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Commission directs staff to craft in-house parks master plan to guide future amenities and grants
Summary
Madison commissioners voted July 7 to direct city staff to develop a parks master plan using internal resources and previous survey data rather than hiring an external consultant, with the parks board in support.
The Madison City Commission on July 7 directed staff to create a parks master plan using in-house resources, public engagement and existing survey data. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Why it matters: a master plan would prioritize park investments, guide amenity additions and strengthen applications for grant funding. Staff said hiring an external consultant could easily exceed $50,000; the city intends to produce the plan internally and use targeted public outreach for depth and breadth of input.
Staff and parks-board role: city staff said the parks board will play a close role in plan development. Staff proposed a mixed engagement approach including a broad community survey, focus groups and public meetings to allow both quantitative and qualitative feedback. Staff also noted several recent surveys and plans (a recreational-trail master plan completed internally, a 2021 capital-improvement survey and an East Center Park survey from last fall) that would be incorporated into the new parks master plan.
Next steps: staff will develop a public engagement plan and timeline and return progress updates to the commission. The commission said the plan will be useful for budgeting and prioritizing park investments and for strengthening grant applications.
