–submitted by Joy Cardin
The Lake Monona Waterfront Design project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an inclusive, environmentally-focused, and economically-beneficial gathering space for the entire community according to our guest speakers at the Madison Rotary Club’s June 14th meeting.
The chair of the Lake Monona ad-hoc committee Allen Arntsen and the president of Downtown Madison Inc. Jason Ilstrup explained the need, the benefits and the future of the ambitious project that will redesign a nearly two mile stretch of the Lake Monona shoreline from Olin Park to Machinery Row on Williamson Street.
The winning master plan submitted by the Denver design firm Sakaki includes an elevated boardwalk, a waterfront restaurant, a boathouse, nature center and an expansion of the Monona Terrace Convention Center. The plan acknowledges the Ho-Chunk Nation’s history with Lake Monona and focuses on its future environmental health.
The ad hoc committee will continue to work with Sakaki and other community shareholders on finalizing the redesign over the next few months. A final plan is expected to go before the Madison Common Council for a vote in October.
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pDCwzjOakDs.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 