City of Monroe Park & Open Space Plan 2020 – 2025
Prepared by: City of Monroe Staff
CITY OF MONROE – Parks & Open Space Plan --- DRAFT --- www.cityofmonroe.org
CITY OF MONROE – Parks & Open Space Plan --- DRAFT --- www.cityofmonroe.org
CITY OF MONROE – Parks & Open Space Plan --- DRAFT --- www.cityofmonroe.org
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS :
2019 City Council
Louis Armstrong, Mayor Brooke Bauman, Alderperson Mickey Beam, Alderperson Michael Boyce, Alderperson Joshua Binger, Alderperson Donna Douglas, Alderperson Robert Driver, Alderperson Tammy Fetterolf, Alderperson Kelly Hermanson, Alderperson Richard Thoman, Alderperson
2019 Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners
Brian Saugstad, President Emily Bartels Kelli Brunton Barb Gelbach Eric Losenegger Barb Moser Robert Driver Braden Rindy Reid Stangel
2019 City Plan Commission
Louis Armstrong, Mayor William Bethke, Commissioner Michael Boyce, Commissioner Luis Carus, Commissioner Nate Klassy, Commissioner Jeff Maliszewski, Commissioner Ron Spielman, Commissioner
Prepared By
Al Gerber, Director of Public Works Josh Trame, Parks & Forestry Supervisor Marge Klinzing, Recreation Director Matt Skibba, Recreation Supervisor Margie Johnson, Recreation Secretary
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... Pages 2-3
I. INTRODUCTION ...... Page 4
Purpose of Plan ...... Page 5
Definitions ...... Pages 5-6
II. PLANNING PROCESS ...... Page 7
III. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... Pages 8-10
IV. COMMUNITY AND PARK INVENTORY ...... Page 11
Population Demographics, Trends and Forecasts...... Page 11
1. Population Totals and Projections ...... Page 11 a. Table I ...... Page 11 b. Table II ...... Page 11 c. Table III ...... Page 11
2. Age Distribution ...... Page 12 a. Chart A ...... Page 12
3. Gender Distribution ...... Page 13 a. Chart B ...... Page 13
4. Racial Distribution ...... Page 13 a. Table IV ...... Page 13
5. Household Characteristics and Forecasts ...... Page 14 a. Chart C ...... Page 14
Park Classification System ...... Pages 15-16
Park Classifications - Acreage Breakdown ...... Page 17
Existing Recreational and Open Space in the Monroe Area ...... Page 17
Individual Park Descriptions ...... Pages 18-26
Schools & Other Recreation Facilities ...... Pages 26-27
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities ...... Pages 28-30
Historic Sites ...... Pages 30-32
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V. PARK AND FACILITY STANDARDS ...... Page 33
Acreage Standards ...... Page 33
Activity/Facility Standards ...... Page 34
State Needs Assessment by Area ...... Page 35
Public Input ...... Page 36
VI. FUNDING/IMPLEMENTATION ...... Page 37
Local Funding Sources ...... Page 37
Statewide and Federal Funding Sources ...... Pages 37-39
Regulatory Strategies ...... Pages 39-40
VII. APPENDICES ...... Pages 41-67
Appendix A: Maps Area Parks Area Schools
Appendix B: 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan
Appendix C: Park Facility Matrix
Appendix D: 2019 Parks & Open Space Survey Results
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I. INTRODUCTION:
Parks, recreation and open space are important elements in the quality of life for all communities. Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic and recreation benefits to our cities. They are also a source of positive economic benefits. They enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and workers and attract retirees. Along with expected leisure amenities, parks can also provide measurable health benefits, from providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment, to opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. A telephone survey conducted for the American Public Health Association found that 75 percent of adults believe parks and recreation must play an important role in addressing America's obesity crisis.
Monroe is home to sixteen (16) public parks. These parks have varying uses from scenic views for relaxation to fields for athletics. Additionally, the Badger State Trail and the Cheese Country Trail are two regional multi-purpose trails that pass through Monroe – connecting Monroe to nearby Madison and other smaller cities and villages. Through implementation of the City’s Park and Open Space Plan, the community has worked to best utilize these features through its public park system. The Park and Open Space Plan for the City of Monroe is an expression of the community’s goals and objectives, current and future needs and demands for recreational facilities. The intent of this document is to plan for the improvement and maintenance of Monroe’s recreational and open space resources by outlining a strategy to manage existing resources wisely and to develop new resources to meet future needs and demands.
Parks can serve a limited neighborhood area, a portion of the City or the entire community or region and provide area and facilities for outdoor recreation for residents and visitors. Open space can take the form of parks, greenbelts, wetlands and floodplains. Open space can also serve many functions for a community other than recreation, such as the following:
Preservation of scenic, cultural and natural resources Flood management Protecting the area’s water resources Buffering incompatible land uses
A well-designed parks and facilities plan should incorporate private as well as public open space areas in the community. The development and continual updating of a Parks Plan, such as this, becomes a valuable asset to a community and contributes to its stability and aesthetic appeal.
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Purpose of Plan
The specific purpose of this Plan is to guide the development and improvement of the City’s outdoor recreation facilities over the next five years in order to meet the recreational needs and demands of the local residents. It also provides a tool for evaluating progress being made within the City’s park system. It is not the intent of the plan, however, to restrict the use of parks in any way.
Policy decisions recommended by the City’s Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners, Board of Public Works, Plan Commission and City Council for park programs and improvements shall be guided by the goals and objectives, findings and recommendations of this adopted Plan.
Actual public policy decisions or choices are contingent on funding sources, new opportunities and ideas, changing growth patterns, budget priorities and changing community needs and desires. For this reason, the Plan should be reviewed annually and a detailed update should be completed every five years. Updating the Plan every five years is also a requirement of the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a community such as Monroe to stay eligible for matching governmental funds for parkland acquisition and facility improvements. But just as importantly, the City of Monroe needs to continue to set a course of action for improvement of its parks and outdoor recreation system.
Definitions
In order to more clearly understand this plan, it becomes necessary to define certain terms as they are used in the context of this report.
Service Areas The zone of influence of park or recreation service areas is usually determined by the average distance users are willing to travel to reach a facility. Although usually expressed in terms of service radius, it must be remembered that features such as major traffic arteries and rivers influence the distance users must travel. Also, a park or recreation area may be unique in the county or region and will therefore extend the zone of influence of that facility to the entire county or region. Where service areas are not influenced by the other factors, the zone of influence is generally considered as follows:
Mini parks (tot lots) ⅛ to ¼ mile radius Neighborhood parks ¼ to ½ mile radius Community parks 1 mile radius Single/special purpose park encompasses entire municipality
Play Structure A play system which incorporates a variety of functions such as slides, climbing bars, suspended platforms, and railing interconnected in one unit. Structures are usually sized for preschool and elementary users with structure height and apparatus complexity being the determining criteria.
Mini-Parks – Tot Lots Mini-parks provide open space for passive and some active recreation opportunities within a limited walking distance of primary users. Average area size ranges from 1000 sq. ft. to one acre.
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Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks are designed to provide both active and passive short-term recreation activities. The primary user ranges from 5 to 15 years of age. However, informal recreation opportunities cater to groups of all ages. The service area of one-quarter mile radius includes the entire neighborhood, with some neighborhood overflow if features are unique. The average neighborhood park serves from 500 to 2500 population. Neighborhood parks commonly range from 5-10 acres in size.
Community Park This type of park is designed to serve several neighborhoods while minimizing park travel distance. Though community parks are designed to accommodate all age groups, most activities cater to the active recreation needs of junior/senior high school students and adults. Although size is not always a sound criterion for classifying parks, it is generally recognized that community parks are more spacious than neighborhood parks or playgrounds. Community parks have an effective service radius of 1 mile and can serve from 2500 to 20,000 population. Most community parks have an average size of between 20-35 acres.
Open Space/Conservancy Parks In addition to providing numerous recreational experiences, these types of parks can protect environmental quality and act as land use buffers. They also help break up development congestion and provide aesthetic quality. Most Open Space/Conservancy Parks contain natural areas such as woodlands, floodplains, wetlands, rock outcroppings, and scenic views. Though no set standard exists, several communities use a ratio of 1 acre/1000 population as a basis to project community demand.
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II. PLANNING PROCESS:
The planning process for this Plan began with a meeting between the people preparing the document. Past Plans were reviewed for relevance in the present time. Using the Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Community Assistance, the planning group was able to put together a tentative outline for the document. As a result, the following timeline was prepared regarding sections of the document:
2019-2020 Tentative Outline
May 13 – July 19, 2019. Prepare a Community Survey and make available on City website and notify residents via e-mail and social media to provide input and attend listening sessions.
