Madison residents and city officials attended the official re-opening of the Lisa Link Peace Park located at 400 State St. Saturday morning.
The park, dedicated to Madison activist Elizabeth Link, ""adds uniqueness and value to the Madison park system,"" Madison Park Department member Steve Doniger said.
""[The park] offers an urban oasis, it's a place that has some green space on State"" said Doniger.
Owner of Smooth Transitions and former member of the Lisa Link Peace Park committee Carolyn Peckham said she wanted the park to be a place where people could enjoy the new green space.
""The park lends itself easily to performances, informal gatherings, and a place where people can simply enjoy the sun,"" Peckham said.
The implementation of an ATM was a controversial aspect of the park's design. The park's panhandlers were heavily affected because of a Madison ordinance prohibiting panhandling within 50 feet of an ATM.
Event attendee Diane Kuidera, of Madison, said the ATM extracts social settings for people who are disadvantaged.
""The city is under serving a large population by taking away their social network"" said Kuidera.
Doniger said anyone can use the park even though panhandling is not permitted.
""The ATM serves as a social agency that accommodates all guests,"" Doniger said.
Tom Link, son of Lisa Link, was present at the re-opening of the park. He gave a short speech about his mother's life and the role peace plays in having faith in the goodness of humanity.
