Celebrate Juneteenth - city holiday; Info on the Shell; Events & Announcements

Hello neighbors,

I hope this message finds you in a space to be able to celebrate Juneteenth – a day of freedom – which President Biden signed into law as a federal holiday. It is also a holiday in the City of Madison and in Dane County; it is not a state holiday. Please note that City Offices are closed on June 19, and Metro service will be reduced. Emergency services will be open; please call 911. Use Report a Problem for non-emergencies.

The 6/12/24 public information meeting recording regarding the plans to demolish and redevelop the McClain Athletic Complex and Randall Sports Center (“The Shell”) is now available. This proposal will go through the Landmarks Commission on July 1, Urban Design Commission on July 17, Plan Commission on July 29, and Common Council on August 6.

Public Information Meetings

• Public Input Meeting - Burrows Park, Thursday, June 20: Madison Parks is proposing to reconstruct the parking lot, entrance drives and asphalt path in Burrows Park in 2024 and 2025. The community is invited to attend a virtual public information meeting to learn about the proposed project and provide feedback.

News Releases & Announcements

• Public invited to celebrate new artwork at Southwest Madison Employment Center: New artwork depicting scenes from the Civil Rights Era, by an artist known as, “The Artist”, was recently installed on the grounds of the Southwest Madison Employment Center at 1233 McKenna Blvd.
• No Streets Division Collections or Drop-off on Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19, 2024: There will be no recycling, trash, brush, or large item collections performed by the City of Madison Streets Division on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The Streets Division drop-off sites will also be closed.
• Summer Reading at Madison Public Library Begins with the WE READ Program!: Pick up a new WE READ Card Deck, join a weekly art program with a Bubbler Artist-in-Residence, get your WE READ bag, and connect to books, literacy tips, prizes and more this summer at your local library.
• Monthly Parking Permit Holders Have a New Way to Pay: The City of Madison Parking Division will migrate their current permit holders, and all new applicants, to electronic billing invoices starting this summer.
• Madison Ranked #2 in Country in Pedestrian Safety: Madison was ranked the 2nd safest city for pedestrians out of the largest 101 metropolitan areas across America, according to Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition’s Dangerous by Design 2024 report.
• Message From Mayor Rhodes-Conway on Recent Incidents of Gun Violence : “An otherwise beautiful weekend in Madison was marred by three unacceptable acts of gun violence in public spaces.
• Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Playground: Oak Park Heights Park, known to many of its neighbors as Piper Park, is nestled under a canopy of mature trees and recently received a new playground.
• Public Health Madison Dane County has launched a new mechanism to match lost pets to their owners.

Events

• Capitol View Farmers' Market, Wednesday, June 19 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Capitol View Farmers' Market is held weekly on Wednesdays (3:00-7:00pm) from late May through mid-October. Join us each week for great local vendors, live music, food carts, and special activities from week to week. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the most up-to date information and schedules! (Location: far Eastside of Madison, near
  the Great Dane Eastside, 5901 Sharpsburg Dr.)
• Movie in the Park, Wednesday, June 19: See the movie Shark Tale! We've partnered with Madison Boats at Marshall Park to bring you a free movie during Pontoon Palooza. You do not need to take the pontoon course to see the movie but if you bring your kids, they are welcome to watch the movie while you take the course!
• Celebrate New Art Installation at Southwest Employment Center, Wednesday, June 19: Please join the Madison Arts Commission and Urban League of Madison in celebrating the installation of a new art installation by The Artist at the Southwest Madison Employment Center. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Madison Arts Commission.
• Barre3 at The Glen, Wednesday, June 19: Join Madison's barre3 and Madison Parks Foundation on fairway #1 at The Glen Golf Park for a heart-pumping, joy-filled workout. To help raise money for the Madison Parks Foundation donations are suggested but not required to attend.
• Go By Metro!, Thursday, June 20 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Get the latest scoop on BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and basics for how to use the local bus service. Get one-on-one time with a Metro employee in English or Spanish!
• Lunch and Learn Hosted by Alder Wehelie, Thursday, June 20 (VIRTUAL): Alder Nasra Wehelie of District 7 is hosting a virtual Lunch and Learn on Thursday, June 20. Guest speakers include City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl and Municipal Clerk 1 Camille O’Connell, who will present on elections and voting.
• Parks Alive | Owl Creek Park, Thursday, June 20: Parks Alive builds stronger neighborhoods and connects neighbors to their parks through fun, family-friendly activities, music and free food. Events are held in parks across the city and throughout the summer. Connect with your neighbors and engage with your community at a Parks Alive event near you! Owl Creek: June 20, July 18, August 1, August 22
• Make Music Day, Friday, June 21: Join Make Music Madison on June 21st for a free, citywide music festival! Enjoy live performances at various locations around Madison as part of the international Make Music Day event. Don't miss out!
• Volunteer at The Glen, Saturday, June 22: The Glen, a unique mixed-use outdoor recreation golf park located in the heart of Madison, WI, is more than just a place to play golf. It's a community hub where nature and recreation meet. We're on a mission to make The Glen a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone – and we need your help!  Volunteering at The Glen offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, learn new skills, grow personally and professionally, and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, June 22: Summer Solstice Phenology ~ Join Naturalist Alex Singer to explore easy nature trails on this free family friendly walk.  Enjoy learning about the seasonal burst of new life you see around you in the trees, plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
• Movie at The Glen, Sunday, June 23: Enjoy a free movie on the lawn of The Glen! We'll have yard games from 4-5pm and movie starting at 5:00pm.
• Live at The Glen, Friday, June 28, 5-7:30pm. Enjoy live music from Vince Sweeney!
• The First Baptist Church (518 North Franklin Ave) invites members of the neighborhood to visit the Dane County Trash Lab truck on Friday June 28 from 6-8pm, and Saturday June 29 from 9:30am-2pm. There will be up-to-date information on recycling in Madison, and about backyard and curbside composting.  Also, there will be some kid's activities, and popcorn!
• Dive into the world of homeownership with us! Save the date - June 29th – for the Homeownership Month Fair hosted by Take Root WI and our dedicated partners in Madison at the Urban League’s Black Business Hub (2352 S Park St, Madison, WI 53713). From 9am to 1pm, explore everything from buying your first home to mastering homeowner essentials. REGISTER CLICK HERE
• Youth Climate Action Fund Grant Applications due July 1! A committee of young people from Madison, Wisconsin will review grant applications and distribute funding of up to $5,000 per project to fund youth-led climate initiatives that align with the City of Madison's Sustainability Plan.
• SAVE THE DATE - WestFest 2024 at Elver, August 10: WestFest 2024 is scheduled for August 10th at Elver Park. We believe that you can play a vital role in the neighborhood, and we would love to have you join us in making this event a memorable one. If you or your community group is interested in getting involved or would like to discuss potential opportunities further, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Westfest24@gmail.com.
• Join Madison Parks in making Ride The Drive 2024 an unforgettable community celebration! Ride the Drive, set for Sunday, August 11, is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with setup, guide intersections, staff booths, and assist with cleanup. It’s a fantastic way to support a healthy, active lifestyle and connect with your neighbors. Sign up now, and you'll receive a free 2024 Ride the Drive t-shirt at the event! Most shifts are just 2 hours, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the event. See RideTheDrive.com for more information and to register.

Best wishes,

Regina Vidaver