Parks staff plan temporary bridge at Sunrise golf course; John Paul Park needs infield mix

Christian Hansen, parks maintenance staff, told the Madison City Park Board the damaged bridge at the Sunrise golf course will be repaired in two phases: a near-term in-house replacement of the culvert and gravel temporary surface, and a fuller reconstruction in fall or winter.

"We're gonna dig out the culvert, replace the culvert, and just gravel it for now," Hansen said, adding the city is coordinating with the street department for equipment and labor. He said two contractor estimates suggested material-only costs around $1,000–$1,500 plus labor and equipment, while full replacement estimates approached the low $20,000s. "I know we can do it much cheaper than that," Hansen said, describing the in-house plan to open the crossing quickly because barriers have been repeatedly moved by the public.

Hansen confirmed funds exist in the Sunrise grounds and maintenance line sufficient to pay for the immediate materials: "we have a grounds and maintenance line in Sunrise that had, like, $4,000." He said the temporary fix will be followed by additional work to build bulkheads and a concrete or gravel slab for a permanent bridge.

Separately, Hansen said John Paul Park fields need additional infield mix; he estimated roughly $6,000 in material would be required to get the park into “tip-top” condition. He said he had already spent his allotment at one facility and anticipated donations of volunteer tree service and infield materials from community groups; board members discussed donation options and possible reallocation of maintenance funds.

No formal motions or transfers were approved; staff indicated they would schedule the in-house culvert work with the street department and report back with cost estimates. The board did not set a firm budget appropriation during the meeting.