Title
Approving Report Establishing Archaeological Review and Investigation Process for Park Development Projects at Vilas Park
Body
The Vilas Park Master Plan was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners in March 2021. Included in the adoption is a memorandum from Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp in response to concerns that arose during the master planning process. The memo states that Parks would commit to conducting a Phase 1 Archaeological Survey throughout the entire park prior to additional design development work for park improvements. Upon initiating this approach and consulting with archaeological experts, Parks staff proposed an alternative approach to the actions outlined in the memo. That approach was approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in March 2024.
Parks secured professional archaeological consultation services from Phase One Archeological Services to produce a report to establish and detail the archaeological review and investigation process for future ground disturbing park development projects at Vilas Park.
The report was discussed by the Board of Park Commissioners on September 11, 2024, with no action taken. Since September 2024, Parks Division staff have continued to work with Phase One Archeological Services and also have consulted with representatives of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Wisconsin State Historical Society, and the City’s Preservation Planner. This work has resulted in a revised document which establishes the archaeological review and investigation process for park development projects at Vilas Park. The process strictly adheres to all federal, state and local laws, and includes extraordinary archaeological survey work involving a geomorphological study and the use of ground penetrating radar by a trained archaeologist.
A Public Information Meeting was held on October 22, 2025 to inform area residents of the revised document.
Staff will provide an overview of the report and process and is seeking approval of th...
Click here for full text