$14M Central Park project approaches new milestone

It’s been 40 years in the making, but Madison’s Central Park will finally open officially with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 18. As part of phase I, a $600,000 restroom with a grass roof has already been built on the site bordered by East Wilson, Main, and South Brearly and Baldwin streets. The $3.1 million initial phase, which is covered by a federal grant, also includes a 20,000-square-foot skate park named for Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman that should break ground in July. The Goodman Foundation donated $250,000 to the $850,000 structure; the city committed another $300,000 and donated the land; and the Willy Street Co-op purchased naming rights to the main skating bowl for $50,000.

Upon completion, the $14 million Central Park project will include a Great Lawn, pedestrian plaza, amphitheater, pavilion, community gardens, and playground. It will be built in phases as funding and the remaining 2.8 acres of the approximate 10 acres are secured. This fall, trees will be planted and construction on a pedestrian plaza will begin.