October 16th – Draft to Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners Meeting
November 13th – Draft to Plan Commission Meeting
November 20th – Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners Final Recommendation
December 11th – Plan Commission Final Recommendation
December 16th – City Council Reading
Previous Plans
The last adopted Parks & Open Space Plan covered years 1996-2001. Significant changes to the park system have occurred since the last plan. Draft revisions to the plan were made in 2008 and assisted in capital budget planning decisions.
Process for Amendments
The City of Monroe Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department should revisit this plan at least once annually to determine if amendments should be brought to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.
Recommended amendments to this Plan can be brought by community members to the City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department for presentation to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, or by staff of the City of Monroe Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners. In these instances, amendments can be made as needed.
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III. GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Monroe’s Park and Open Space Plan will serve as a vital element of Monroe’s Master Plan. It must, therefore, support the overall objectives for community development, growth and services. The following goals and objectives are presented to help guide decision making to reflect community values.
Goals are general statements of desirable ends while objectives are measurable statements of desirable ends. Objectives are usually specific but, at all times, they are in harmony with stated goals. As a community’s desire and needs change, so too must its goals and objectives. Goals and objectives should be continuously refined and revised.
Goal 1: Maintain and, when needed, increase the inclusivity of recreational activities.
Objectives:
1. Improve existing recreational infrastructure to become fully accessible. Strategy: Evaluate the existing facilities to locate any potential accessibility issues. Strategy: Calculate the parking needs at all recreational facilities.
2. Continue to offer a wide variety of options for all skill, age and ability levels.
3. Provide financial support when necessary to ensure that all can participate, such as voucher program for families in need.
4. Determine the type and quantity of additional athletic fields necessary. Strategy: Conduct a needs assessment to understand park and trail demand in the city, and identify where these may be located. Strategy: Explore using athletic facilities in nearby communities. Strategy: Identify funding sources for athletic fields, including new public-private partnerships
Goal 2: Use parks and recreation to improve overall community health and wellness.
Objectives:
1. Use parks to support mental, behavioral and spiritual well-being of city residents. Strategy: Construct or dedicate space for more gardens. Strategy: Incorporate community area into gardens and parks. Strategy: Market, inform and communicate the many different functions of city parks. Strategy: Use park space and natural areas for outdoor classrooms.
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Goal 3: Increase recreational trail usability and connectivity.
Objectives:
1. Increase safety at trail crossings and major intersections. Strategy: Determine which intersections pose the most danger to users and what factors make them dangerous. Strategy: Explore new crossing options at dangerous intersections, such as lighted crosswalk signage, a tunnel or a bridge.
2. Ensure that the public is aware of the existing trails. Strategy: Develop maps that identify where the multi-use trails are. Strategy: Improve signage for the trails on city streets. Strategy: Market the trails as economic development and tourism assets. Strategy: Host programs or events with the specific intent of bringing awareness to parks and recreational opportunities.
3. Improve trail-to-trail connectivity Strategy: Identify and map where the trails should connect if no connection currently exists. Strategy: Determine the particular parcels of land that are needed in order to create connectivity, and explore methods for purchasing or using the land. Strategy: Construct additional parking, restrooms, shelters and camping facilities for trail users.
Goal 4: Repurpose existing land to increase the number of parks and athletic fields to meet current demands.
Objectives:
1. Create pocket-parks throughout the community Strategy: Require new multi-unit developments outside of the central business district to provide open space for the residents. Strategy: Add landscaping and open space along the side of the Badger State Trail between 22nd Ave and 14th Ave leading to Twining Park. Strategy: Repurpose the city-owned land around the bike path, east of 18th Ave. as a park.
2. Use existing under-used land as practice and recreational athletic fields. Strategy: Investigate the potential to use the Green County Fair Grounds during the off- season for recreational athletic fields. Strategy: Use a portion of Twining Park for a permanent athletic field. Strategy: Determine the parking and other amenities required for new athletic fields.
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Goal 5: Take advantage of culture and activity on the square
Objectives:
1. Create public spaces near the Square on underused or vacant lots.
Strategy: Investigate the potential for eliminating parking on one side of the inner circle of the Square, making a pedestrian-only area for the community to meet, along with the addition of public restrooms. Strategy: Determine a public use for the two lots south of the middle school currently owned by the City.
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IV. COMMUNITY AND PARK INVENTORY:
Population and Demographic Trends and Forecasts
1. Population Totals and Projections
The 2010 population in Monroe, according to the Census Bureau was 10,843. The 2015 Wisconsin Department of Administration projection was 10,710. The total population of Monroe has increased 25% between 1970 (8,654) and 2010 (10,827), but has remained stagnant between 2000 (10,843) and 2010 with 0.3% decrease. It is expected that the total population will increase 2.5% between 2010 and 2040. Wide Population totals are outlined in Table I, while percentage of change is listed in Table II.
TABLE I: Population 1960-2020
Census Census Census Census Census Census Projection Projection 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020 8,050 8,654 10,027 10,241 10,843 10,807 10,710
TABLE II: Population Change, 1960-2020
1960 - 1970 1970 - 1980 1980 - 1990 1990 - 2000 2000 - 2010 2010 – 2015 2015-2020
8% 16% 2% 6% 0% -1%
TABLE III: Change in Housing Units – City of Monroe 1960-2010
Housing Units Total 1960 (U.S. Census) 520 1970 (U.S. Census) 802 1980 (U.S. Census) 481 1990 (U.S. Census) 578 2000 (U.S. Census) 138 2010 (U.S. Census) 76
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2. Age Distribution
The age distribution is changing in Monroe – becoming an increasingly older community. In 1970, 8% of the total population was 75 years and over. In 2010, that same age group encompassed 11% of the total population. Conversely, in 1970, 34% of the total population was under 19 years old. In 2010, it had decreased to 25% for population of 19 years and under.
Chart A - Monroe Age Distribution
1000 800 600 400
200 Citizens of Number 0 Under 5 to 9 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 to 30 to 35 to 40 to 45 to 50 to 55 to 60 to 65 to 70 to 75 to 80 to 85 5 years 14 19 24 29 34 39 44 49 54 59 64 69 74 79 84 years years years years years years years years years years years years years years years years years and Age over
. Number of Percentage of Age Citizens Population
Under 5 years 690 6.4
5 to 9 years 668 6.2
10 to 14 years 653 6 15 to 19 years 673 6.2 20 to 24 years 615 5.7 25 to 29 years 728 6.7 30 to 34 years 607 5.6
35 to 39 years 628 5.8 40 to 44 years 635 5.9 45 to 49 years 791 7.3 50 to 54 years 768 7.1 55 to 59 years 733 6.8
60 to 64 years 605 5.6
65 to 69 years 442 4.1 70 to 74 years 410 3.8 75 to 79 years 397 3.7 80 to 84 years 380 3.5 85 years and over 404 3.7
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3. Gender Distribution
In looking at Monroe’s population by gender, the chart below shows that gender is distributed relatively equally. Approximately 5,182 residents are male and 5,645 are female.
CHART B
MONROE GENDER DISTRIBUTION
Male, 47.9, 48% Female, 52.1, 52%
4. Racial Distribution
According to the 2010 Census, the majority of Monroe’s residents are of a white racial heritage. Hispanic or Latino is Monroe’s second largest racial group, comprising 4.9% of the population. Black or African Americans make up Monroe’s third largest racial group with 0.6% of the population. See Table IV for a complete listing of the racial heritages of Monroe’s residents.
TABLE IV: Racial Distribution
Number Percent White 10,261 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, any Race 526 4.9% Black or African American 62 0.6% American Indian & Alaska Native 19 0.2% Asian 76 0.7% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 3 0% Some other Race 283 2.6% Two or More Races 123 1.1%
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5. Household Characteristics and Forecasts
The majority of Monroe residents own their homes (58.4%), compared to these renting housing units (41.6%), according to the 2010 Census Bureau. The average household size of owner-occupied units is 2.19. According to the 2010 Census, Monroe had 4,793 households with a forecast of 5,254 by 2040.
Chart C:
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Park Classification System
The following classification system is intended to serve as a guide to planning. Services offered by parks, in terms of range of uses, convenience of location, user needs and the park’s physical environmental limitations, should be of primary concern in the selection and placement of recreational facilities, not park size. The determination of real community needs and future actions addressing those needs must also take into consideration the use of existing school facilities and open spaces not within the park system.
Component Use Service Area Desirable Characteristics Mini-Park Mini Parks or “Pocket Less than ¼-mile Within neighborhoods and Parks” are typically radius in close proximity to smaller in size (<1 acre) apartment complexes, and serve concentrated townhouse developments or a limited population or housing for the elderly. less than ¼ mile service radius. These parks focus on passive recreation and typically do not offer off street parking.
Neighborhood Neighborhood Parks are ¼ to ½-mile radius to The park will typically Park/Playground defined as parks that serve a population up have areas for organized serve the recreational to 5,000 (a recreational activities, such and social needs of the neighborhood) as field games and court adjoining residential games, and un-organized neighborhood, with a activities, such as focus on informal active picnicking, playground and passive recreation. activities and apparatus and open play areas.
