Madison Reporter

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) will start construction this fall to upgrade the Madison School Forest campground in Verona. The project involves replacing four cabins that have been used by students and community members for over 60 years.

The new cabins are designed with frost wall foundations, thermal insulation, metal roofing, and engineered siding. These features are intended to improve durability throughout the year and allow programming during early spring and late fall. Construction is scheduled to begin after August 15, 2025, following the end of MSCR’s summer camp season.

Mary Roth, executive director of MSCR, said, “The Madison School Forest has given thousands of MMSD students a chance to experience nature, community and hands-on learning. These new cabins ensure that the tradition of providing these programs can continue for generations to come.”

The Madison School Forest covers 307 acres about 20 miles from Madison in the Driftless Area. It is owned by MMSD and operated by MSCR in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Scott Chehak, MMSD’s senior executive director of building services, stated, “For more than six decades, these cabins have supported outdoor education in Dane County. Our investment in these cabins will not only last for decades, it’ll continue to support flexible programming in every season for our community to enjoy.”

The Board of Education has awarded Iconica Inc. a contract worth $846,648 for construction. Funding comes from MSCR’s maintenance budget. Demolition work on the current structures will start after the conclusion of next summer’s camp season.

Each year, MSCR offers environmental education as well as overnight camping and day camp opportunities to more than 7,500 MMSD students and community members.