June 2010 People For Parks Newsletter

Madison Parks is the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic. A successful picnic is a breeze with just a little bit of planning and preparation. Follow these tips, and you will have a perfect picnic every time! Keep reading for some Madison Parks insider tips – because who knows the parks better than the Parks staff?

Planning Tip #1 – Check the weather forecast first. With over 260 parks, Madison Parks has accommodations for almost all kinds of weather. If the forecast calls for sunny, hot conditions, chose a park that has a lot of shade trees near one of the lakes. [Madison Parks Insider tip – did you know that James Madison Park has a large grassy hill along the bike path behind Lincoln School and the Bernards Boat House? It’s a perfect spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy the view of the lake.] What if the weather calls for possible rain? Don’t let that stop you. Madison Parks has several small shelters in the parks that do not require a reservation. Bring the picnic and your family to one of these parks – and enjoy your dinner alfresco style!

Planning Tip #2 – Create your guest list. Maybe your picnic will just be you and your sweetheart. Or maybe you will invite the whole family – kids, cousins, aunts and uncles. And everyone on your list likes to play a different sport. Don’t despair – Madison Parks can accommodate everyone’s

recreation wish list – from soccer, to volleyball, to setting up your own croquet game. [Madison Parks Insider Tip – did you know that Heritage Heights Park, 701 Meadowood Drive has a sun shelter, play equipment, softball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, and nature sanctuary with a hiking trail? What more could your family ask for in a location.]

Planning Tip #3 – Create your menu. Whether you are packing some PB&J sandwiches, or going all out on a gourmet meal, choosing the right menu make the picnic memorable. If grilled hamburgers and hot dogs are on your menu, remember to bring your own grill. The larger parks with large reservable shelters also have hot coal dispensers located near the shelters for you to safely dispose of your coals. [Madison Parks insider tip – Hoyt Park has refurbished fireplaces where you can enjoy some toasted marshmallows and a quiet evening around a fire. Just remember to bring your own wood and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the park.]

Planning Tip #4 – Set the right kind of atmosphere. Are you looking for a romantic dinner for two with flowers and music playing in the background? Then look no further than the summer concert series at Olbrich Botanical

Madison STAY-CATION

Madison Parks and Your Perfect Picnic

Hoyt Park fireplaces

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Employee of the MonthJune 2010

Trygve EkernThe Madison Parks Division Employee of the Month program recognizes employees who have exhibited outstanding performance in the areas of customer service, leadership, work ethic or have represented themselves as an exemplary Parks Ambassador.

Welcome Anne Whisner, Recreation Services Coordinator

The City of Madison Parks Division is pleased to announce the addition of Anne Whisner to the Division. Anne joined the Community Services Team as the Recreation Services Coordinator on June 1, 2010. In this position, Anne will be responsible for developing and coordinating new community programs and events, volunteer development and management, and overseeing the Park Ranger Program. In addition, Anne will also be responsible for other major events such as Ride the Drive. Before joining our office Anne worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for three years, where she led a campus wide volunteer program, facilitated partnerships with non-profit agencies, and managed special events.

“I’m really excited to join the Community Services Team and look forward engaging more community members in our parks, as well as through volunteer programs, special events, and other new initiatives,” said Anne.

Anne is originally from Michigan and went to school at Appalachian State University. Outside of work, Anne enjoys being an active member of the community. She volunteers with Special Olympics and serves as a coach with Millennium Soccer Club. In addition, Anne enjoys all seasons by skiing in the winter and playing on multiple sports teams in the summer.

Trygve Ekern is the Yahara Hills Groundskeeper. He is in charge of making sure the 36-hole facility is in top playing condition. Trygve grew up on a golf course. He played golf throughout high school, including being a member of the 1994 Division 2 State Championship Team.

Tryg went on to play golf at Winona State University until transferring to UW Madison where he graduated in 1998 with a degree in Turf and Grounds Management. He worked at a number of golf courses around the state including University Ridge, LaCrosse Country Club and Bristlecone Pines Golf Course. Madison Parks was fortunate that Tryg enjoys a challenge. Being the lead greenskeeper for Yahara Hills 36-hole course is not for the light-hearted. It requires long hours and keeping up with changes in the turf management industry. “Trygve has done an excellent job in providing our customers an excellent, well-manicured golf course,” says Ray Shane, Golf Madison Parks Manager. “He has saved the golf program thousands of dollars by researching new products and industry innovations.”

When Trygve isn’t managing the course turf, he’s playing on it! He Tryg has won the Men’s City Mid-Amateur Tournament, the City Public Links Tournament and is a repeat champion of the Yahara Hills Tournament.

And what about when he’s not working or playing on the course? Well, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Perhaps trying to get them out on the links too!

Congratulations Trygve!

