Dane County Parks to Begin Master Planning Process for Mendota County Park

October 21, 2015
Contact: Chris James, Park Planner, 608-224-3763
Land & Water Resources

Dane County Parks planning staff will begin working on a master plan that will propose future management, recreation use and park facility development for Mendota County Park.  The County currently owns approximately 19 acres within the recreation park boundary that is located in the Town of Westport at 5133 County Highway M along the north shore of Lake Mendota. 

 

“Mendota County Park is within walking distance to a very large population of County residents who may not have backyards or recreation spaces of their own, we are excited about exploring strategies to improve public awareness and connectivity to this park,” said Dane County Park Commission Chair Bill Lunney.

 

The park currently offers a 30 site campground, 5 boat camping sites, 2 picnic shelters, a playground, beach and small craft boat landing facility.  Mendota County Park is used extensively by ice anglers for lake access in the winter and by a variety of water recreation enthusiasts during the spring and summer. Camping is also very popular at the park Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Some of the potential improvements to the park that may be considered include restoration of the beach area and picnic shelters, improved shoreline access, park health and wellness facilities, ways to improve awareness and use by diverse populations, stormwater treatment improvements and enhancing bicycle/pedestrian access to the park.

 

“The 2016 budget proposes a water filtration system that will significantly improve water quality at the beach area of Mendota County Park and will provide for uninterrupted swimming opportunities throughout the summer,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.

 

A public information meeting to begin the planning process and gather input will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 7:00pm at the Town of Westport Kennedy Administration Building, 5387 Mary Lake Road, Waunakee, WI 53597

 

For further information about the upcoming meeting, contact Chris James, Dane County Parks at 608-224-3763 or james@countyofdane.com.

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