Community Park A Community park is Several Community park sites are defined as a larger park neighborhoods. 1 to larger than neighborhood serving broader 2-mile radius. parks in order to recreational needs than accommodate the various a neighborhood park. facilities. 20 acres of Though a community usable area is considered park can also function to be a minimum size. as a neighborhood park, Sites must be suited for a community park intense development and provides diverse and should be easily accessible more intensely used to the community. recreational facilities such as multiple fields and ball diamonds
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(sometimes lighted for night play), swimming pool, tennis courts or any combination of facilities. The types of facilities in a community park are reflective of the demands and desires of the community. Special Use Parks/Boat These parks are areas Launches that are primarily for specialized or single purpose recreational activities such as golf courses, nature centers, conservancies, display gardens, downhill ski areas, archaeological and historic sites, plazas or squares in commercial districts, boulevards and parkways. These parks may include an area of unique natural amenity for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, fishing or boating.
Open Protection and No applicable Variable, depending on the Space/Conservancy management of the standard. resource being protected. Areas natural/cultural environment with recreation use as a secondary objective. Source: NRPA’s Recreation, Park, and Open Space Standards and Guidelines
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Park Classifications Mini Parks Acres (A) Water Tower Play Lot .7 A Advance Play Lot .7 A Valley View Park .6 A Badger State Trailhead .8 A Neighborhood Parks Acres (A) Northeast Park 6.0 A Lincoln Park 1.5 A East School Park/ Reasa Memorial 1.6 A Sunset West Park 1.6 A Monroe Dog Park 2.6 A Community Parks Acres (A) Twining Park 46.0 A Recreation Park 12.0 A Honey Creek Park 23.0 A Open Space/Conservation Acres (A) Forest Prairie Park 90 A Park Place Wetland 11.0 A Special Use Park Garage/Wayside 3.0 A Cheese Country Trail/ATV Lot 1.5 A
EXISTING RECREATIONAL AND OPEN SPACE IN MONROE
City of Monroe Properties Neighborhood Parks 13.3 A Community Parks 81 A Open Space 101 A Private and Public Facilities Monroe High School 18 A Monroe Middle School 2.75 A Abe Lincoln Elementary School 13 A Northside Elementary School 17 A Parkside Elementary School 10 A St. Victors Elementary School .66 A Green County Family YMCA 8.75 A Specialized Recreation Areas Monroe Country Club 113 A
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INDIVIDUAL PARK DESCRIPTIONS
Advance Playlot – 2205 5th Avenue – Mini Park
Advance Playlot is a .7 acre park located in a residential area located just a few blocks west of Highway 69. This park is flat with some trees providing shade for those who use it. There is playground equipment available. Only on-street parking available at Advance Playlot. Code NP/P
Future improvements:
- Improve landscaping/drainage
East School Park/Reasa Memorial – 2202 9th Street – Neighborhood Park
This neighborhood park consists of 1.5 acres and is located just a few blocks west of the Green County Fairgrounds and a few blocks east of 20th Avenue. East School Park consists of playground apparatus, a shelter with picnic tables, a basketball half-court with two hoops, an unmanicured ball field and open space. This park is a very popular spot for people to watch the Cheese Days Parade. There used to be a school at this site, and it was removed to create more open space and is a very popular park. There is no parking lot available, on-street parking only. The topography is very flat, and there are few mature trees. There are no reservations taken for this shelter area. This is a “first come, first served” area. Code NP/P
Future Improvements:
- Repair & Resurface basketball court - Repair or remove existing ball field backstop
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Forest Prairie Park – N3100 Forest Prairie Road Open Space/Conservation
This beautiful 90-acre conservation park is located just outside Monroe’s corporate limits, two miles northeast of the City (adjacent to the Monroe Municipal Airport – South of Highway 59. Due to its location, it is unable to satisfy any significant amount of demand for neighborhood, community, or citywide parks. However, it is commonly used for some forms of specialized recreation activities. Forest Prairie Park has 5 miles of mowed and manicured trails that are available for people to hike and cross country ski. This is also a wonderful place to walk your dog(s) as they are permitted here. Amenities include nature trail, picnic areas and cross country Skiing. There are five miles of marked hiking and cross-country ski trails. The local F.F.A. chapter has planted several thousand hardwood seedlings in the park. Code: G/C
Future Improvements:
- Control invasive plants - Develop management plan
Monroe Dog Park – 120 North 29th Avenue – Neighborhood Park
The new Monroe Dog Park is a 2.6-acre fenced area in the north business district where dogs are allowed to play off leash. The dog park is divided into two sections: a two-acre large dog area for dogs over 30 pounds and a one-half acre small dog area that is reserved for dogs smaller than 30 pounds. Exercise and agility equipment have been added to both sections. A drinking fountain for dogs & owners is available during the spring, summer & fall months. The Monroe Dog Park is open to registered members only. Code: NP/P
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Honey Creek Park – 1000 4th Avenue West – Community Park
This 23-acre community park is located on Monroe’s far west side of town and is named after the creek that runs along its northern edge. This community park is separated into five different and distinct areas; a skate park, a shelter and playground area, a ball field, soccer fields and a conservancy/ nature trail area. Recent improvements include concrete work done at the shelter house, a library story walk has been added to the open trails and an extra parking lot has been paved to help meet the needs of the public. The shelter is frequently rented during the spring, summer and fall months, and consists of 16 picnic tables a grill and restrooms. The park is home to the Monroe High School Soccer teams, as well as Monroe Rebels Soccer. Code: C/CP
Future Improvements:
- Improve ADA accessibility to soccer fields - Mill and overlay park roadway and first parking lot - Install basketball court - Extend the existing Oak Woodland Prairie - Improve baseball field - Replace shelter roof
Lincoln Park – 1900 15th Avenue – Neighborhood Park
Lincoln Park is a centralized neighborhood located a half mile north from Monroe High School. The proximity to multiple schools, as well as its location, make it the most used neighborhood park in the city. The topography is generally flat, with many mature oak trees providing ample shade and a wonderful area to relax and recreate. The park has a large reservable shelter with 20 picnic tables, two separate playground structures and open space for field games. Restrooms and drinking water are also available. Lincoln Park, despite heavy use, is well maintained and is an asset to the city’s appeal. The shelter would be used more frequently if it had wheelchair accessibility. Code: NP/P
Future Improvements:
- Improve ADA accessibility to shelter and restrooms
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th Northeast Park – 2700 5 Street – Neighborhood Park______
Northeast Park, Monroe’s largest neighborhood park at 6.0 acres, is located near the Green County Sheriff’s Department on the northeast side of town, just south of Highway 11. This site was acquired in 1976 using DNR matching funds and has been developed and upgraded since then. The park includes three lighted tennis courts, lighted Little League/Softball Field, playground structures, volleyball area, a picnic shelter building with 16 picnic tables and restrooms, paved walkway with park benches and a sledding hill. There is also a paved parking lot and walkway. Code: NP/P
Future Improvements:
- Replace access road to the shelter - Sealcoat tennis court surface - Replace tennis court fencing - Replace tennis court lighting - Replace bleachers - Replace ball field fencing - Concrete dugouts and equipment box areas - Improve ADA accessibility trails to park - Playground additions & improvements
Park Department Garage and Wayside – 1048 6th Avenue – Special Use
The city parks department garage and wayside is located on the city’s west side adjacent to Highway 69 and serves a rest are for both residents and visitors. The area is landscaped and provides three picnic tables, a grill and a parking lot. Code NP/P
Future Improvements:
- Sealing of parking lot - Update lighting - Replace roof - Replace concrete approach to garage - Replace garage doors - Replace asphalt near garage entrance
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Recreation Park – 1700 22nd Avenue – Community Park
At 12.0 acres, Recreation Park may be Monroe’s smallest Community Park, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in amenities. Located just north of the Monroe Golf Club, next to Lake Francis, this community park is a very popular park and serves a large portion of the city’s population. The topography is flat with some mature trees providing ample shade, this park is fully developed with two shelters available for reservation (one with restrooms), a full-size manicured ball field, four tennis courts used by the public, the recreation department and the MHS tennis teams and horse shoe pits. To go along with that, Recreation Park also contains a large wooden community-built Swiss A.L.P.S. Playground. The playground is designed for children 1½ to 12 years of age. The park is also home to an outdoor Olympic sized swimming pool with a special diving and drop slide area. The pool complex also provides a wading pool area. Code: C/CP
Future Improvements:
- South shelter roof replacement - Sealcoat tennis court surface - Remove or repurpose basketball court area - Replace roof on service garage - Replace ball field lighting - Update electrical on service garage - Replace ball field fencing
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Municipal Pool – Located within Recreation Park
The Monroe Municipal Pool is located on the northwest edge of Recreation Park, 1700 22nd Avenue. Open 7 days a week during the summer, it offers a variety of services including: large Olympic sized pool; wading pool with zero depth entrance for children 7 and under; giant water slide; parent/child swim lessons; preschool swim lessons; private & public swim lessons; swim lessons for individuals with special needs; adult lap swim lanes; family/toy night; and special events in June and July. Pool admission options include: Individual or family season passes; daily admission; deck pass; night swim; group rate; and punch pass. There are various swim meets held throughout the summer. The pool is also available for private pool parties on Saturdays and Sundays.
