An untended piece of land near Garver Feed Mill could become parkland. | Photo by 608today
A host to frequent community events, small businesses, and eateries, Garver Feed Mill has become a boon to the Starkweather neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Newly announced plans to build a park nearby could add to that community feel.
The city, as part of the Olbrich Park-North Parcel Park Development Plan, has plans to build a multi-use park on currently undeveloped land just northeast of Garver Feed Mill. The former industrial site is currently untended. It consists of piles of dirt, fill, and remnants of wetlands and woods near Starkweather Creek and Olbrich Botanical Gardens beyond.
Construction could begin as early as next year for a new park near Garver Feed Mill. | Photo via City of Madison Parks Division
The draft plan for the park includes:
An open field that could accommodate tents and food trucks
A picnic area that could include an open-air shelter
Permanent outdoor yard games
Play area
Bike skills loop trail
A meadow with a walking path
A storage area for Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A parking lot with ~65 stalls to serve parkgoers or as overflow parking for Garver Feed Mill.
Existing wetlands and woodlands would remain.
The plan will be presented at the Board of Park Commissioners meeting taking place at the Park Division’s Lakeside Offices (330 E. Lakeside St.) tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Community members can send written comments to the Parks Commission or register to speak at the meeting to provide input.
On Wednesday, May 8, the Parks Commission may adopt the plan and begin implementation.
Construction documentation and bidding is scheduled for late 2024 with construction to commence in 2025.
Exploring Wisconsin | Tuesday, April 2 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison | $5 | Take a class designed to elevate your outdoor exploration skills.
Ijeoma Oluo: “Be A Revolution” | Tuesday, April 2 | 7-8 p.m. | Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison | Free | Social justice leader Ijeoma Oluo comes to Madison to discuss how everyday people are fighting oppression and changing the world.
Wednesday, April 3
Wisconsin Supper Club Pescatarian Dinner | Wednesday, April 3 | 6:15-8:45 p.m. | The Deliciouser, 931 E. Main St., Madison | $75 | Enjoy a menu that includes oyster mushroom salad and pan seared walleye, all curated with selections of wines and spirits.
Middleton Community Orchestra | Wednesday, April 3 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Middleton Performing Arts Center, 2100 Bristol St., Middleton | $20 | Hear local musicians, with special guest Jean Laurenz on trumpet, play the works of Haydn, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov.
Thursday, April 4
Cello for Peace Tour | Thursday, April 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111. S. Livingston St., Madison | $21-$45 | Cellist Ian Maksin will perform love songs in Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, Ladino, Turkish, Armenian, Ukrainian and Russian.
Kelsey Cook | Thursday, April 4-Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | Comedy on State, 202 State St., Madison | $30 | With quick wit and sharp observations, Cook has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” multiple times.
Friday, April 5
Blind Tiger Pop-Up Shop | Friday, April 5-Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | COPA Madison, 2841 Index Rd., Fitchburg | $5 | Come and peruse among more than 20 local artists and vintage dealers selling their wares.
The Merrimac Ferry is now operating for the 2024 season. The ferry runs across the Wisconsin River between Okee in Columbia County and Merrimac in Sauk County. The free service is open 24/7.
Traffic
Regent Street will be closed from East Campus Mall to Park Street from Friday, April 5 at 6 a.m. until Monday, April 8 at 5 p.m. to remove a tower crane.
Pets
Doggone it, unleashed pets are becoming problematic. The city’s park rangers are increasing patrols for unleashed dogs. Unless you’re in a designated off-leash dog park, all dogs must be on a leash. Fines up to $500 will be issued and no warnings will be given.
Kids
Kids in the Rotunda returns to the Overture Center this month. The free Saturday arts performance series for families begins Saturday, April 6 with the Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Civic
The Madison Police Department’s 2023 Academy class was made up of 35% women, compared to the national average of 12%. The department became one of the first agencies in the country to pledge its support to the 30x30 Initiative, aimed to advance the representation of women in policing.
Health
The nation’s first respiratory therapist registered apprenticeship is beginning in Madison. UW Health, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and Madison College have partnered to offer a three year program. Graduates will earn an associate degree and can become licensed after passing board examinations.
Open
A woman-owned cycling studio is now open on Madison’s East side. Joy Ride, located inside Peter Kraus Fitness at 2323 Crossroads Dr., offers workouts for all body types and skill levels.
Alimentari. 306 S. Brearly St. Bologna is one thing, mortadella is something else entirely.
Hot Lunch, 708 ¼ E. Johnson St. There’s an 80s/90s vibe here with sammies like turkey and tuna. (BTW, we hear a PB&J dessert is coming to their menu soon)
🍕 Pizza
Ian’s was recently voted, by you, the best pizza in Madison. Check out our pizza guide.
Pvolve’s signature equipment bundle — the low impact, clinically-backed exercise method is a great way to work out from home, and the bundle helps you get started. It comes with a month of free classes and includes (bonus) some of Jennifer Aniston’s favorite pieces of equipment.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.