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Committee approves temporary parking agreement at Cherokee Marsh for 2026 championship event amid accessibility questions
Summary
The finance committee approved a two-year parking-lot and driveway use agreement for the American Family Insurance Championship at Cherokee Marsh North, while staff acknowledged written concerns about loss of handicapped parking, closure length and whether the city is providing a below-market concession to a charitable organizer.
The Finance Committee approved an agreement March 16 authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a parking-lot and driveway use agreement with the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation for use of parking at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park North during the American Family Insurance Championship in 2026 and 2027.
Superintendent Ryan told the committee the park's Sherman Avenue entrance would be closed to vehicles "due to safety concerns" and said event organizers and Madison Police Department (MPD) will meet with the city's street-use team to discuss details, including whether a small number of ADA parking spaces can be reserved for residents. Ryan said the foundation and park commissioners will debrief the event in the fall and that any renewal for a second year would require approval by the Park Commission.
Public concerns and staff response: Alder Evers raised a written comment from Nick Davies that questioned the duration of the closure, the loss of handicapped parking and whether the city was charging a market rate for use of park parking. Ryan said staff compared charges to other park event closures and aimed to keep parks accessible rather than maximize revenue; he also said the city does not typically rent parking at conservation parks as a routine policy.
Committee action: The motion to approve was moved, seconded and recorded as a unanimous voice vote.
What's next: staff said MPD, parks and the event organizer will meet with the street-use team to explore potential reserved ADA access and that a fall debrief will inform any renewal.