Future Improvements:
- Recoat waterslide - Replace expansion joints on main pool - Update bathhouse sinks, toilets and showers - Paint main pool - Bathhouse floor repairs - Replace concrete decking as needed - Replace gutter and upper wall on main pool - Replace tile and plaster on Wading & Plunge - Repair waterslide start tower platform - Replace drop slide
Sunset West Park – 401 3rd Avenue – Neighborhood Park
Sunset West Park is a flat, 1.6 acre neighborhood park, located just south of Highway 11 and west of Highway 69 on Monroe’s Northwest side. It consists of a smaller shelter area with picnic tables, open green space and a picnic area.
Future Improvements:
- Add restrooms - Sealcoat walking trail
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Twining Park – 425 14th Avenue – Community Park
Spanning 49 acres, Twining Park is located on the northern side of Monroe, just south of the Green County YMCA. The park is named after General Twining, a local resident, and is Monroe’s largest and most popular community park. The topography is generally flat with many mature trees of various species and the beginnings of Honey Creek running the entire width, from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. Twining Park features an F860 Sabre Jet on permanent display as a monument. Although the entire acreage of this citywide park has been beautifully landscaped, only a part has been developed for intensive recreational uses. With its numerous amenities, this park is in use year-round, and is busy Monday through Sunday for the majority of that time. There are three reservable shelters, two of which have restrooms, as well as a beautiful bandshell area that is used for city concerts, weddings, theatre performances, etc. The newest upgrade to this park is the South Shelter which was completed and open for use in the fall of 2017. The South Shelter features a serving area with a concession window, refrigerator, sink and countertop space, making it very popular for graduation parties and family reunions. Other newer additions to this park are a full-size batting cage, an outdoor exercise area and a beautiful 18-hole disc golf course that is used year-round. The full list of amenities includes three shelter buildings, a band shell, two tennis courts, a basketball court, two lighted ball fields, two separate playground areas, a concession stand, three paved parking areas, a paved walkway one-half mile in length with one rest shelter, five horseshoe courts, four lighted sand volleyball courts, batting cage and an exercise/fitness course. Restrooms are provided in the shelter building in the center of the park. Restrooms are available in the band shell and there is also a restroom building near the North Shelter House. Code: C/CP
Future Improvements:
- Reconstruct and resurface west parking lot - Repair and overlay Kiwanis walking trail - Improve ADA accessibility to ball fields - Add irrigation for ball fields - Replace storage building west of the jet - Replace ball field lighting - Replace roof on garage, West & North shelters - Replace ball field fencing - Replace bandshell seating - Sealcoat tennis courts - Update bandshell lighting - Replace volleyball lighting - Update bandshell restrooms - Improve fitness area drainage - Add splash pad at Twining or other suitable park
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Valley View Park – 2701 2nd Avenue – Mini Park
Valley View park is located in a residential area at 2701 2nd Avenue, right next to the Badger State Trail. The park covers 0.7 acres and the topography is flat with no mature trees. There is playground equipment.
Future Improvements:
- Provide access to Badger State Trail
Water Tower Play Lot – 2416 5th Street – Mini Park
At 0.7 acres, located on Monroe’s northside, just a block east of the Monroe Clinic, Water Tower Park serves as a neighborhood playground by providing a small playground apparatus. The lawn is well manicured and tree cover is adequate to provide partial screening of lower parts of the water tower. A picnic table and grill are also provided for neighborhood residents. Code: M-P
Future Improvements:
- Replace playground equipment - Replace playground surfacing
Cheese Country Trail/ATV Lot – At intersection of 21st Street & 4th Avenue West – Special use
The Cheese County Multiple-Use Recreational Trail – ATV lot is the southern point of a 47-mile long trail traversing parts of three counties. The trail runs from Monroe to Mineral Point. The ATV lot consists of a parking area for trail users.
Future Improvements:
- Improve landscaping - Expand parking lot - Pave parking lot - Addition of restrooms
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Badger State Trailhead – 460 14th Avenue – Mini Park
The Badger State Trailhead shelter was completed in 2014 and acts a stopping point for trail users. The Badger State Trail travels 40 miles from Madison to the Illinois boarder and connects to the Capital City, Military Ridge and Sugar River state trails and the Madison bikeway system. At the Illinois border, the Badger State Trail connects to the Jane Addams Trail which continues to Freeport, IL.
Future improvements:
- Addition of signage - Addition of trail maps - Addition of native plants
Park Place Wetland – East of 12th Avenue – Open Space/Conservation
Located north of Twining Park east of 12th Avenue, the 11-acre wetland area consisting of a pond, natural areas and two benches. The wetland area is currently threatened by invasive species.
Future Improvements:
- Remove invasive plants - Improve pond smell - Create a natural/living fence to reduce the mess left by geese and ducks
SCHOOLS & OTHER RECREATION FACILITIES
Monroe Public School Recreation Facilities
Monroe Middle School (2.75 acres) The Middle School has two areas for use as physical education sites and for community recreation activities. The first site was formerly occupied by Lincoln Elementary School (burned) and the second site is adjacent to Lincoln field. The park is fenced with chain-link fencing and provides a sod field open space games. Code: NP/P
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (13 acres) This site is located on the city’s south side. Occupancy of the school began in April, 1978. The site contains playground equipment, four picnic tables, softball backstop, basketball backboards, a one-mile fitness course and a large blacktop area with painted surface markings. Code: NP/P
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Northside Elementary School (17 acres) Most of this neighborhood playground acreage is undeveloped open grass space. However, it does contain two basketball courts, playground apparatus and small unimproved ball field. This area has potential for further recreational development. Code: NP/P
Parkside Elementary School (10 acres) The site contains two playground areas, basketball backboards with blacktop play areas and playground equipment designed for younger elementary students. Code: NP/P
Monroe Senior High School Recreation Area (18 acres) A large portion of the school’s outdoor recreation acreage is fenced and accessible to the public. The estimated 18 acres that are available contain four tennis courts, a football field, baseball field and eight lane 400-meter track. Code: C/CP
Private School Recreation Facilities
St. Victor’s Catholic Grade School (0.66 acre) This privately-owned neighborhood playground is not open for public use, but the basketball court is. The basketball court, which also serves as a parking lot, is cement surfaced. The playground apparatus has a sand base. The space remaining is used for children’s games. Code: NP/P
Other Private Recreation Facilities
Monroe Golf Club (acreage not applicable) Opened in 1923, this beautiful par 70, 18 Hole Private Golf Course shows its maturity with tree guarded fairways and greens laid out over the rolling hills of southern Green County in Monroe, Wisconsin. With 6,243 yards of golf from the longest tees, you will encounter many water features showcased throughout. Our undulated greens are fast and bunkering is exceptional. With a course rating of 70.2 and a slope rating of 126, a most challenging round of golf awaits. Club amenities include a fully stocked golf pro shop, a full-service lounge & bar, a fine dining restaurant, and banquet hall facilities that host indoor & outdoor events up to 200 guests. The club does allow reciprocal play, as well as Outside Golf Outings on certain weekdays.
Green County Family YMCA. The Green County Family YMCA is dedicated to its mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Adult and youth recreational opportunities include preschool programs, swim instruction, gymnastics, soccer, football, basketball, senior fitness and teen recreation.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
Hikers, bikers, skiers, snowmobilers, swimmers, campers, fishermen and boaters find a multitude of opportunities to enjoy recreational activities in Monroe and Green County. Lush, rolling hills, beautiful woods, lakes, rivers and many recreation trails welcome nature lovers and sports enthusiasts to enjoy all the area has to offer each season of the year.
Badger State Trail The Badger State Trail is a “Rails to Trails” trail extending 40 miles from Madison, WI to the Illinois state line intended for bicycles and hikers during warm months and snowmobiles and very limited ATV use during the winter. Flashlights and jackets are recommended for navigation through the Stewart Railroad Tunnel, near Monticello.
Trail Facts: Distance: 40 miles Communities: Madison, Fitchburg, Basco, Belleville, Monticello, Monroe & Clarno Admission: State Trail Pass required for bicycling and in-line skating Directions: Monroe has a new trailhead adjacent to Twining Park with restrooms, picnic tables & parking lot. Monticello: The Badger trail connects with the Sugar River trail just south of the Sugar River trail rest area in Monticello. Parking is available at the rest area near County Highways C and EE.
