The Madison Parks has released its 2016 Golf Annual Report.  See below for the document.  On page 14 of the document, Monona Golf Course is one of the courses recommended for elimination.  See below the excerpt from the document.  A public hearing has been scheduled.  Please join neighbors, friends, golf enthusiasts alike by attending the meeting.

Public Hearing at the Golf Subcommittee Meeting
Date: August 8
Time: 6PM
Location: Olbrich Gardens Atrium

Agenda - Golf Subcommittee August 8 Meeting Madison Legistar

The City of Madison is requesting input for the Future Land Use Map in its Comprehensive Plan as part of the Imagine Madison campaign. The Planning Division is preparing materials for Phase 2 of Imagine Madison, for which land use will be a key component. The Comprehensive Plan Update will include a Future Land Use Map that shows planned land uses for currently developed areas and anticipated growth areas on the edge of the City.  The map guides how and where the City grows.  In order to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan is an accurate expression of community land use goals, a process has been established for considering potential changes to the map.
 
The Planning Division will accept change requests regarding the Future Land Use Map through March 31. It is preferred that requests be submitted online at www.imaginemadisonwi.com/land-use-map-amendment. Staff will review comments and evaluate requests to create an Initial Draft of the Future Land Use Map, which will be presented for a two-month public comment period beginning in late April. A Final Draft of the Future Land Use Map will be presented to the City’s Plan Commission in July.
 
The City is looking for input from residents, neighborhood associations, developers, and all other interested parties. Please share this request with your own networks.
 
Contact staff for more information:
 
Kirstie Laatsch
608-243-0470 | klaatsch@cityofmadison.com
 
Colin Punt
608-243-0455 | cpunt@cityofmadison.com
 
Brian Grady
608-261-9980 | bgrady@cityofmadison.com

by Darren Bush, Owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports

Rutabaga Paddlesports will open a kayak and stand-up paddleboard concession at the Olbrich Beach House in 2017. Rutabaga was selected by the Madison Parks Department to run a new rental operation, and we are excited to expand our rentals to east-side Madison neighborhoods and to be able to offer additional instructional programs for adults and youth at this new location.
 
When we were awarded this contract last fall, we learned of the intent of the Olbrich Biergarten to put their project into motion. We did not submit a co-proposal, and are two separate and distinct entities. 
 
Irrespective of the outcome of the Biergarten, Rutabaga is currently going through the process of finalizing our Use Agreement with the City of Madison, which we anticipate to be effective as of April 1, 2017. We are proceeding with our plan to offer paddlesport rentals, as well as concessions of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. We are planning cosmetic upgrades to the building starting early Spring.
 
We are still in the planning stages and have a lot of details to sort out before opening day, but we anticipate being open 7 days per week beginning approximately May 20. Hours will be Mon-Fri from 10 am to 8 pm; Sat, Sun and holidays from 10 am to 6 pm, weather permitting. We will offer hourly rentals of sit-on-top single and 2-person kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP).
 
Rutabaga is hiring staff for this location and would love to have local community members join us for a fun summer job (ages 16 and older). See our website for more information - www.rutabaga.com/employment.
 
Rutabaga is all about creating communities where people can gather and learn to love the outdoors, particularly on the water. We are happy to help create such a community, and look forward to helping more people enjoy the lakes we all love and cherish. We look forward to hearing from you with any questions or feedback.

For more information please contact:
Darren Bush
Owner, Rutabaga Paddlesports
608-310-3850
darrenb@rutabaga.com
www.rutabaga.com

On January 10, two playground concepts were presented by Sarah Lerner, the Project Manager from Parks Department.  This is based on the survey results from the neighborhood:

1. Manufacturer - Playworld (by a slim margin)
   
2. Fill Material - Wood mulch
   
3. Posts and railing color - Lime green
   
4. Age Range - 5-12 years old
   
5. Add-Ons - Yes (only 11 respondents)*
   
6. Add-on choice - Spring Rider ($4,500)*
   

*The deadline to indicate fundraising efforts to add the spring rider ($4500) playground equipment was December 15.  No one has volunteered to coordinate the effort and only 11 respondents to the survey indicated yes to fundraising. Additionally, the money (~$4600, with the administrative fee) must be raised by March 1, 2017 through the Madison Parks Foundation. As such, LENA Board has determined that we will not be pursuing the additional playground asset at this time. Note that the blue half circle teeter-totter/climber/bouncer and the yellow spinny equipment will remain and relocated to the new playground structure area.

Below are the concepts presented.  Concept 2 was the preferred option with suggestions provided to be incorporated.  The final design is currently in progress and will be shared once Sarah has had a chance to discuss and review with the playground manufacturer, Playworld. 

Suggested modifications include the replacement of the following items:

• Tic-tac-toe panel
  
  • Replacement option:  Nature Hunt Panel
    
• Metal climber
  
  • Replacement option: Stalagmites
    
• Monkey bars
  
  • Replacement option: Horizontal Loop Ladder or the Roundabout
    

In addition, an inquiry has been made for the installation of additional park benches and potentially replacing one of the swing options (belt or the toddler) with an inclusion swing (e.g. accessible swing). 

Assuming these changes are within the budget allotted for the project, a final concept layout will be presented and finalized.  Project bids will go out and once a RFP (request for proposal) is accepted, construction will be scheduled.  LENA will be working closely with the City on this project to ensure construction schedule does not interfere with our neighborhood events (e.g. summer picnic).  The playground is expected to be installed this fall. 

Lake Edge was recently featured in the Wisconsin State Journal in the Take a tour of Madison's neighborhood series.  Read the article here