Title
Approving recommendation from Parks Division staff for revised approach to initial archaeological review 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 is proposing an alternative approach to the actions outlined in the memo.
To conduct Phase 1 survey throughout the entire park would require significant dig testing, which would result in more disruption than necessary for a Phase 1 Archaeological Survey . Parks has secured professional archaeological consultation services to perform field observations, literature review, consultation with the Ho-Chunk (likely Bill Q) and consultation with/involvement key neighborhood stakeholders. As individual projects are planned and completed, Parks will comply with all necessary permitting, testing, archaeological review and observations that would be required by local and federal laws.
Included in the presentation will be John Hodgson from Phase One Archeological Services. John will be available to offer expertise and answer any questions from Commissioners.