EMPLOYEE OWNED

Elver Park FireworksJuly 2, 2010 – 9:30 pm

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It’s a great place to

spend your summer!

www.cityofmadison.com/goodmanpool

Goodman Pool to open for the season on Friday, June 11 - officially named Goodman DayGoodman’s Jewelers to sponsor the first 500 kids through the gates

Madison Parks is excited to announce that Goodman Pool, 325 Olin Avenue, will open for the season on Friday, June 11, 12:30-8:00p.m. To honor the pool benefactors, Irwin and Robert Goodman, who both passed away recently, the first official day of the swimming season has been named “Goodman Day.”

Goodman’s Jewelers, 220 State Street, will be sponsoring the day by providing free admission to the first 500 kids to come to the pool that day.

For more info: www.cityofmadison.com/parks/pool

Exploring Madison Conservation ParksMadison Parks is hosting free monthly tours of Madison Conservation Parks. The tours are led by a Madison Parks staff member and focus on a unique park and unique natural feature of that park. Madison Parks has 14 conservation parks comprising over 1600 acres. Each conservation park focuses on the restoration of native plant and animal communities while providing educational areas and opportunities for all.

June 10, 6:30p.m.Owen Park, 6021 Old Sauk RoadLearn more about the Owen Park ponds and their wildlife.July 14, 6:30p.m.Edna Taylor Conservation Park, 802 Femrite DrExploring oak savannah and effigy mounds restorationAugust 15, 7:00a.m.Cherokee Marsh, Upper Yahara River TourBring your own canoe or kayak and meet at the School Road boat landingPartnering with the Madison Audubon Society, the tour will focus on the restoration work on Cherokee MarshAugust 31, 7:00a.m.Turville Point Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.Warbler Walk, sponsored by Madison Audubon SocietySeptember 2, 7:00a.m.Turville Point Park, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.Warbler Walk, sponsored by Madison Audubon SocietySeptember 8, 6:30p.m.Prairie Ridge Park, 2406 Berkley DriveSummertime Prairie FlowersOctober 23, 7:00p.m.Full Moon Walk, followed by a campfire and hot cocoa!Cherokee Marsh, 6098 N. Sherman Ave.

Top: Prairie RidgeBottom: Cherokee Marsh

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Madison Parks Vision:To provide the ideal system of parks, natural resources and recreation opportunities which will enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Kevin Briski,Madison Parks Superintendent

Madison Parks Division 210 MLK Jr. Blvd, Suite 104PO Box 2987Madison, WI 53701 266-4711 www.cityofmadison.com/parks

Madison Park CommissionersBill BarkerEmanuel ScarbroughDavid WallnerBetty ChewningAlder Paul SkidmoreAlder Joe Clausius

Gardens. Every Tuesday night from June 1 – July 27, bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music in the outdoor gardens. Or maybe you want an evening of dancing to go along with your picnic? Grab your picnic basket and your dance partner and head to Warner Park on Monday evenings June 14 – July 26 and dance the evening away! [Madison Parks insider tip – in July, you can enjoy a free concert almost every night of the week. Mondays at Warner Park, Tuesdays at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Wednesdays for Concerts on the Square, Thursdays at Rennebohm Park.]

Planning Tip #5 – Pack a small bag with all of the right survival items. What do we mean by that? Well, bug

spray for one. This is Wisconsin – summer means mosquitos. Here’s a list items to keep with you – just in case. Bug spray, sun block, blanket, swiss army knife (complete with scissors, tweezers, cork screw), sun glasses, book or magazine, games for the kids, deck of cards, coloring book and markers, small first aid kit, hand wipes, tarp in case the grass is wet, small garbage bags, tablecloth.

Planning Tip #6 – Enjoy your time with your family and friends. While bringing your cell phone along is a good safety tip, turn it off and enjoy your time talking with your family and friends or discovering new sights and sounds in Madison’s parks. [Madison Parks insider tip – go fly a kite! On a breezy day, go to Olbrich Park, on Lake Monona, and enjoy watching the kite boarders ride around the lake – or fly your own kite while standing on firm ground.]

Summer Concerts in Olbrich Gardens Tuesdays, June 1 – July 27 7 p.m.

Take advantage of the only time picnics are allowed in Olbrich’s outdoor gardens! Bring your own picnic to the Great Lawn while you enjoy fun summer music among the flowers every Tuesday, June 1 through July 27 at 7 p.m. with the Concerts in the Gardens series at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket, and listen as the songs float through the summer air. Or, pick up a hotdog or brat at the Gardens sold by the Madison East Kiwanis Club before the concert from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be held indoors. Concerts are sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society. A $1 donation is suggested. Picnics are allowed in the Gardens for the Tuesday concerts only. For more information call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Summer Concerts in the Gardens Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

June 15 Tony Brown Reggae

June 22 Mark Croft Acoustic Music

June 29 Madison Municipal Band Concert Band Favorites

July 6 Capitol City Band Band Favorites

July 13 Magic Mama Family-Friendly Hip-Hop and World Beats

July 20 New Horizons Swing Band Swing Music

July 27 Rigel Celtic Rock

Warner Park Concerts

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