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Dane County Parks

Park Projects

The Park Projects webpage provides information on active, in-progress, major construction, restoration and development projects in the Dane County Park System including the creation of new trails, dog parks, shelters etc. Project details are linked below and locations are displayed on the map. Check back often to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your county parks.

We also have many ongoing restoration projects throughout the park system.  Visit our Natural Area Program webpage for more information.

1
Agricultural Wetland Mitigation Bank

Dane County partners with WDNR and USDA-NRCS to establish Wisconsin's first Agricultural Wetland Mitigation Bank.

2
Aquatic Plant Management Plan Updates

Beginning in 2023, the department began the process to update the plans for both Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

3
Black Earth Creek - Stream Restoration

Stabilize eroding streambanks and incorporate flood mitigation solutions and in-stream habitat where practical.

4
Community Manure Treatment - Feasibility Study

Community engagement and developing solutions around sustainable manure management.

5
Door Creek Action Plan Implementation

Dane County is working with local landowners and organizations on implementing conservation projects that reduce phosphorus and improve water quality.

6
Emergency Location Marker Installation

Installation of Emergency Location Markers along trails in selected parks for emergency response.

7
Fish Camp County Park - Accessible Fishing & Boating Improvements

Installation of a new accessible kayak launch.

8
Fish Camp County Park - Wet Meadow Restoration

Remove invasive species including dead ash trees and restore wet meadow habitat.

9
Glacial Drumlin to Capital City Connector Trail

Development of segment of the Glacial Drumlin State Trail from I-90 bridge in Madison to the existing Glacial Drumlin Trail Trailhead in the Village of Cottage Grove. 

10
Great Sauk-Walking Iron Trail - Rails to Trails Conversion

Construction of a multi-use trail bridge over the Wisconsin River in northwest Dane County

11
Indian Lake County Park - Oak Savanna Restoration

Remove invasive species and restore oak savanna habitat.

12
Indian Lake County Park - Prairie Strips

Planting prairie strips on agricultural lands at Indian Lake County Park.

13
Indian Lake Fisheries Restoration

Restoration of Indian Lake by reducing carp biomass and enhancing habitat for game fish.

14
Legacy Sediment Removal

The innovative "Suck the Muck" project will remove phosphorus-laden sediment from streambeds within the Yahara River Watershed.

15
Lower Yahara River Trail - Trail Development Phase 2

Development of Phase 2 of the trail from Fish Camp County Park to Lake Kegonsa State Park and Williams Drive.

16
McCarthy Youth & Conservation Park - Timber Shelter, Parking, Playground

Development of a new timber frame park shelter, paved parking lot, drinking fountain and accessible playground.

17
Mendota County Park - Improvements

Replacement of existing shelter, reconstruction of parking lot with improved stormwater facilities, replacement of existing playground, and installation of new paved walking trail.

18
MMSD Relief Force Main to Transport Wastewater

The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is planning Phase 2 of their relief force main that will transport wastewater from Verona.

19
Pheasant Branch Conservancy - Restoration

Improve water quality, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.

20
Prairie Moraine County Park - Restoration

Remove invasive species and restore the park to historical natural resource communities.

21
Silverwood County Park - Oak Savanna and Woodland Restoration

Remove invasive and other species to help restore oak savanna and woodland habitat. 

22
Soil Carbon Monitoring

Collecting and monitoring the amount of carbon stored in the soil as a result of Dane County's restoration and conservation projects.

23
Waucheeta Connector Trail

Dane County Parks in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Town of Dunn are planning for a shared-use trail through Capital Springs Centennial State Park (WI DNR).

24
Yahara River Sediment Removal

Multiphase project to reduce flooding and improve water flow in the Yahara Lakes.