Cheese Country Recreation Trails Hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding are enjoyed during the warm-weather months, and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular during the winter on this 47-mile groomed trail.
Named the Cheese Country Recreation Trail because it winds through the heart of southern Wisconsin’s cheese country from Monroe to Mineral Point, it follows an abandoned railroad bed along the Pecatonica River and is the only multi-use trail in southern Wisconsin.
Tall Prairie grass, majestic woods, river valleys and streams, wildflowers, wildlife, beautifully contoured fields and grazing farm animals are all part of the unforgettable views and adventures that await visitors and users of this trail.
Use by snowmobilers, skiers and hikers is permitted December through March; ATVs, mini bikes, bicycles, hiking and horseback riding are permitted April through November 15. The trail is closed during deer hunting season each year from November 15 to 30. For more information, contact Cheese Country Trail, Monroe Depot, Monroe, WI 53566. The Monroe Depot has information regarding the trail, user permits, fees and bike rentals. Rest stop facilities and parking are available at the Depot.
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Alpine Trails Numerous secondary hiking and biking paths, known as Alpine Trails, connect the Cheese Country Recreation Trail with the Sugar River State Trail throughout Green County. The Ice Age Trail which spans almost all of the state of Wisconsin from east to west, follows the glacier ridge through a portion of the Sugar River Trail and Green County and offers hikers, bikers and naturalists special adventures.
Sugar River State Trail Biking, hiking, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing through Green Country are unbelievable experiences on the 23.5-mile Sugar River State Trail. Beginning at trail headquarters in the 100-year-old former train depot in New Glarus, the trail follows an abandoned rail bed near the Sugar River through lush Green County farmland and crosses trestle bridges and streams. From New Glarus, where bikers and hikers may purchase passes and arrange for a shuttle driver to take their vehicle to any point along the trail, the trail passes through Monticello and Albany, before it ends at Brodhead. Sports enthusiasts may enter or exit the trail at any point. A State Trail Pass is required for use of this trail and single, five-speed and tandem bikes can be rented at the tail headquarters.
The Monroe in-Town Trail The in-town snowmobile trail weaves from 9th Street to 8th Avenue, heads north past Pleasant View Complex to Monticello, where it meets the Sugar River Trail.
Pleasant View Complex Trail This snowmobile trail leaves the Complex, connects with the railroad bed near Patterson Road, travels through Juda, then turns north to the Sugar River Trail.
Rivers The Sugar River travels along Green Country’s eastern border and the Pecatonica River, which runs along the County’s western border, offer canoeists, anglers and nature lover’s superb outings. Canoes may be rented at various points along the rivers.
State Parks in Green County
Browntown Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area Just east of Browntown on Highway 11. Cadiz Springs State Park is a wilderness park that attracts thousands of visitors annually to enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking and relaxing on the beach. This park is for day use only; no camping is allowed.
New Glarus Woods State Park Just south of New Glarus on Highway 69 South. The park offers a scenic wonderland for hikers to view natural prairie habitats, oak and walnut orchards along a number of marked and groomed trails. Group and single campsites are available
. Camping Green County Fairgrounds 25th Avenue between 9th and 13th Streets, Monroe. Open May 1 to October 1, this state-licensed facility is equipped with a dumping station and electrical water hook-ups are available.
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Golfing
Windy Acres Golf Course N1005 County K Monroe (608) 325-3240 9-hole public golf course
Monroe Golf Club 2205 21st Street Monroe (608) 325-3157 18-hole private golf course
Edelweiss Chalet Country Club W4764 Edelweiss Road New Glarus (608) 527-2315 18-hole public golf course
Decatur Lake Country Club N3941 Golf Course Road Brodhead (608) 897-2777 18-hole public golf course
PROFILE OF MONROE HISTORIC SITES
Ludlow Mansion The Ludlow Mansion is located at 1421 Mansion Drive. It is named for Arabut Ludlow, a Wisconsin pioneer and founder of the first bank and general merchandise store in Monroe. Built in 1857, the Mansion has undergone periodic interior remodeling and some additions. There are two fireplaces of Italian marble in the Gold room, the former drawing room of the home. This National Register building now functions as a private home which leases suites to local interns.
Green County Courthouse Located on the Central Square, it is a distinctive example of Romanesque architectural design built in 1891. The Circuit Courtroom on the second floor has two rare murals by Franz Rohrbeck of Berlin, Germany; restored in 1930. The Courthouse is surrounded by a historical business district. There are many sights in Monroe including the Monroe Commercial District and parts of some neighboring blocks which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Green County Historical Museum Located at 1617 Ninth Street, the museum is housed in the former Universalist Church, built in 1861. A tall spire was later built on the ground and hoisted up and attached to the building in 1864. The Bethel country school constructed in 1868 was moved to the site in 1971 and is also open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months.
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Turner Hall Destroyed by fire on September 16, 1936, Turner Hall was so important to this community that talk of rebuilding was underway before the flames died down. The Swiss Chalet style building at 1217 17th Avenue is the scene of many social functions, dances, Swiss Gymnastics Club, Swiss & American Lodges and a unique tourist attraction.
Monroe Arts Center Located at 1315 Eleventh Street, the Monroe Arts Center is in the restored 1869 Methodist Church and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers performances by internationally-acclaimed musicians and performers. An addition completed in 2016 allowed space for offices, art galleries, a gift shop and classroom space. A glass walkway links this area to the original building. Monroe Arts Center hosts a variety of performances, as well as visual art exhibits of national and international acclaim.
Judge James Bintliff 723 18th Avenue, a Gothic Revival house constructed of painted brick, is one of Monroe’s earliest and most interesting homes. It is believed to have been built in 1853 or 1854 and is listed on the National Register.
The Octagon House The Octagon House of General Francis H. West, 1410 17th Avenue is a unique design and outstanding among Monroe’s older homes. A cluster of four octagonal areas is topped by an octagonal cupola, with a more traditional wing to the east. It is also on the National Register.
C.D Hulbert Home C.D Hulbert home, 1205 13th Avenue, was built in 1878 in Second Empire French style. This is a small but very individually styled house, with keystoned brick arches over windows and entrance. There is a ginkgo tree in the front yard. Also listed on the National Register.
Moulton-Thorpe House Moulton-Thorpe house, 1403 14th Avenue, of Gothic Revival architecture has pointed windows with elaborate etching, and projecting bays. It is believed to have been built in the 1850’s and was restored in the late 1960’s.
Ezra Parker Treat House Ezra Parker Treat lived in Orono, Penobscot County, Maine during the California Gold Rush era. The lure of gold enticed him and his brothers to build a ship and set sail for California where he “struck it rich”. Returning to settle in Monroe, he erected an eclectic Victorian style home typical of the home in Maine. This Greek Revival home at 1421 14th Avenue features elaborate Italianate ornamentation and a sweeping veranda. The shuttered Victorian interior has been restored and furnished with numerous Treat family furnishings. Treat’s block, located on the square’s northwest side stands as one of the reminders of the Treat family’s commercial enterprises.
Frank Chenoweth House If you are captivated by San Francisco style architecture, savor the flavor of this stately home erected by Frank Chenoweth in 1888-1889. Located at 2004 10th St, the most prominent feature is the three-story tower with dormer windowed spire. Interior rooms retain the plaster frieze ornamentation of floral relief, beautiful parquetry floors, cut and colored glass window panels and a winding staircase leading to exquisite bedrooms and a tower ballroom. The Chenoweth home was the first to receive electricity in Monroe. A balastraded veranda and carriage house in the rear remain unchanged.
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The Historic Lincoln Park Water Tower Built in 1889, the Historic Water Tower is located in Lincoln Park, 1900 15th Avenue. The first settlers came to Monroe in the 1830s. The community grew, adding a sawmill and other small industries. The railroad came in 1858, and Monroe incorporated as a village the same year. In 1870, a fire department was organized - a major public service - but its source of water wasn't much better than a bucket brigade. In May 1889, W.H. Wheeler of Beloit offered to drill a well and build a "water works" for Monroe. The city council approved the project, agreeing to fund it if Wheeler would operate the system. Work commenced, but after some snags, Wheeler took on the city's responsibilities in exchange for a 20-year franchise to operate the water system. The project accelerated and by the end of 1889, the well was drilled, the water tower was up and water lines were laid. A successful test was conducted on New Year's Day of 1890.
