Paid Parking Pilot Program – A Community Conversation

Dear Residents,

I want to address the growing concerns about the proposed Paid Parking Pilot Program in Madison Parks and share its context, where we are now, and how your voices will shape the path forward.

The Origin of the Idea

The initial concept for this pilot program emerged as a way to explore potential revenue sources if the referendum did not pass. While the referendum ultimately passed, discussions about innovative approaches to park funding have continued to ensure our parks remain well-maintained and accessible to all.

The Pilot Program Explained

The Paid Parking Pilot Program was introduced as a 2025 operating budget amendment by Alder Rummel, receiving unanimous approval from the Finance Committee. It was later included in the 2025 operating budget.

It’s important to emphasize that this is only a pilot program, a short-term and small-scale experiment to assess feasibility and gather input. No final decisions about implementation have been made.

Public Engagement is Essential

The pilot program will only proceed with ample public input. Here’s what you can expect:

• Early 2025: The pilot concept will be presented to the Board of Park Commissioners to refine the details and provide oversight.
• Following this, Madison Parks will invite community feedback through:
  • Public meetings.
  • Online surveys.
  • Collaboration with neighborhood associations and community groups.

Your input will be critical in shaping the pilot program to reflect the community’s values and priorities.

Initial Ideas for the Pilot

Current proposals for the pilot program are designed to test limited scenarios and prioritize equity:

• Charging for parking during home Badger football games in the north lot of Vilas Park, while keeping the south lot free for three-hour parking.
• Introducing fee-based parking for reserved commuter stalls during peak hours in high-demand lots, such as Garner, Olin, or Burr Jones.
• Ensuring that general park visitors continue to have access to free parking outside of these specific cases.

Why Public Input Matters

With the referendum’s passage, we now have an opportunity to engage in a robust public conversation about whether this pilot program makes sense for our parks and community. If implemented, it must align with our shared goal: ensuring no family, senior, or individual is priced out of enjoying our parks.

Next Steps

If approved, the pilot program will run throughout 2025 and will include:

• Ongoing evaluations of its impact on:
  • Park visitors.
  • Revenue generation.
  • Accessibility and equity.
• A full report back to the Board of Park Commissioners in early 2026.

My Commitment

As your District 18 Alder and a member of the Parks Commission, I will continue to elevate your concerns at every stage. This includes ensuring that struggling families are not adversely affected and that the final program reflects the community’s input and priorities.

The parks in our district, especially Warner Park, are cherished spaces where families come together to connect, relax, and play. Let’s work together to ensure these spaces remain welcoming and accessible for all.

Thank you for your continued engagement and advocacy for our parks. I look forward to hearing from you during this process.

Warm regards,

District 18 Alder

Charles Myadze