Fiscal Note
No appropriation Required
Title
Commending, Honoring and Expressing Appreciation to “Arnott” Simon (Si) Widstrand, Parks Planning & Development Manager, upon his retirement from City service.
Body
Preamble
(Arnott) Si Widstrand retired on December 30, 2008 following more than 34 years of service to the City of Madison. Si began his career with the Parks Division in 1973 as a seasonal Conservation Laborer and then as a seasonal Conservation Ranger. Over the years, he has seen his position description change and he has held many different job titles with ever increasing responsibilities. He held the titles of Conservation Specialist, Conservation Resource Coordinator, and in 1990, he became the Conservation Resources Supervisor. His personnel record at the time noted that “Mr. Widstrand has been performing above and beyond his job description for several years. He continues to perform in an excellent manner and his work has always been above reproach.” In 1991 he again was promoted to Parks Planning, Development and Resource Supervisor. Finally, in 2002, following a reorganization of the Parks Division, he became the Parks Planning and Development Manager
His file also contains many letters recognizing his dedication to the conservation parks within the Madison park system. He was especially commended for his work in Edna Taylor Conservation Park, the development of the conservation park at Stricker’s Pond, and in particular the expansion of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park.
Owen Conservation Park also played an important part in his career. In addition to reclaiming abandoned farm fields, establishing prairie and oak woodlands, his family resided in the caretaker’s home on the property. His daughters grew up in that park and were left with lots of great memories and lasting impressions, so much so that when his first grandson was born, Owen was named for this park.
Throughout his career, he has enjoyed the outdoors in all seasons, wh...
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