Vilas Park Drive - UPDATE

I have more information from Traffic Engineering and the Parks Dept.

From TE's perspective:

With the shelter and beach now open to the public the city is left with few options for users to access. The only access we can provide at this time is from the north end. We understand the neighborhoods' concerns and only want to allow access only when necessary. Access will be allowed for this weekend and then closed on Sunday night. During the week park rangers will "open/close" the road to allow shelter users access. The short term plan is to have barricades and signage to indicate that Vilas Park Dr is "Closed to Thru Traffic-Park Access Only". One option for the long term is to have two-way traffic to the shelter/beach from Wingra Dr and ped/bike only access from the north end.

From Park's perspective:

We need to work on a more concrete plan beyond this weekend, so I can't answer exactly what it will look like, as this weekend was a temporary measure. 

Our plan is to put the barricades back in place tomorrow (Sunday) night.  Our next reservations are not until next Saturday and Sunday, so we will need a solution for sure by then.  We do NOT have any reservations scheduled throughout the week for this week, so they will remain in place until we reach an agreeable solution OR until next Saturday morning and likely through Sunday evening.  

I've also heard concerns about disability access, a factor that also needs to be considered.  

I'll be meeting with Parks and TE staff this week to discuss all of this in more detail.

Thanks and have a lovely (and safe) weekend.

Tag

Hi Everyone.

Due to Phase #2 of Forward Dane, the Parks Dept opened Vilas Beach and allowed for reservations at the park shelter.  In order to allow access to the shelter as well as the beach, the barricades were taken down late Friday afternoon.  The will be replaced Sunday evening.

I'm frustrated this decision was not made with more input and more messaging.  

I'm discussing the situation with the Parks Dept and Traffic Engineering and hope to have more information to share with you in the near future.

Many of you have reached out to me in recent weeks expressing appreciation for the peace and safety of a car-free Vilas Park Drive.  I'm sorry this change was not communicated more effectively.  It no doubt comes as a shock to see this change.

Please be careful this weekend as you enjoy the nice weather.

Tag