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Parks

Warner Park - Southeast Recreation Area Development

April 25, 2025 Update

The project was not awarded grant funding in 2024. Parks plans to re-apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grant funding in 2025. The project timeline on this page has been updated accordingly.

View past project updates »

Project Details

  • Status

    Planning

  • Estimated Schedule

    – Fall 2026

  • Impact

    Major

  • Alder District

    • District 12

Project Information

Madison Parks has identified the need to reconfigure the athletic fields located in the southeast corner of Warner Park. Athletic fields in this area were originally constructed in the 1970s and included 5 softball fields with lighting. One softball field was removed in the late 2000s and two more have been removed since 2020. While the fields do not include outfield fencing, the locations of the light poles are aligned for softball fields and do not allow full-sized rectangular fields to be located in the space. The existing lighting system is also 40-50 years old and does not meet modern lighting standards.

Project Plans and Phasing

Overall Plan

Phase 1 Construction Plan

Phase 1 Construction

  • Removal of existing backstops, infields, lighting, tennis courts
  • Field grading to improve drainage and accomodate new field orientations
  • Installation of cricket pitches and goalposts
  • A portion of the path network to connect Trailsway to the northern area of Warner Park

The Pickleball courts are also expected to be constructed along with Phase 1.

Phase 2 Construction*

  • Installation of new lighting system
  • New basketball court and removal of existing
  • New sun shelters
  • Remainder of path network and spectator bleachers
  • Singletrack Trail
  • Managed meadow and tree planting

*Phase 2 construction may be divided into multiple phases depending on funding availability.

 

Project Goals
  • Create athletic fields that allow for a multitude of field types and uses to provide more flexibility to adapt to changing recreational trends over time.
  • Provide pedestrian and bike connectivity throughout the project area to provide improved connections to the rest of Warner Park.
  • Replace existing lighting system to modernize and re-locate poles to allow for full-size rectangular field alignments.
  • Enhance "neighborhood park" amenities for residents to the south of Trailsway.
  • Add dedicated pickleball courts to the project area
    • The only other dedicated pickleball courts in Madison Parks are located at Garner Park on the west side.

Grant Funding

Madison Parks has applied for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. The grant is funded by the federal government and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. If selected, the grant would provide $500,000. The grant requires a 100% match ($500,000) with City funding. 

Parks anticipates this funding will cover Phase 1 of construction. Please see the "Project Plans and Phasing" section of this web page for more information.

If grant funding is not awarded, Madison Parks does intend to still move forward with the project. However, the construction timeframe will be delayed as funding sources are determined.

Public Engagement

Parks staff have attended numerous events held at Warner Park to receive input for this project. Those events included Increase the Peace events in 2021 and Parks Alive in 2022. 

Parks plans to engage with stakeholder groups throughout May and June 2024. Comments and/or questions about the project can be sent to the Project Manager, Adam Kaniewski, at akaniewski@cityofmadison.com or (608)-261-4281.

Previous Projects
  • Parks worked with the Brentwood Neighborhood Resource Team and volunteer groups to create a pop-up park and all-wheel spot in 2020 and 2021.
  • Parks installed a new pedestrian and bike bridge to cross Castle Creek from Trailsway in 2022.

  1. Public Input

    A Neighborhood Meeting was held on July 9, 2024 at 6:00pm. A recording of the meeting can be viewed below.

     

  2. Board of Park Commissioners - June Meeting

    Staff will give an informational presentation to the commissioners and no action will be taken at the June meeting. Commissioners will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to staff.

    The public is invited to provide written comments or register to attend and speak at the meeting.

  3. Board of Park Commissioners - July Meeting

    The plan will be included on the agenda at the July Board of Park Commissioners meeting for potential approval.

    The public is invited to provide written comments or register to attend and speak at the meeting.

  4. Grant Award

    Parks expects to find out in September if the project has been awarded grant funding.

  5. Phase 1 Construction

    If grant funding is awarded, Phase 1 construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.

    If the project does not receive grant funding, the timeframe for Phase 1 construction will be re-evaluated while funding sources are determined.

Project Updates

April 25, 2025 Update

The project was not awarded grant funding in 2024. Parks plans to re-apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grant funding in 2025. The project timeline on this page has been updated accordingly.

July 12, 2024 Update

The plan was approved by the Board of Park Commissioners at their meeting on July 10, 2024 (Legistar File 84179)

July 10, 2024 Update

Parks staff has made minor revisions to the plan based on feedback received. Warner Park Southeast Recreation Area Development Plan

The plan is on the agenda of the Board of Park Commissioners July 10, 2024 meeting. 

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