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Adopting the Comprehensive Master Plan for Olbrich Botanical Gardens
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Since Fall 2025, Olbrich Botanical Society and City of Madison have partnered in planning for the future of Olbrich Botanical Gardens through a comprehensive master planning process. The goal of the comprehensive master plan is to address aging infrastructure, explore potential garden expansion, and envision Olbrich’s future, while at the same time addressing the needs of a growing local community and tourism audience.
Olbrich Botanical Society committed $250,000 for the comprehensive master plan, which was managed as a City of Madison Capital Project. These funds were accepted and approved in the 2025 City of Madison Capital Improvement Budget. The City issued a Request for Proposals seeking firms with expertise in public gardens, as well as experience in quality public engagement, climate resiliency, business plans, and sustainability. On June 23, 2025, Common Council approved the resolution (Resolution 25-00365(external) <https://madison.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7411666&GUID=D1499E10-A4B9-4AFE-A71D-8B9ADAD3150D&Options=&Search=>) to execute a purchase of services contract with Reed Hildebrand to develop the comprehensive master plan.
Throughout the nine-month comprehensive planning process feedback was gathered through two online surveys and three in-person public workshops, which allowed opportunity for the community to help envision the future of Olbrich Botanical Gardens. There were also more targeted engagement opportunities, including pop-ups at the Winter Farmers Market at Garver Feed Mill and the Family Prom at Warner Park Community Recreation Center, as well as focus groups conducted with user groups from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Bayview Community Center, and Goodman Community Center. Staff provided an informational presentation and requested feedback regarding the plan at the May 13, 2026 Board of Park Commissioners meeting. Staff will present the final plan for adoption at the Board of Park Commissioners meeting on July 8, 2026.
The Adopted Comprehensive Master Plan will be used by the City of Madison Parks Division and Olbrich Botanical Society to inform future improvements and development of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.