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Park names in Madison

With ice skating and lake access, Tenney Park serves as a year-round hub for outdoorsy folk. | Photo by @waunakee_photo_enthusiast

We walk through these parks all the time, but how many of us know the history behind these Madison spots?

Vilas Park

Senator William Freeman Vilas frequently contributed to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association (MPPDA). William’s father was a forerunner of First Wisconsin Bank and also Madison’s mayor for a term. William graduated first in his class from UW Madison in 1858 after entering the school at the ripe age of 13. With roots in Madison and money to blow, he donated $18,000 for Henry Vilas Park to be implemented, named after his son who had passed from diabetes complications.

Brittingham Park

This location once referred to as “a disease breeding hole” is now the beautiful Brittingham Park. In the early 1900s, Madisonians were distraught by how unkempt this bay area was; enter Thomas E. Brittingham. Known at the time as the richest man in Madison, he came to the rescue in 1905 with a donation of $8,000 from his lumber fortune.

Goodman Park

Many of us have likely seen the Goodman name stamped on parks, pools, libraries, and other community facilities. This is thanks to the philanthropy of the Goodman brothers, Irwin and Bob. The two opened Goodman’s Jewelers on State Street in 1933 which still stands today. The sibling duo lived together in a modest West Wilson apartment with no spouses or children. Living well below their means meant that they could afford to generously give back to Madison via large donations towards City projects.

Warner Park

Ernest Noble Warner was president of the MPPDA for two decades before his untimely death in 1930. He had a high interest in creating a public park out of the 2,000 ft. of sandy Lake Mendota shore that we know today as part of Warner Park. His death quickly prompted the formation of the Ernest N. Warner Memorial Park Committee. While the Great Depression stalled funding, nearly a decade of persistence paid off — literally — in 1939 when the City finally accrued the funding to buy the land from the farmers who owned it.

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Today, Feb. 1

Cork n’ Bottle String Band | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Red Rooster Madison, 2513 Seiferth Rd., Madison | $5 | They claim to be the best bluegrass band you’ll ever hear; stop by to find out for yourself.
Smarter Than You Trivia | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Harmony Bar and Grill, 2201 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | Grab your smartest friends for a night of free trivia, bar bites, and cocktails. 🧠

Thursday, Feb. 2

Frozen Night Out | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 4-6 p.m. | The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Pl., Madison | $0-$30 | Both members and non-members can enjoy a night of networking, drinks, s’mores, and games. 🧊
Comedy at the Cabaret | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | North Street Cabaret, 610 North St., Madison | $10 | This monthly stand-up comedy show is hosted by Allie Lindsay, with live music from Jake Snell.

Friday, Feb. 3

Snow Carving Demonstration | Friday, Feb. 3 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N Hamilton St., Madison | Free | Watch Martino Studio artists create snow sculptures that will live in the Wonderground for as long as the cold lasts.
Teen Cooking Club | Friday, Feb. 3 | 4:30 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | When is it their turn to make dinner? Teens can learn the basics of meal prep and kitchen safety. 🍳

Saturday, Feb. 4

Bob Marley Birthday Bash | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $20-$25 | Celebrate Bob Marley’s 78th Birthday at High Noon Saloon’s annual celebration.
The Jerry Ensemble | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 9:30 a.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | Free | This group of high school musical theater students will teach some fun vocal warm-ups and share their love of musical theater with local littles.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

23º | Sunny | 5% chance of snow
UW Health Dermatologist Dr. Apple Bodemer is advising Madisonians to read up on the signs and symptoms of frostbite. To be safe, try to limit your outdoor time to less than 30 minutes at a time. (WKOW)

Community

With housing prices rising and availability running low, Dane County is asking residents to participate in a Regional Housing Strategy survey. The survey shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes, and participants will be entered into a raffle to win gift cards and other prizes. 📝

Edu

Summer school teachers in the Madison Metropolitan School District can look forward to a pay increase this summer. The hourly rate will be $40, a notable uptick from last year’s $28. This pay increase is meant to account for staffing issues. 💰 (Madison.com)
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is accepting open enrollment applications starting Monday, Feb. 6. Parents have until Friday, April 28 to open enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. (Channel 3000)

Announced

Rapper Lil Wayne will be paying a visit to the 608 on his upcoming national tour. You can catch his show at The Sylvee on Saturday, April 8. Tickets go on sale this Friday and are expected to sell quickly. (NBC 15)

Award

Laura Schwendinger, a UW-Madison music composition professor, has been awarded the Charles Ives prize. This prestigious $50,000 award is highly coveted in the opera world. Laura and librettist Ginger Strand are being honored with this award for the 2019 opera, Artemisia. (Cap Times)

Madisonian

Happy (early) birthday, 608today member Jeffrey D (Feb. 2). We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in Madison! Did you know when you become a 608today member, you’ll get a birthday shoutout, too? Join today. 🎉

Seasonal

Instead of roses or chocolate, opt for an experiential Valentine’s Day gift this year, like an intimacy card deck or chocolate truffle making kit from Uncommon Goods. Wanna plan the ultimate date night? Order this fondue set for two or enjoy this virtual romantic painting class. 💝 *

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Take it (fr)easy 🥶

Surviving the cold in Madison

While staying inside is recommended, a bonfire is a worthy opponent to the cold. | Photo by @beepee82

While we’re finally breaking out of the “feels like” negative temps today, we’re not out of the freezing cold woods yet. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and warm while we wait for the cold front to pass.

Be prepared 📝

Pipes | Keep your under-sink cabinets open to allow room temp airflow.
Faucets | If your water temp is near 35°, keep a light stream of water flowing.
Windows | Find window film at any hardware store and apply it easily with the help of a hairdryer.
Car | Keep sand, warm clothes, and jumper cables on hand.

In case of emergency ❄️

Generators | If you need to run a generator, do so at least 20 ft. from your home.
Be neighborly | Check in on elderly neighbors who are more likely to be affected by extreme cold and may need assistance staying prepared.
Resources

MG&E: (608) 252-7111
Madison Water Utilities: (608) 266‑4665
MPD non-emergency: (608) 255-2345

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: Brrr. I have one of those older apartments that makes up for in charm what it lacks in insulation. I’ve been cooking a lot since the stove offers some reprieve from my drafty windows. I’d love to recreate a 608 dish one of these days; let me know your favorite must-have dish from a local restaurant and maybe I’ll try it out for an upcoming story.

Missed our last newsletter? We checked out some Madisonians on the Wisconsin 275 list.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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