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Middleton panel approves temporary alcohol designation for "Camp Out in the Conservancy" at Orchid Heights Park
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a temporary designation allowing possession and consumption of alcohol at a two-day family "Camp Out in the Conservancy" event at Orchid Heights Park, with staff to notify Middleton Police and enforce no-glass container rules.
The Middleton Parks and Recreation Commission voted to allow possession and consumption of alcohol during a two-day family event, "Camp Out in the Conservancy," at Orchid Heights Park in August 2026.
Josh Williams, recreation coordinator for the city of Middleton, described the program as "a 2 day family oriented overnight program scheduled for Friday and Saturday, August or 2026, at Orchid Heights Park." He said registered families will receive wristbands, be assigned individual campsites and have supervised activities, and that local community sponsors will provide dinner and communal s'mores at campfires.
Staff told commissioners the request is for a temporary, event-specific designation under the city's park ordinance and that the city attorney reviewed the language. Staff cited Wisconsin statute chapter 125 and a local ordinance reference in the presentation when describing the legal framework for alcohol in parks. Staff also said Middleton Police would be notified in advance and that the city will prohibit glass containers at the event.
Commissioners asked how enforcement would work and whether the city would be selling alcohol; staff said the event would not include alcohol sales and that the intent of the temporary designation was to limit illegal containers and reduce police interactions by providing a clearly defined area for possession. "We're not selling it there," staff said, and noted the goal is not to promote alcohol but to manage what attendees will likely bring.
After questions about staffing, safety and permitted container types, a motion to approve the temporary designation was made and seconded. Members voiced aye and the motion carried.
The designation applies only to the event and the specified event grounds; staff said it is not intended to change long-term park designations and that future, broader changes to the parks alcohol ordinance would require additional review.