The National Historic Cheesemaking Center Located on the southwest corner of Hwy 69 South and 21st Street, this Historic Cheesemaking Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and showcasing our country’s Cheesemaking history, from the dairy farmers to the cheese marketers and every stage between. More than a museum, the Historic Cheesemaking Center is an important resource for both education and information. The Imobersted farmstead cheese factory began as a family operation in the late 1800’s by Alfred and Anna Imobersted, who emigrated from Switzerland in 1890. The factory ceased operation in 1917 and sat dormant over 90 years, until its’ discovery in 2009. The factory, with original equipment, was brought to the attention of the National Historic Cheesemaker Center late in 2009, and was donated by Arnold Imobersted, son of Alfred and Anna. The structure was moved to the National Historic Cheesemaking Campus in June 2010, completely restored and dedicated five months later. Each year on the second Saturday of June, a 90 pound wheel of Swiss cheese is made the way it was done over a century ago. The former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad Depot, built in the mid-1880’s. It was moved to its present location in April, 1993, by Historic Monroe, Inc., and was meticulously restored by members and friends of Historic Monroe, Inc., and the Historic Cheesemaking Center, Inc., involving well over 5,000 hours of volunteer labor. Showcased in the Historic Cheesemaking Center are artifacts, maps, information and photos pertaining to the area’s cheese industry as well as actual replica of the interior of a working cheese factory from the turn of the century. The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is completely handicapped accessible.
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V. PARK AND FACILITY STANDARDS:
This section uses a variety of methods to assess Monroe’s need and demands for additional park area, facilities and programs. Needs and demands were determined by comparing standards for park space, service area and major facilities to the City’s current park area, service area and major facility inventory. Recommendations for recreation activities for the Monroe area were taken from the DNR’s State-Wide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan’s list of recreation need priorities for South Central Wisconsin. Public input in many forms from the Monroe community was also used to identify more specific park facilities, improvements and programs needed and desired.
Acreage Standards
The most common standard to measure the adequacy of a community’s park system is to determine the number of people it serves or has the capacity to serve. This is determined by assigning an acreage requirement for each type of park for each 1,000 population in the community. For purposes of this study, the standard of twelve acres per thousand population is used as a basis for evaluating the City’s park system. The twelve-acre standard is equal to the minimum standard recommendation by the Green County Regional Planning Commission. This acreage should be distributed through the community so that residential area, age groups and activity needs are served in the best manner possible. Service capabilities of parks are best described in terms of their particular service areas. The general service area radius for neighborhood parks and playgrounds is considered to be ¼ mile. Acreage standards should only be considered as a guide in the community’s decision making. Many other factors need consideration in evaluation existing and future park facilities.
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Activity/Facility Standards
Provided in the following table is recommended standards for facilities and activities in the Monroe park system. Consideration of existing public and private school facilities should be taken into account when judging Monroe’s park system sufficiently based on these standards.
Activity/Facility Recommended Standards Baseball/Softball One (1) baseball field per 5,000 population with a service radius of one- quarter to one-half mile. One (1) lighted softball diamond per 5,000 population or one (1) unlighted softball diamond per 2,500 population. May be part of neighborhood complex, lighted fields part of community complex.
One (1) youth field per 2,000 population with a service radius of one-quarter mile.
Basketball One (1) hard surfaced 50 foot by 84 foot court per 5,000 population, one (1) 30 foot by 25 foot minimum hard surface court per 2,000 population, the recommended orientation is along a north-south axis.
Cooking Grills A minimum of one (1) cooking grill for parks and one-half acre or less. A minimum of two (2) cooking grills for parks over one-half acre.
Playground Each park, where physically possible and desirable to the neighborhood, should possess at least a minimum amount of playground equipment.
Major Shelter To be located in community or area parks with off-street parking, where such a shelter would be deemed to have a positive impact on those parks without undue impact on adjacent neighborhoods.
Minor Shelter To be located in neighborhood, community or area parks where such a shelter would be deemed to have a positive impact on those parks without undue impact on adjacent neighborhoods.
Soccer One (1) play area per 2,000 population. Field sizes include: 120 X 210 (2), 165 X 270 (2), 210 X 330 (1). Orientation should be on a north-south axis, if possible.
Tables and Seating A minimum of two (2) tables for parks in one-half acre or less. A minimum of three (3) tables for parks greater than one-half acre, one (1) permanent seating bench for each lakeside park.
Tennis One (1) court per 2,000 population orientation along a north-south axis.
Volleyball One (1) court per 3,000 population minimum size is 30 feet by 60 feet with six-foot clearance on all sides. Orientation is along a north-south axis.
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State Needs Assessment by Area
The State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) has identified high, moderate, and low demand recreation needs by area throughout the State. The priorities listed in the table below are based on data gathered from a statewide survey. They refer to the needs (those activities lacking sufficient facilities) of the Southern Gateways area. These needs pertain primarily to state, county and regional parks and may or may not coincide with Monroe’s local park and open space needs and priorities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does, however, refer to the listed priorities when making allocation decisions for Federal, State and local funds.
SCORP Needs Priorities
High Demand (67%-100%)
Campsites
Moderate Demand (33%-66%)
Bicycling trails – recreational/rail-trail Dog Parks Disc Golf Courses
Low Demand (0%-32%)
Hiking/walking/running trails Bicycling trails – mountain biking Motorized recreational trails Public shore access Boat launches Playgrounds Hunting opportunities Picnic areas Equestrian trails Shooting ranges Sports fields Sport courts
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Public Input
The City of Monroe has attempted to identify and determine the public’s needs and demands for outdoor recreational facilities, improvements and programs. A variety of sources have been surveyed and public participation has been encouraged. The following sources have contributed to the identification of needed and desired park facility and program improvements:
Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners Plan Commission Members Parks Operation and Maintenance Staff The general public through a citywide survey
The Monroe Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners is made up of one City Council member and eight Monroe residents. They have solicited information from City staff and the general public and identified needed improvements for the City’s park system.
This input, along with information on standards for park space, service area and major facilities, and DNR recommendations for high priority recreation needs were used by City Staff and the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners to determine park facility and program needs and wants for the next five years for the City.
In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department conducted a survey in June of 2019, which was sent via e-mail, Facebook and other social media entities. Approximately 220 responses were received on detailed questions such as parks, facilities, open spaces and natural resource issues within the City. Natural resources and in particular the park system of Monroe, consistently ranked very high in terms of importance to the City and current levels of public satisfaction. Many people wrote detailed comments about their likes and dislikes of the park system, and the direction they would like to see the parks grow in the future. This information, in conjunction with the previously mentioned other sources of information, will help determine the shape of the park system for the next five years.
Overall, most respondents thought that facilities and activities provided by the City of Monroe meet the needs of the community. Public responses to the survey can be found in Appendix D. The following is a summary of important questions in the survey:
When asked about “improvements and possible additions” The very important items included: Downtown restrooms (130/207 responses) Link parks to trails (88/207 responses) Addition of a Splash pad (85/207 responses) Plant more trees (74/207 responses) Accessibility to fields/playgrounds (73/207 responses)
When asked “the role of Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Monroe today is:” Extremely Important (65.9%) Important (31.8%) Less Important (1.3%) Don’t know (.9%)
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VI. FUNDING/IMPLEMENTATION:
Local Funding Sources
Local sources of funding for Monroe park improvements include the City of Monroe Parks and Recreation budget, City long term borrowing to finance capital improvements, the use of user fees for certain programs and activities, and donations from organizations, businesses and individuals.
Statewide and Federal Funding Sources
The Stewardship Program
The Stewardship Program, created by the 1989 Wisconsin Legislature, provides for a ten-year, $250 million fund to enhance Wisconsin’s outdoor recreational resources. The Stewardship Program is funded through general obligation borrowing and provides funding for a variety of purposes, including trails, habitat restoration, property development, local park aids, urban green space, general land acquisition, natural areas and stream bank protection.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act Program (LAWCON)
LAWCON provides financial assistance to state agencies, counties, villages, towns, school districts, cities and Indian tribes for the acquisition and the development of public recreation areas and facilities. In Wisconsin, the LAWCON program is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Wisconsin’s LAWCON program allocates 40 percent of available funds to local governments, 40 percent to state agencies, and 20 percent to a contingency fund for use by local governments and state agencies. The contingency fund allocation is reserved by the Department for projects meeting high priority, unforeseen or emergency needs. The LAWCON program provides up to 50 percent reimbursement grants for approved state and local projects. Eligible projects include land acquisition and development of outdoor recreational facilities, including active sports facilities.
Criteria for evaluating projects include: Relationship to the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Regional or statewide in nature Acquires land where a plan supports need Provides or enhances water-based activity Serves the greatest populations Involves other local governments, cooperation, volunteers and local donations First time applicants Sponsor has completed past projects Provides multi-season, multi-activity use Nature-based restrictions do not apply Basic overelaborate facilities Participant over spectator facilities
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Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP)
ADLP provides up to 50 percent matching grants to towns, villages, cities, counties or Indian tribes to acquire or develop public outdoor recreation areas. A comprehensive outdoor recreation plan is required to participate. Funds are apportioned on a Department district allocation system, with 70 percent of the funds distributed on the basis of each county’s proportionate share of the state population and 30 percent distributed equally to each county. Qualified non-profit conservation organizations may also be eligible for land acquisition grants through the ADLP program. Each fiscal year, $4.0 million are available for Acquisition and Development of Local Parks grants.
