Save the date for PIM on Virginia Terrace reconstruction; Woodland reserve at Plan Commission on January 12; Lots of birding events

Hello neighbors,

Happy New Year! I’m hoping this week’s message finds you well rested, and ready to tackle the year ahead. It looks like it’s going to be a mild week, so the ice on our sidewalks and streets should melt, but be careful of re-freezing sites overnight.

The Woodland Reserve in-fill development project will come before the Plan Commission on January 12 at 5:30pm.

There will be a public information meeting on the reconstruction of Virginia Terrace and adjacent streets on January 21 at 5:30pm – more details to come!

Updates and Notices

John Nolen Drive Project: Get current information about road closures and construction updates for John Nolen Drive.

Public Information Meetings (PIMs)

• Playground Workshop, Tuesday, January 6: Madison Parks identified six playgrounds to be replaced in 2026. Neighbors are invited to attend a virtual playground workshop to learn more and share input.

Events

• Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Saturday, November 15, through Monday, January 5, 2026: Lighted holiday-themed displays set in beautiful Olin Park. Drive through from dusk until 10:00pm to enjoy this magical light show for free, brought to you by The Electric Group.
• Girls' Mentorship Group, Tuesday, January 6: Join Keena Atkinson of R'oujie Wellness on Tuesday evenings at Warner Park Community Recreation Center! This free series is designed for females aged 11 to 18. Pre-registration is requested but not required.
• Bird Bingo at Warner Park Community Center, January 8: Come and enjoy a fun game of Bird Bingo! We will watch an interactive Birds video together and each person can ask to see and hear your favorite birds. For Bingo prizes we will make cute little Fuzzy Birds you can take home or give to someone you love as a gift. Seniors 60 and older can register for a free lunch at 11:30am before the program and transportation if needed by calling 608-512-0000 ext 4006 at least 2 days in advance.
• Vaccine Clinic at Meadowood Health Partnership, Friday, January 9: In partnership with Meadowood Health Partnership, we're offering a variety of vaccines on January 9, 2026, from 1pm-3pm.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, January 10: Critter Tracks ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner for a free, fun, family and kid friendly guided walk to explore Owen Conservation Park.  We will look for bird and animal tracks and signs!  
• Friends of Hoyt Park Winter Seed Sowing Workshop, Saturday Jan 10th, 10AM-Noon, Sequoya Library Community Room A/B. Learn how to make a mini greenhouse out of gallon plastic jugs with provided native plant seeds at this family-friendly event!
• Candlelight Hike, Saturday, January 10: In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Madison Parks presents this wonderful hiking event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, January 11: Snowflakes and Subnivean ~ Join Naturalist Andria Blattner with Friends of Olin Turville (FOOT) on a guided walk to discover the magic of winter at Turville Point.  Learn how snowflakes form and why snow is important to plants and animals over winter.

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, January 5, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the Madison Police Department to accept training grants on an ongoing basis without requiring separate resolutions to accept individual grants.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include authorizing the application and acceptance of a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant, which would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver