
Madison LakeWay | Lake Monona Waterfront
August 5, 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 hosted an online survey from July 21 through August 4, 2025. The survey is now closed and the results are available below. Thank you to everyone who participated in the meeting and completed the survey! Your input is greatly appreciated.
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.
Project Updates
August 5, 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 hosted an online survey from July 21 through August 4, 2025. The survey is now closed and the results are available below. Thank you to everyone who participated in the meeting and completed the survey! Your input is greatly appreciated.
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!
June 25, 2025 Update
PUBLIC MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
You're invited to a Virtual Public Meeting on the first phase of the Madison LakeWay!
Join us on Monday, July 21 at 6:30 PM for a virtual public meeting to review the ongoing design development for upcoming Madison LakeWay improvements. The project area is a 0.6-mile stretch of Lake Monona’s shoreline adjacent to John Nolen Drive. We’re inviting community members to review the progress and share input on proposed lakeshore features.
What to Expect:
- A look at the design progress since the completion of the schematic phase earlier this year
- An overview of the proposed lakeshore amenities
- Update on project next steps
- Opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions
Project Timeline:
- Schematic design completion: Early 2025
- Design development: Through August 2025
- Construction documents: Late 2025 – early 2026
- Public Works bidding: Fall 2026
- Construction start: Anticipated in 2027
Madison Parks is working in close coordination with other City agencies, including City Engineering, to align the LakeWay improvements with the planned reconstruction of John Nolen Drive.
Please register below to attend the meeting. We look forward to hearing from you!
Meeting Registration: Madison LakeWay - Design Develpoment PIM
For more information on our non-profit partnering organization, please visit: Madison LakeWay Partners
February 7, 2025 Update
Thank you to everyone who attended the Thursday, January 23rd public meeting. Please see the presentation materials below for more details on the proposed phase one improvements for the Madison LakeWay.
- Jan. 23, 2025 Madison LakeWay Schematic Design Meeting Recording
- Jan. 23, 2025 Madison LakeWay Schematic Design Presentation Slides
LakeWay Phase 1 - Schematic Design Survey
To help guide design development for this exciting phase of the Madison LakeWay, Madison Parks hosted an online survey from January 23 through February 6, 2025. The survey is now closed and Parks will post the results when the response tabulation is completed. If you'd like to share your thoughts and weren't able to participate in the survey, please feel free to send written comments to msturm@cityofmadison.com.
The phase one timeline includes completing the schematic design in early 2025, continuing design development through 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027. Madison Parks is working closely with our 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!