presented concept‑level designs and public‑input findings for four Madison parks, emphasizing trails, passive recreation, invasive‑species removal and improved access; the consultant said the final concept will be complete this winter with a final recommendation to follow.
Tom Solaki presented concept designs and public‑input findings for Madison’s parks master plan, focusing on four parks: Central Green, Delbarton, Livezey (Livesey) and Summerhill. The presentation summarized inventory work, a community design charrette, concept sketches and next steps toward a final recommendation.
Solaki said the process included an initial inventory, multiple public‑input sessions and a November design review. He described recurring public priorities across the four parks: accessible pedestrian trails, picnic and seating areas, preservation and enhancement of tree canopy, removal of invasive plants and improved trail connections. Solaki called out the plan’s focus on low‑impact, nature‑forward improvements rather than large programmed redevelopment.
For Central Green Solaki proposed clean, easily‑maintained trails, native understory planting and informal seating that preserve bird habitat. Delbarton, which lacks formal parking and is seasonally wet in low areas, drew interest in reconfiguring playground location, adding picnic terraces and improving trail links to nearby neighborhoods and Memorial Park trails. Livezey was described as feeling like a private yard that would benefit from defined edges, picnic terraces and a stronger connection to the adjacent school. Summerhill — the largest site — drew two circulation alternatives: a one‑way vehicular loop with parking concentrated along one side, or a beefed‑up two‑way entrance with stacked parking and a maintained emergency access road; both options include expanded trail loops, reforestation and safer crossings.
Solaki said the team is compiling grant opportunities and feasibility items and expects to finalize the concept design this winter, with work to proceed into project‑level recommendations and grant applications. He offered to meet individually with councilmembers for further review.
Councilmembers praised the presentation and urged the administration to consider Solaki’s recommendations when moving toward construction or applying for grants. Councilmember Rachel (surname not stated) asked that the consultant’s findings be considered in coordination with a separate Memorial Park trails phase so the borough does not build a lesser design and miss a broader opportunity.
No ordinance or resolution was introduced related to the parks at the meeting. Solaki said the public comment and design workbook materials are available online and that printed copies can be supplied on request; he estimated the final master‑plan recommendations would be ready within weeks and asked for further engagement on grant and feasibility work.
The council will consider the final plan and any grant applications in future committee and council meetings.
