Parks Division

Vision

To provide the ideal system of parks, natural resources and recreational opportunities which will enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Mission, Goals and Objectives

Our Mission is to provide an exceptional system of safe, accessible, well-planned and maintained parks, facilities, public cemetery, natural areas and public shorelines.

Our Mission is to provide affordable opportunities for recreational and educational experiences.

Our Mission is to preserve and expand our urban forest resources through a well-planned and systematic approach to tree maintenance, planting and natural area management.

Our Mission is to preserve and promote parks’ historic legacy.

Our Mission is to provide opportunities for cultural interaction by facilitating community and ethnic festivals and through the display of public art.

Directory

Eric Knepp, Superintendent    

608-266-4711

Overall leadership of the Parks Division. Responsible for strategic planning, resource optimization and long-term financial, land acquisition, and partnership development.

Lisa Laschinger, Assistant Superintendent 

608-266-9214

Leads Golf Enterprise Program, Finance and Human Resources, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Planning and Development sections. Responsible for legislative management for the Division and co-lead work planning initiatives.

CJ Ryan, Assistant Superintendent   

608-266-4614

Leads Community Services, Operations and Public Information sections. Responsible for partnership management and development, performance management and co-lead work planning initiatives. 

Community Services

Terrence Thompson, Community Services Manager    

608-243-0405

Ensures parks are programmed and given purpose to promote health and wellness, equity, inclusion, accessibility, safety, sense of belonging, and connection with the environment throughout the entire parks system.

Community Park Events & Street Use

Kelly Post, Parks and Street Use Supervisor    

608-264-9289

Responsible for administrative and coordinative work overseeing various permitting, including park events, street use, downtown performance spaces, neighborhood and community park events, neighborhood block parties, filming and photo shoots in parks, implementing the City’s Street Use Ordinance, and general customer service.

Debra Alleyne, Parks Alive Coordinator    

608-261-9812

Manages programs, events and activities in Parks to support racial equity, violence prevention and social justice, specifically focusing on underserved neighborhoods

Joanne Austin, Customer Services Coordinator    

608-266-4711

Provides customer services such as shelter reservations, lake access permits, dog park permits, cross country ski permits, disc golf permits. Boat mooring leases, canoe and kayak storage.

Rangers & Volunteers

Steve Dray, Ranger Supervisor

608-261-9295

Oversees volunteer program, all dog parks, disc golf parks, boat launches and park safety.

John Weichelt, Volunteer Coordinator    

608-261-9179

Develops and manages volunteer opportunities and strategic partnerships to support Parks programs, projects and initiatives.

Recreation Services & Aquatics

Tracey Hartley, Recreation Services Coordinator   

 608-267-4919

Coordinator of Parks special events, winter activities and special initiatives.

Shane Martin, Aquatics & Parks Program Coordinator    

608-266-4195

Oversees the Goodman Pool, splash parks and beaches staff, and winter recreation facilities.

Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC)

Zach Watson, Warner Park Facility Manager    

608-245-3684

Manages the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) providing a diverse array of recreational, educational, and cultural services.

Marquis Sanders, Program Coordinator    

608-245-3691

Oversees programs and collaborations for teens and families at WPCRC.

Jamie Pratt, Program Assistant     

608-245-3694

Administrative support, coordinates facility schedules, rental program at WPCRC.

Finance and Human Resources

Jennifer Stoiber, Financial & Administrative Manager        

608-266-4214

Oversees all financial and administrative services.

Becky Schesny, Administrative Assistant    

608-261-9119

Provides payroll assistance and administrative services.

Shelby Deakin, Administrative Assistant    

608-267-1105

Provides purchasing and accounting services.

Hannah Brown, GIS Specialist    

608-266-4742

Maintain Parks Division Mapping and Asset Management Software and systems.

Morgan Mathews, Data Analyst    

608-266-6517

Manages and analyzes Parks Division data.

Golf Enterprise Program

David Vetrovec, Golf Operations Director    

608-266-4710

Oversees clubhouse, maintenance and improvement operations, administration and programming of the municipal golf program.

Ken Allen, Golf Clubhouse Supervisor    

608-229-8251

Oversees clubhouse operations for Odana Hills, Yahara Hills, and Monona golf courses and The Glen Golf Park.

Andrea Romines, Golf Clubhouse Leadworker    

608-229-8251

Provides customer service, programming, and administrative support of the golf program.

Bill Remm, Golf Clubhouse Leadworker     

608-229-8251

Provides customer service, programming, and administrative support of the golf program.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Tanya Zastrow, Olbrich Botanical Center Director    

608-246-4586

Oversees general operations, administration and coordination of all programs.

Samantha Peckham, Director of Horticulture   

608-246-4683

Oversees and coordinates the gardening functions, programs, and special events.

Jennifer Lynne Delaney, Director of Guest Experience   

608-246-4733

Oversees guest services and the volunteer program.

Vacant, Private Events Coordinator    

608-246-4551

Administrative support, facility rentals, weddings and tours.

Operations

Chad Hughes, Parks Operations Manager   

608-267-8804

Supervises park maintenance of all parks (parks, parkways, greenways and athletic field maintenance) and facilities.

Area Supervisors & Conservation

Charlotte Blotz, West Parks Supervisor   

608-288-6164

Oversees west parks including Elver, Marshall, Marlborough, and Forest Hill Cemetery operations. 

Mark Kiesow, Mall Supervisor     

608-266-6031

Oversees the State Street corridor and Mall Concourse. 

Hannah Quinlan, Conservation Supervisor    

608-267-4918

Management and restoration of conservation parks including Cherokee Marsh, Owen, and Turville Point. Interim Parks ecology team supervisor.

Jay Walters, Central Parks Supervisor    

608-266-4826

Oversees Parks central parks including Goodman, McPike and Vilas.

Spencer Werner, East Parks Supervisor    

608-246-4510

Parks east of the Yahara River including Tenney, Breese Stevens Field and north including Warner.

Construction

Rich Bergmann, Parks Construction Supervisor    

608-266-6289

Building parks and supervision of playground safety.

Facility Maintenance

Joel Ringgenberg, Parks Facility Maintenance Supervisor   

608-267-4937

Supervises all building trade personnel.

Planning and Development

Adam Kaniewski, Planning and Development Manager    

608-261-4281

Oversees all aspects of park planning and development, including long range planning (e.g., the Park and Open Space Plan), capital improvement program development, park master planning, design and construction of parks.

Planners

Public Information Office

Ann Shea, Public Information Officer    

608-266-5949

Oversees Parks communications including website, media inquiries, e-news, social media, photography, and the annual Madison Parks calendar publication.