City of Madison
With a 22 million dollar shortfall in the operating budget, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has asked all city agencies to prepare a 2025 budget with a 5% cut, which threatens many programs and services we all cherish, including winter recreation. In addition, the mayor has asked the City Council to consider a property tax referendum for the November ballot to avoid losing these many city services. From notes taken at a meeting last week with Madison Parks, Madnorski learned that some of the proposed cuts are
- Eliminating all winter recreation rentals (skis, poles, snowshoes, ice skates)
- Closing of 20 park restrooms
- Closing all park shelters during the winter
- Eliminating all “free” winter recreation events
- No ice rinks at the parks including Elver
- No water for “Adopt the Ice” projects for neighborhood ice rinks
- Summer season cuts include no lifeguards, no cleaning of beaches, no splash pads, 30% of park drinking fountains will be turned off
- Changes in the running of the Goodman pool (Request for Proposal in managing the pool)
- Loss of 5-6 staff members for Madison Parks
We are pleased to let you know that Madison Parks will continue grooming the permit sites–Elver, Odana and Door Creek. Since ski permits bring in significant revenue to Madison Parks, this is something that will continue for now. Madnorski has a good relationship with Madison Parks and we expect that our lessons, youth programs and race series will go on as usual. The Madnorski grooming team feels the timing of the club’s purchase of a second sled and groomer this year will not only be helpful for efficient and effective grooming at Elver, but will also work well for training new volunteer groomers who will likely be needed.
Madison Parks is also considering new ways to generate revenue. They will likely begin charging for parking at parks for special events (Vilas parking lot during UW football games) and only offering programs based on a “cost recovery model.”
With our shared interest in connecting people to outdoor spaces and activities within our city, it is time for all of us to stay informed and be engaged as an active citizen.
- Read the paper and keep abreast of the city budget talks over the next several months
- Give comments or attend the City Council meeting on August 6 where the council will vote on adding the referendum to the November ballot
- Talk to neighbors and friends about your concern
City of Middleton
Below you can give feedback to City of Middleton as they update their 5 year plan for Conservancy land and trail use including CXC Outdoor Recreation Center. Show support of Cross Country skiing and winter recreation!
More information: https://www.cityofmiddleton.us/810/Conservancy-Lands-Plan
Taking Action
Your voice and civic participation can make a difference in maintaining the parks and activities that bring joy and vitality to our Madison Area community. The Madnorski leadership team (executive director and board members) is working to minimize any disruption to serving our club mission of instilling the love of Nordic skiing that can last a lifetime and build community.
Thank you for being part of this conversation and action.