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Board of Park Commissioners Honoring and Celebrating the 130th Anniversary of the Madison Parks System
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WHEREAS, the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association (MPPDA) was formed in 1884 when a group of private land owners recognized the benefits and need for park and open space within the city; and,
WHEREAS, the MPPDA originally provided recreation in the form of horse-drawn carriage rides, as local leaders including Daniel Tenney, John Olin, Willam Vilas, Edward Owen and many others that followed donated their land, money and time to build the foundation of the city park system; and,
WHEREAS, in his 1911 Madison: A Model City, John Olin recommended that the existing 150 acres of park land and many miles of pleasure drives be expanded into a coordinated system of parks under the responsibility of an official Park Commission; and,
WHEREAS, in 1931, MPPDA created the Madison Park Commission (now the Board of Park Commissioners) and transferred full responsibility for the operation, maintenance and acquisition of all parks and pleasure drives to the City; and,
WHEREAS, in 2024, the City of Madison Parks Division manages more than 280 parks and nearly 6,000 acres of land with a variety of recreational amenities and diverse ecosystems along with special areas that include Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Warner Park Community and Recreation Center, Goodman Pool, four public golf courses, Forest Hill Cemetery and State Street and Mall Concourse Maintenance; and,
WHEREAS, it is the Madison Parks’ Vision that “Everyone shall have access to an ideal system of parks, natural resources and recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors;” and,
WHEREAS, through the support of elected officials, Board of Park Commissioners, Long Range Planning Subcommittee, Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee and Facilities Programs and Fees Subcommittee that Madison Parks system is resourced and governed to provide for the recreational needs of Madison residents and visitors; and,
WHEREAS, through the dedicated efforts of professional staff, partnership with Madison Parks Foundation, Olbrich Botanical Society, a tremendous network of community partners and countless engaged volunteers that the Parks System continues to evolve and thrive to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community; and,
WHEREAS, public-private partnership always has and always will be the foundation of the Madison Parks system, and through the Madison Parks Foundation and Olbrich Botanical Society, residents and park advocates continue to advance the system beyond municipal resources; and,
WHEREAS, to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the Madison Parks System, Parks will sponsor and partner with others to create ways to showcase all that Madison Parks has to offer; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison Board of Park Commissioners recognizes and appreciates Madison Parks leaders, staff, volunteers, partners and stakeholders for continuing to build upon the Legacy of the Madison Parks and Pleasure Drive Association,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Board of Park Commissioners celebrates the 130th Anniversary of the Madison Parks System.
<https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/about/history.cfm>