Madison Reporter

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Madison's newest addition to its park system, Lakefront Porch. The event will take place on Thursday, September 19 at 4 p.m., featuring food, drinks, and music provided by the Lakefront Porch volunteer committee.

“This is another excellent example of how partnerships and volunteers make a significant impact on Madison Parks and our public spaces. Thanks to the collaboration of neighborhood leaders, volunteers, and City agencies, involving over 60 community members, the Lakefront Porch is now a reality, providing a unique space for relaxation and social connections,” shared CJ Ryan, Madison Parks Assistant Superintendent.

Located at the intersection of East Wilson Street and John Nolen Drive, Lakefront Porch represents nearly 15 years of work by neighborhood volunteers, district 4 alders, city leaders, and professional organizations that donated their expertise. These efforts have transformed an underused concrete surface atop a Madison Water Utility reservoir into an appealing public space with a view of Lake Monona. Now a city-owned park, it complements the redevelopment of the Lake Monona waterfront and serves as a bridge from the First Settlement neighborhood to the waterfront.

“An act of community – volunteers who came together with a vision – brought the Lakefront Porch into existence,” said Emily DeVore, the volunteer project manager. “Now the Porch stands as a cheerful venue for the community. It wouldn’t exist without the generosity of those volunteers, donors, and city workers as well as Saiki Design, Findorff, and Operation Fresh Start.”

The First Settlement neighborhood first proposed a public space at this site in its 1995 master plan. In 2010 some seating was installed using funds from the Water Utility; in 2014 raised planting beds were added. In spring 2020 Capitol Neighborhoods Inc. received a City Neighborhood Grant that initiated a four-year effort to enhance usability. Thirteen volunteers raised $460,000 to add features such as platforms, tables, shade structures, new railings, garden beds and improved accessibility.

“The Lakefront Porch is a vibrant, colorful welcoming gathering place for Madison residents and visitors,” said District 4 Alder Mike Verveer. “With its view of Lake Monona and its location as a gateway to downtown,the space is now an important appealing public space.”

The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway along with other project leaders including Alder Mike Verveer and Emily DeVore.

Lakefront Porch Park is located at 201 S. Hancock St., where street parking is limited; attendees are encouraged to walk or use alternative transportation methods.

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