Soglin, Rummel, and Park Director to conduct kickoff ceremony today
Bulldozers have been at the site of Central Park all week as construction finally begins on Phase I of the project
Earth moving crews were at the corner of East Wilson and Ingersoll Streets this week prepping for the installation of the restroom building which is part of Phase I of the Central Park project. The long term goal of building a community park and greenway along the East Isthmus Rail Corridor stagnated recently due to funding; but the project is moving forward again.
City of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, District 6 Alder Marsha Rummel, Madison Parks Department Director Kevin Briski, and other city officials will host a kickoff event at 2 p.m today at the site to celebrate the project finally getting underway.
Last year the Urban Design Commission approved the $600,000 restroom structure which was designed to jive with an “Art Approach” the concept that will shape the entire park, blending Madison-style park activities, the natural glacial geography of Madison, and the industrial tradition of the corridor.
Phase I will also include construction of pedestrian walkways and cycling trails as well as safety improvements due to its location next to an active rail line. A year ago State Railroad Commissioner Jeff Plale approved a pedestrian-cycle crossing of the rail road to the park which also was a reason for the delay in construction
The $14 million project that will create a natural space from the Yahara river to Blair street has been a dream of neighborhood residents for years but so far has only boasted a warm weather farmer’s market.
Related: Central Park Bike-Ped Rail Crossing Approved
Related: If You Build It They Will Poop