Program priorities: Implements priorities contained in state and local comprehensive outdoor recreation plans. Meets needs and deficiencies identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the approved local comprehensive outdoor recreation plan or the approved comprehensive outdoor recreation plans of other units of government including regional or integrated management plans. Acquires land where a need for additional land acquisition is supported by an approved comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. Is regional or statewide in nature. Documentation shows benefits to tourism. Results in a first of a kind facility for the project sponsor or service area. Provides or supports a water-based activity. Serves the greatest population. Involves volunteers, local donations or cooperation by two or more service clubs. Applicants that have never received an outdoor recreation program grant. Provides for completion of a project already started where the sponsor has shown the ability to provide quality outdoor recreation facilities for its citizens without grant assistance. Sponsor has completed prior LWCF, ADLP, UGS, URGP or ADR projects successfully. Involves two or more governmental agencies. Acquires land where a need for additional land acquisition is supported by an approved comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. Serves as a demonstration project for other project sponsors. Corrects a documented health or safety problem. Renovates existing facilities which are in danger of being lost for public use. Sponsor is able to adequately maintain and operate the area or facility. Provides multiple-seasons, multiple-activity use. Serves the recreation needs of elderly persons, minorities and disabled persons. Facilities provided must exceed those required by state or federal regulations.
Urban Green Space Program (UGS)
UGA provides 50 percent matching grants to cities, villages, towns, counties, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts and qualified non-profit organizations for the acquisition of land. The intent of the program is to provide natural space within or near urban areas, protect scenic or ecological features and to provide land for non-commercial gardening. $1.6 million are available each fiscal year for the Urban Green Space program.
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Priority is given to projects that have one or more of the following characteristics:
a. Planning Considerations, including: Specifically implementing a priority of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Implementing the approved master plans of 2 or more units of government or regional planning agencies Preserving land that is listed on the natural heritage inventory database Implementing elements of water quality plans or initiatives
b. Project Considerations, including: Serving the greatest population centers Serving areas of rapidly increasing populations Providing accessibility Having unique natural features, threatened or endangered species, or significant ecological value Providing open natural linear corridors connecting open natural areas Having water frontage Containing or restoring wetlands Protecting sensitive wildlife habitat Protecting an area threatened by development Preserving a natural community or one that could be restored Having regional or statewide significance Relating to brownfield redevelopment
c. Administrative considerations, including: Projects that are ready to be implemented and/or continue previously started projects
Regulatory Strategies
Natural Resource Zoning
Natural resources zoning may be used to protect standards, wetlands, flood plains, woodlands, agricultural lands, groundwater recharge areas and recreation lands. In turn, desirable privately or publicly owned open space is provided. These districts are usually more applicable in sparsely developed areas where the natural resources are still abundant but can also be used in highly developed areas to ensure that ultimate use will revert back to that particular natural resource.
The State of Wisconsin Statutes (Section 59.97) and Administrative Code (NR117) require shore land- wetland and floodplain zoning by all cities and villages. Cities and villages are responsible for zoning in incorporated areas. The purpose of these regulations is to protect the shoreline, floodplain, and adjacent wetlands of navigable waters from undesirable use and development.
One of the planning and management activities for this wetland conservation area is to ensure its preservation through the establishment of protective covenants on the deed.
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Easements
Open space and public recreation use of private land may be acquired by easement. With an easement, certain rights are granted to the public for a specified period of time and the private owner is compensated for that public use. In purchasing an easement, the public body acquired a right either to use the land in a specific manner or to restrict the use to which an owner has for his land. For example, the rights to establish public hiking and bicycling tails or fishing access to a waterway may be purchased through easement. When the preservation of woodlands, wetlands, or other natural resources is desired, a conservation easement may be purchased. Scenic easements may be used to limit development along a highway and preserve the adjacent landscapes.
Leases
Leases are similar to easements. Leases may be applied as methods to use or protect land until more permanent measures for preservation can be found. By leasing parcels of land, the land remains on the community’s tax rolls and can be used for public recreation and open space.
Another leasing method involves outright purchase of land by the City and the City leasing it to a private party or organization with use restrictions placed on the land. Under this method, the City receives some monetary return on its investment and retains control over the use of the land.
CITY OF MONROE – Parks & Open Space Plan www.cityofmonroe.org 40
APPENDICES :
Appendix A: Maps City Parks School District Sites
Appendix B: Capital Improvement Plan
Appendix C: Park Facility Matrix
Appendix D: 2019 Park & Open Space Survey Results
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APPENDIX A: PARKS & SCHOOL MAPS
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APPENDIX B: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Capital improvements to a park are the addition of labor and materials that improve the overall value and usefulness of that park. Capital improvements are designated and funded individually through municipal funds. Routine maintenance on the other hand, is considered to be the repair and upkeep of existing park facilities, such as painting a shelter building. Routine maintenance of park facilities does not appreciably increase the value or usefulness of the park, and is traditionally funded through the operating budget.
The capital improvements program for each park is a combination of several types of projects. These projects are ranked accordingly to their importance and priority in the overall development of the park. Generally, capital improvements are ranked in the following manner:
Improvements to existing facilities that will: - Correct health and safety hazards - Upgrade deficient facilities - Modernize adequate but outdated facilities
Capital Improvements by Year
2020 Re-gel coat plunge pool slide $ 22,000 Lighting upgrade at Bandshell 20,000 Northeast tennis court fencing replacement 35,000 Northeast tennis court resurfacing 24,000 Recreation ball field lighting replacement 40,000 Paved pathways – Twining, Honey Creek 30,000 Honey Creek Park Prairie extension 8,000 Twining Park South Shelter Epoxy Flooring 8,000 $ 187,000 2021 Twining East ballfield lighting replacement $ 35,000 Pool Bath house – sink, toilet, shower replacement 30,000 Pool Bath house – epoxy flooring 25,000 Park garage overhead door replacement 21,000 Ballfield fencing replacement Northeast and Twining 21,000 Roof replacement – Twining garage, Northeast & Honey Creek Shelter 30,000 Forestry – Tree inventory update 22,000 $ 184,000 2022 Pool – gutter and upper wall replacement $ 210,000 Pool – Plaster & tile replacement wading & plunge pool 25,000 Pool – Main pool painting and expansion joint replacement 30,000 Pool – Waterslide joint replacement and re-finishing 15,000 Honey Creek Ball field improvements 25,000 Replace lighting system Twining Volleyball 30,000 $ 335,000
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2023 Park garage lighting upgrade $ 6,000 Park garage detached garage roof replacement 8,000 Twining Park: Bruni, North Restroom & Shelter roof replacement 25,000 East School: Facility Improvements 8,000 Recreation Park ballfield fencing 30,000 Pave Badger Trail 500,000 $ 577,000 2024 Twining Park bandshell restroom updating $ 30,000 Twining Park tennis court resurfacing 30,000 North East bleacher replacement 40,000 Tower Playlot playground equipment & surfacing 25,000 Pool – Drop slide replacement and waterslide start tower repairs 25,000 Honey Creek: pave park drive 50,000 $ 200,000
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APPENDIX C: PARK FACILITY MATRIX
Trail
Play Equipment Play Diamond Ball Field Soccer Courts Tennis Volleyball Basketball Golf Disc Pool Swimming Sledding X/Country Skiing Area Picnic Shelter Restrooms Nature Allowed Dogs Acres Advance Playlot 0.7 ● 2205 5th Avenue East School Park/ Reasa Memorial 1.6 ● ● ● ● Playground 2202 9th Street Sunset West Park 1.6 ● ● 401 3rd Avenue Forest Prairie Park 90 ● ● ● ● After Airport Exit off Hwy 59 Honey Creek Park 24 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 1000 4th Avenue West Lincoln Park 1.5 ● ● ● 1900 15th Avenue Northeast Park 6 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 2700 5th Street Park Garage/Wayside 3 ● 1048 6th Avenue Recreation Park 12 ● ● ● ● ● ● 1700 22nd Avenue Twining Park 46 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 425 14th Avenue Water Tower Park 0.7 ● ● 2416 5th Street Valley View Park 0.7 ● ● 2701 2nd Avenue Badger State Trail 0.7 ● ● 460 14th Avenue Monroe Dog Park 2.6 ● 120 N. 29th Avenue
Honey Creek Shelter Northeast Shelter Recreation South Shelter Twining South Shelter - Groups of 120 - Groups of 96 - Groups of 90 - Groups of 94 - Electricity - Electricity - Electricity - Electricity and Serving Area - Drinking Fountain - Drinking Fountain - Drinking Fountain - Drinking Fountain - Grill - Grill - Grill - Grill - Restrooms - Restrooms - Fireplace - Restrooms - Play Structures - Play Structures - Swimming Pool - Play Structure - Soccer Fields - Tennis Courts & Ball Diamond - Ball Diamonds - Ball Diamonds - Prairie Areas - Sand Volleyball Courts - Skate Park Twining North Shelter Twining West Shelter - Walking Storybook Recreation North Shelter - Groups of 200 - Groups of 70 - Groups of 100 - Electricity - Electricity Lincoln Shelter - Electricity - Drinking Fountain - Drinking Fountain - Groups of 120 - Drinking Fountain - Grill - Grill - Electricity - Grill - Restrooms - Sand Volleyball Courts - Drinking Fountain - Restrooms - Playground Equipment - Grill - Swimming Pool - Tennis & Basketball Courts Valley View - Restrooms - Swiss A.L.P.S. Playground - Horseshoe Pits - Playground Equipment - Packer Playground - Tennis Courts & Horseshoe Pits - Covered Picnic Table Forest Prairie Park Dog Park Badger State Trail - Nature Trails Sunset West Park - Drinking Fountain - Groups of 25 - Cross Country Skiing - Groups of 30 - Dog & Owner Water Fountain - Restrooms - Electricity
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APPENDIX D: 2019 PARKS & OPEN SPACE
SURVEY RESULTS
Appendix D: 2019 Parks & Open Space Survey Results
1. How old is the person completing this survey? 220 responses
2. What is your gender? 219 responses
3. Where do you live? (check all that apply) 219 responses
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4. If you have children in your household, what are their ages and how many do you have?
