A lot of people passed by the Madison Water Utility reservoir at 201 S. Hancock St. and just saw concrete. But others saw an opportunity to create Madison’s newest park.
On Thursday, the city will be able to enjoy the results of 15 years of planning and organizing by city officials and community remembers as the new Lakefront Porch Park opens on the reservoir’s concrete space.
A Connecting Space
The new park features a raised platform, garden beds, and shaded tables and chairs with a spectacular view of Lake Monona. The space is meant to be a social area for residents that acts as a sort of bridge between the First Settlement district and Madison’s downtown.
The park’s origin story goes back to 1995, when plans for a gathering space at the East Wilson St.-John Nolen Drive intersection were included in the East Capitol Neighborhood’s master plan. Some seating was added in 2010 using funds from the Water Utility, and planting beds were added in 2014. The Lakefront Porch Volunteer Committee raised $460,000 to complete the park.
The future Lakefront Porch Park as it looked in 2020. (Emily DaVore/Lakefront Porch Volunteer Project)
Grand Opening
The city is celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday, rain or shine. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Ald. Mike Verveer, and volunteer project manager Emily DeVore will give remarks, followed by volunteers providing food, drinks, and music.
The party is open to all, and residents are encouraged to bike, bus or walk to the park. And make sure to get out on the Porch this year and enjoy Madison’s newest park.
