Madison's Urban Design Committee met Wednesday to discuss a $1 million building and landscape project for State Street's Lisa Link Peace Park. The makeover would include a visitor center with information desk and public restrooms, as well as an outdoor stage and small amphitheater.
The proposal's supporters hope the changes will improve informational resources while transforming the park's reputation—known for panhandling and illegal activities—into a ""center of positive activity,"" according to Mary Carbine, executive director of the Business Improvement District.
One way Carbine and others hope to discourage negative behavior is by incorporating a small police office into the visitor center. For added security, the building's bathrooms would only be accessible by walking past the information desks.
The site plan for the park face-lift—which would be paid for with $650,000 in tax incremental financing and $350,000 in private fundraising—was approved in 2004 by the Common Council. However, some Madison residents, like Dolores Grangg— who sat on the 2004 proposal committee—are distressed by aspects of the design, especially the permanent police surveillance.
""It's a peace park, not a police park,"" said Grangg, who spoke at the committee meeting representing the women's organization responsible for naming the park after local peace advocate Lisa Link.
Grangg also voiced concern that the 900-square-foot visitor center would obstruct the park's intended atmosphere and aesthetics.
""This building looks less inviting than probably any building along State Street,"" committee member Todd Barnett added, noting the building's distinct ""masonry drum form"" and suggesting the architects plan for more accessible entrances.
Overall, the committee supported the proposal, though they will be looking to make sure it is energy-efficient before final approval, which may have to wait until mid-summer.
""It's a highly intensive urban park, so everything we can do to make this a green building ... [within the budget] would be really important,"" committee member Jay Ferm said.
The tentative plan also includes an interactive fountain, lawn seating, game tables and a storage facility.
According to the project's leading landscape architect, Michael Sturm, public input and several city committees will shape the final park design. If approved, the park could be under construction by October and completed before next summer.
