Madison Reporter

Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) have announced a $4.25 million grant for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, funded through the DOA’s Flexible Facilities Program (FFP). This initiative aims to improve public infrastructure and expand access to critical services.

Governor Evers emphasized the importance of building 21st-century infrastructure, stating, “We’re working to build the 21st-century infrastructure and workforce Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21st Century, including expanding access to high-speed internet.” He highlighted efforts to close the digital divide in rural areas and communities across Wisconsin.

The Imagination Center is a collaborative project involving Madison Public Library, City of Madison Engineering, Madison Parks, and Madison Public Library Foundation. It is located on Madison's northeast side in Reindahl Park. Alder Sabrina Madison from District 17 expressed gratitude for the funding: “The CPF-FFP funding for the Imagination Center is a major step toward bringing our vision of a dynamic community hub to life.”

Funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act, FFP grants aim to provide reliable broadband access through public facility expansion or improvement projects. The grants support libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose facilities with $115 million allocated across 35 projects.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway praised Governor Evers’ support: “I’d like to thank Governor Evers for supporting this worthy project with a substantial capital investment.” She stressed that expanding services in fast-growing areas like Greater Sandburg is essential.

Madison Public Library Director Tana Elias noted that this grant will bring significant benefits: "We're so grateful...this grant...will bring life-changing services." The City of Madison's funding commitment and fundraising efforts by Madison Public Library Foundation are crucial components in advancing this project.

Conor Moran from Madison Public Library Foundation acknowledged months of effort leading up to this award: "The FFP grant is the result of months of work by library and foundation staff." The project's timeline aligns with their ongoing capital campaign efforts.

Reindahl Park's location off East Washington Avenue serves a diverse neighborhood experiencing rapid growth. With 19% population growth from 2010-2020 compared to 16% citywide growth, future projections remain above average for Madison. The center will offer various resources such as high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, park pavilion spaces, and digital connectivity equipment.

CJ Ryan from Madison Parks remarked on its anticipated impact: “We are excited...it will have an incredibly positive impact on northeast side.” Support from state officials underscores its value within both local neighborhoods and broader community contexts.

Construction bidding begins this winter; completion expected summer 2026 according City Engineering Department’s timeline available online alongside further details via madpl.org/reindahl