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McPike Park

McPike Park
Address: 202 S. Ingersoll St.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type:> Community
Acres: 9.21
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: Yes

Park History

Brief History

The concept of a large urban park located along the East Isthmus rail corridor originated with local neighborhood groups interested in revitalizing an area of post-industrial brownfi elds. Discussions for a park on this site began in the early 1970s. The Urban Open Space Foundation (UOSF) championed this idea for several years, developing a plan for a grand 25-acre Central Park. Despite public enthusiasm following an extensive public process and some success at fund raising, progress eventually stalled on the project.

In 2007, the Common Council established the Central Park Design and Implementation Task Force (Task Force) to determine the need for and feasibility of such a park and chart a path forward. This report summarizes our efforts and recommendations to the Common Council for the expeditious creation of this park.

The Central Park phase 1A developed the larger lawn portions was completed in 2014. Madison's first skatepark, located at the end of Few Street, opened in September 2015.

On a chilly afternoon in April 2018, longtime East High School principal Milton McPike was honored in a dedication ceremony officially renaming the park.  

At this Park