Dane County Eyes Additions for Two Popular County Parks
February 19, 2015
Joshua Wescott, Chief of Staff, 608-266-9069
County Executive
Proposed Land Acquisitions Would Expand Recreation, Water Access at Donald and Silverwood Parks
Dane County is looking to expand two popular parks, improving public access to water and enhancing trails, County Executive Joe Parisi announced today.
Through two separate land acquisitions, the county is proposing to add an 18 acre property to Donald County Park, located in the Town of Springdale in southwest Dane County, along with 15 acres on Rice Lake in the Town of Albion which is slated to become the newest part of Silverwood County Park.
“Adding onto Donald and Silverwood Parks with these purchases is consistent with our priorities of protecting water quality, improving public access to our lakes and streams and building upon the incredible successes and recreational offerings of our network of County Parks,” Parisi said.
The purchase on the southwest part of Donald County Park includes lands restored by the current owner into a prairie and will improve the network of trails that winds through the park. This acquisition will also allow for new public road frontage into the 700 acre park that is a popular destination for horseback riding, trout fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
The land slated for acquisition in the Town of Albion will add 15 acres to the north end of Silverwood Park and includes 1,000 feet of frontage on Rice Lake. An extensive master planning process for the future of Silverwood Park is currently underway, including evaluating potential opportunities to enhance the education, growth, and production of local foods. Silverwood Park was donated to Dane County in 2002 by Irene Silverwood.
The Dane County Board will consider resolution this evening authorizing the two acquisitions. The proposed purchase price for the property at Donald County Park is $243,000. The proposed acquisition adjacent to Silverwood County Park will cost $175,000.
###