Re-sending with correct links: Henry Vilas Zoo reopens plus Invite to Virtual Meeting to Discuss Vilas Park Master Plan

Hi Everyone.

Henry Vilas Zoo has reopened under Phase 2 of Forward Dane.  Click here for more information about the specific safety measures that are being taken.  If you go, you're strongly encouraged to wear masks and stay six feet away from fellow zoo patrons.  Yes, it may be difficult to corral excited kids, but we must not forget we're still in a pandemic.

On a different but related note, the City just issued the following press release about the Vilas Park Master Plan -- note this includes an invite to a virtual community input meeting next Monday, June 22, at 6:30 PM: 

Madison Parks needs your input to create the best possible plan for the future of historic and iconic Vilas Park. Despite the significant disruption to the park system due to COVID-19, important work on the Vilas Park Master Plan has continued to progress. Numerous stakeholders have been involved in the process over the last year, which has informed the three preliminary concept plans for the park.

The three preliminary concept plans help illustrate possible improvements and changes to the park. The three concepts are intended to provide a starting point for the broader community conversation about Vilas by showing multiple alternative items for consideration. Through this community conversation, the staff and consultant team will prepare a draft Master Plan for the next step in the process. The draft Master Plan will be informed and improved by feedback received from the community.
A Master Plan process provides the selection and approximate location of those future improvements. Specific details and final design solutions for park elements will be part of future capital projects, which will include further public input and require City approval before construction.

The public is invited to join a virtual community input meeting. Advanced registration is required.
Community Input Meeting #2 AGENDA PDF 
Monday, June 22, 2020
6:30 – 8:00pm
Register to attend 

The community may also provide input through the Vilas Park Concepts Survey.

For more information and to view the proposed concept plans, visit Parks Projects.

Project Contact, vilasmasterplan@cityofmadison.com

I will add the I'm very aware that a number of District 13 residents, particularly residents who live near the Park, have been very frustrated with the planning process to date.  I have forwarded these concerns to Parks staff and will continue to do so. It seems evident to me that adjustments in the community engagement process must be made in light of our shared goal of preserving and enhancing the local jewel that is Vilas Park for all to enjoy.

Stay safe and be well.

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