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Madison City redevelopment commission approves Welch Park amendment, OKs amphitheater design contract
Summary
The commission approved a $70,500 amendment to Welch Park’s design contract that incorporates Kiwanis Park updates and authorized a not-to-exceed $529,235 design contract with Access Studios for a riverfront amphitheater; officials said groundbreakings and public announcements are imminent.
The Madison City Redevelopment Commission on March 10 approved a contract amendment to expand design services for Welch Park — including work on Kiwanis Park — and authorized a separate design contract for a riverfront amphitheater.
Staff member (S2) told commissioners the Welch Park amendment adds design work and increases the contract fee by $70,500 and that about $39,000 of the change is allocated to the Kiwanis Park redesign. Commissioner (S3) moved to approve the amendment; Presenter (S4) seconded, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
The action comes as the city seeks to coordinate multiple riverfront investments. Agency official (S5) said the Kiwanis site had become underused and sustained flood damage and described the work as part of a larger master parks plan focused on multigenerational amenities. "We are going to simultaneously revitalize Welch Park and Kiwanis Park," S5 said.
Staff member (S2) then presented a design proposal from Access Studios (Indianapolis) for the new amphitheater, saying the not-to-exceed design fee is $529,235 and that reimbursable travel expenses are capped at $20,000. "The not to exceed amount of $529,235," S2 said when asked where the fee appears in the proposal. The staff presentation outlined phased deliverables — schematic design, design development and construction documents — and an aggressive timetable tied to local festival dates.
Commissioners discussed schedule and coordination with other riverfront projects. Staff described efforts to combine work where feasible, noting cost and timing trade-offs; Access Studios’ work would include construction administration if authorized.
Next steps: staff said Welch Park work is expected to break ground within roughly 30 days and that the connector/heritage trail ribbon cutting is likely in early June. The amphitheater schedule targets a September construction start with the goal of substantial completion aligned with next year’s Regatta. The commission voted to approve the Access Studios contract; no dissenting votes were recorded in the transcript.
The commission adjourned after routine closing remarks.
