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Madison City presents multi-site parks upgrades including Welch Park improvements, pickleball courts and new amphitheater
Summary
City planners and parks staff presented designs and timelines for Welch Park upgrades, a proposed $3 million pickleball and courts project at Florence/Legacy Park, trail progress with an early June ribbon-cutting target, and a large Indiana Music City amphitheater project slated to start construction in September.
Madison City staff and a project consultant presented plans for multiple park upgrades that would add accessible playgrounds, pedestrian connections, courts and a new amphitheater, city officials said at a parks meeting.
Consultant Tony Steinhardt walked the board through proposed changes at Welch Park (formerly JC Park), including expanded parking, accessible shelter upgrades, playground equipment designed for multiple ages and abilities, and improved pedestrian crossings. He said many of the parks shown in the presentation have not been updated in more than 25 years and the designs aim to create year-round programming opportunities.
On the riverfront and Florence/Legacy Park, Steinhardt described a scope that would include six independent pickleball courts, a shelter and associated amenities. “This project, we need a $3,000,000 project,” he said, adding the project would serve Madison City, Jefferson County and nearby regions. He said the design team is finalizing pricing and that the project does not rely on city tax funding alone.
Steinhardt also reviewed trail work and said parts of a new trail system should be ready for an early-June ribbon-cutting, subject to weather. He described an Indiana Music City Amphitheater design with a relocated center stage, larger restrooms, on-site storage/concessions and accessible circulation; staff said construction targeting a September start could lead to substantial completion about a year later, depending on event scheduling and permitting considerations.
Staff emphasized programming opportunities—movies in the park, food-truck space and potential seasonal pop-up uses such as temporary ice rinks—and said the design process includes careful placement of public art pieces. Public commenters urged the city to consult frequent users on specialized facilities; Lisa Ferguson said local pickleball players should be consulted on court layout and access to avoid design mistakes.
Operations and programming updates during the meeting noted positive registration numbers for youth sports (70 baseball and 136 softball players, 206 total) and that Crystal Beach Aquatic Park passed its initial water sample and will open for the season. Staff also flagged remaining weather-dependent tasks such as lighting work prior to opening dates.
Next steps: staff said they will finalize pricing and continue design work; the board and staff discussed fundraising and external grant opportunities for several projects.
