
Madison LakeWay | Lake Monona Waterfront
July 21, 2025 Update
LakeWay Phase 1 - Design Development Survey
Thank you to everyone who attended the Monday, July 21, public meeting. Please see the presentation materials below for more details on the proposed Phase 1 improvements for the Madison LakeWay.
- July 21, 2025 Madison LakeWay Design Development Meeting Recording
- July 21, 2025 Madison LakeWay Design Development Presentation Slides
To help guide design development for this exciting phase of the Madison LakeWay, Madison Parks is hosting an online survey from July 21 through August 4, 2025. To access the survey, please select the below link:
Phase 1 is scheduled to complete the design development stage by August 2025. Preparation of construction documents will follow in late 2025 and continue into 2026. The project is tentatively set to go out for public works bidding in August 2026, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027. Madison Parks is collaborating closely with partner City agencies to coordinate the proposed lakeshore improvements with the John Nolen Drive reconstruction project.
For more information on our non-profit partnering organization, please visit: Madison LakeWay Partners
Thank you!
View past project updates »Project Details
Project Information
The Madison Common Council approved the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan, now known as the Madison LakeWay, on April 16, 2024.
The plan's adoption sets a new community vision for one of the city's foremost public lakefronts. The master plan is the result of decades of public advocacy and support. Through the efforts of volunteers, community leaders, stakeholder groups, area residents, and design professionals, the master plan seeks to transform the Lake Monona shore into an activity-rich signature park. The intent is to create a welcoming, environmentally focused lakeshore that embodies the character and values of the city. The Council's adoption of the master plan marks a major milestone in realizing a new vision for the Madison LakeWay for decades to come.
View the Madison Lake Way/Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan.
The adopted master plan allows City agencies to explore outside funding resources to realize the goals conveyed in the plan. With the support of the Madison LakeWay Partners, a private, non-profit advocacy group focused on promoting and developing the Lake Monona lakeshore as a signature civic park.
Plan implementation requires securing support from outside funding resources, including federal, state, and private contributions. Please watch for future announcements on opportunities to participate in realizing the exciting first phase of the Madison LakeWay.