The Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan is a countywide comprehensive outdoor recreation and natural resource plan that is updated every five years to maintain eligibility for State Stewardship grant funds. Updates to the plan include identifying recreational needs and significant natural, cultural, and historical resources in the county to be considered for protection.
Dane County Parks has completed the DRAFT plan and is available for public review, please see plan links and comment options below. Public feedback is important and will help shape the future of Dane County Parks.
DRAFT 2025-2030 Dane County Parks & Open Space Plan:
Public Open House:
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Dane County Parks will host an informational drop-in open house from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, in the City of Madison. The meeting provides an opportunity for the public to meet staff, discuss the plan, and provide feedback on the DRAFT plan recommendations.
DRAFT Plan Comments:
To comment on the DRAFT plan, use the optional Comment Form (PDF) or email Alex DeSmidt at desmidt.alex@danecounty.gov by May 14, 2025. The final plan is anticipated to be completed and adopted by the Dane County Board in the summer of 2025.
Dane County Parks posted a public survey for feedback on the 2025-2030 Parks and Open Space plan update. The survey opened on January 29, 2024 and closed on May 1, 2024 and was available in both English and Spanish with 1,958 responses received. See survey summaries here:
Dane County Parks held three public information meetings. Presentation materials and meeting recordings are linked below each.
Alex DeSmidt, Park Planning Manager
Dane County Parks
desmidt.alex@countyofdane.com
(608) 445-8665
