Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - November 11, 2026

The Monona Parks and Recreation Board met on November 11, 2026. It approved Concept B for the Green Line development and recommended it to the City Council for final concept approval and advancement into design. The concept includes pathways, a water feature, play area, shelter/restrooms, lighting, and other amenities; the play structure received favorable support, while its final location and the type of water feature remain open. The consultant’s preliminary estimate was about $2.7 million before adding the play area and bicycle station, contingency, and soft costs, bringing the projected total close to $3 million. The estimate includes about $400,000 for an at-grade water feature and $1 million for the restroom-shelter building. The board discussed phasing construction and potential funding through roughly $1 million in existing dedication fees, possible future development contributions or TIF funding, and commercial naming rights. Construction may be bid in late 2027 or early 2028, with work potentially beginning in 2028.

The board also approved a winter pilot program for community saunas at Grand Crossing Park and Winnequah Park, with staff to work out operating details and report results in April. The pilot is not expected to charge operators a city fee; operators must provide insurance naming the city as an additional insured, and they will handle snow removal around their units. The board additionally heard that the department acquired an artificial Christmas tree through an auction at a substantial discount, and that capital-budget equipment replacement projects will continue. No contract awards or bids were approved at this meeting.