City accepts $500,000 Bethany Legacy Foundation grant for Welch Park revitalization

The Madison City Council voted to accept a $500,000 grant from the Bethany Legacy Foundation to support redevelopment of Welch Park (also known as JC Park) during its Aug. 19 meeting.

Tony Steinhardt announced the gift and described planned park improvements tied to the city’s 2022 parks master plan. “We have received a $500,000 grant from Bethany Legacy Foundation for Welch Park,” he said. Project elements described at the meeting include pickleball courts designed to host regional tournaments, a playground intended for multiple age groups, soccer and volleyball practice space for older children and teenagers, two shelter houses, a public restroom facility and roughly 60 parking spaces when on-street and lot parking are counted.

Steinhardt said the city has raised roughly 56% of the total project budget from private dollars and grants and that the city contribution is expected to come through the redevelopment commission. He said staff hoped to go out to bid later this fall and, with construction next year, to have significant park amenities available by Labor Day 2026.

Councilor motioned to accept the grant and the council approved the motion by voice vote; no roll-call vote was recorded for the grant acceptance. Councilors and staff emphasized the project as part of ongoing implementation of the parks master plan adopted in June 2022 and said the design aims to be “Play On” certified for accessible, active play features.

Steinhardt and staff said they will finalize plans in the coming weeks and proceed with procurement steps needed to begin construction.