5. If you live in the Monroe School District, how long have you lived here?
Time living in Monroe Number of people School District 1-3 years 7 4-5 years 8 6-10 years 9 11-15 years 11 16-20 years 9 21-25 years 8 26-30 years 6 31-35 years 8 36-40 years 7 41-45 years 8 46-50 years 5 51-55 years 3 56+ 2 My whole life 5 N/A 3
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6. Have you or a member of your household visited a Monroe park in the past year? 219 responses
7. How do you gain information on recreation programs and the parks in Monroe? (please select all that apply) 219 responses
8. How many times in the past 12 months have you accessed the City’s website to gain information on park services or recreation programs? 219 responses
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9. How would you rate the existing parks and recreational facilities in the City of Monroe? 219 responses
10. What would you suggest as improvements or additional comments you would like to make about our facilities? 96 responses Similar answers Positive Feedback I think the Park System have great parks and appreciate all they do and the time put into them They are great / beautiful / maintained well Grateful to have such a great program and facilities available to our children Wonderful parks and lots of them Monroe does a great job keeping up maintenance 2 Like the idea of a park downtown in open space- water fountain? Great after school & summer program, would like to see it expanded to AM Keep up the good work and programs Twining Park has had many updates I am very satisfied with what the city has to offer All of the parks are well maintained Parks/Shelters Honey Creek is too wet, no baseball seating Removal of geese from Honey Creek Space at Honey Creek is underutilized 2 Improve accessibility Accessibility to soccer fields for elderly & disabled Walking paths at Twining by ball fields & playgrounds- difficult to push a stroller through grass More nature (such as wild flowers) in each park Lawns in parks getting overrun with weeds Mow at Forest Prairie Remodel/update Rec Park Electrical at some shelters could be updated Replace shelters in Twining Park & Rec Park- roof too low, incorporate bathroom
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Fix drainage at exercise equipment at Twining Bandshell area under-utilized, trim trees, update seating Lincoln Park shelter house too big, placed poorly in park 2 More shelter houses
Sports/Ball Courts & Fields More baseball fields Groom the ballparks so a lot of other people can use them too More places to practice pitching at Twining 2 Bring basketball hoops back to Recreation Park bring back basketball nets Quality outdoor basketball court Basketball nets at Cheese Park 2 Volleyball courts at Twining- nets are too high, sand hurts your feet Soccer fields need attention Twining update by the ball courts
Dogs 10 Allow dogs at the parks (on leash, or some parks, provide waste bags) Dog designated areas in parks Dog park good idea but fee too expensive
Playgrounds Update/replace/new roof Swiss Alps Swing like Krape park in Freeport has-2 seated swing adult can swing on 1 side, child faces you Equipment for older kids Updated/more choices in equipment for younger children Community policing officer spend time at hoops - watch for behavior issues Dealing with behavior at Rec park Prevent smoking in children's areas
Bathrooms 5 Cleaner/updated bathrooms Bandshell bathroom update Sunset West add a bathroom 3 More bathrooms Better lighting in restrooms during day hours Better lighting Bathrooms located on E side of Twining - closer to the ball diamond
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2 Open bathrooms earlier in the year Porta-potty at Forest Prairie Park Pool New outdoor pool 2 Addition of a splash pad either at pool or parks More adult swimming lanes Deepen city pool so Olympic lanes can be used in competition
Programs/Activities 3 More inter-generational activities More teenaged programs Before school program for youth focusing on mental health, exercise, nutrition Evening yoga More random community involved programs/events Rental bikes/scooters/disc golf/ski Offer family hikes/nature walks/candle light ski-snow shoe Partner with a local business to provide Bavarian style beer garden Outdoor ice rink More city hosted events in parks (summertime outdoor movies at Band Shell etc.)
Biking/Trails Biking lanes for safety/bike trail Bike lane linking the trailhead to downtown Paved bike trail in the city limits Improvement to bike trail, actual trail
General Suggestions Website is hard to navigate 2 More funds to allow infrastructure improvements and equipment maintenance, staff Make sure to keep the parks and equipment updated Link knowledge about other parks at each park (like the bike trail does) Drinking water available at all parks More lights during short day seasons
General Facilities Build a new Park & Rec Building just for services & programs provided by the city Sports complex for activities & programs More affordable athletic facilities More parks- use open areas like by YMCA or W of town
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11. Overall, how well do you think the following facilities, programs and activities provided by the City of Monroe are currently meeting the needs of the community?
12. If you answered “not enough” what areas would you like to add or other comments you would like to make?
Similar answers Parks/Shelters Additional dog park? 3 More parks Bathroom accessibility in off season Diaper changing tables in all park bathrooms 3 Add mini-parks in empty lots / downtown park Forest Prairie trails & park need maintenance Expand exercise area like in Twining to other parks More parks in walking distance of rental places, lower income places More park-like areas/kiosk shelter for picnic or rest Sports/Ball Fields & Courts Batting cages 11 Additional ball fields Sports complex for hosting, like Middleton 2 More gyms Additional gaga ball pit Additional basketball courts in E, Water Tower, Rec Seating at Honey Creek diamond Honey Creek soccer fields - accessibility 3 More basketball courts/hoops Update soccer fields More space for general pick-up games that are not being used for games/practices Additional volleyball court
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Facilities Park & Rec have its own gym & pool like the Y 2 Splash pad/wading pool 2 Baseball/softball/basketball/pickleball facility 2 More facilities for walking/exercising, comparable hours to other gyms 2 Indoor sports complex Add racquetball facility Space to practice
Programs Evening programs for children so working parents can take them Evening parent/child programs More programs for children under age 7 Summer programs for older children (11-15) More programs for upper elem/middle More STEAM classes/activities for elem/middle 2 More fitness classes in evenings for adults & teens More advanced adult group fitness 2 Adults oriented activities - golf/frisbee classes, bicycle events
Activities 13 Additional Walking trails/paths/hiking 2 Bike friendly trails Add a mixed-use walking/bike path at Honey Creek to tie into the bike path & Twining Pave Badger Trail within city limits
General Fundraisers for additional facilities 3 Actual dedicated prairie conservation grass areas with education for residents More trees/wooded areas Transportation/shuttle service for programs
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13. Overall, how well do you think the trails are currently meeting the needs of the area?
14. Which of the following city facilities, if any, have you or any member of your household visited or used in the past two years? (please check all that apply) 217 responses
Swiss Alps Cheese Park Playground – 137 (63.1%) Walking Trails at Forest Prairie Park – 66 (30.4) Dog Park at Forest Prairie Park – 35 (16.1%) Dog Park in the Industrial Park – 25 (11.5%) Fitness Course at Twining Park – 75 (34.6%) Prairie Trails at Honey Creek Park – 65 (30%) Horseshoe Pits – 5 (2.3%) Sledding Hill at NE Park – 51 (23.5%) Cross Country Ski Trails – 6 (2.8%)
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15. Which of the following trails have you used in the past two years?
16. Which of the following indoor and outdoor recreational activities are important to you and members of your household? (Please check all that apply) 213 responses
Programs for children and adults with special needs – 28 (13.1%) Karate – 21 (9.9%) Special Events: Easter Egg Hunt, July 4, etc. – 114 (53.5%)
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17. Listed below are several improvements and possible additions that could be made to existing City parks and recreational facilities. Indicated the level of importance each should receive.
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18. What funding sources would you support to fund programs, park land acquisition, development or redevelopment, and maintenance of park facilities? (please rank your top 3 priorities: #1-first choice; #2-second choice, #3-third choice.)
--- = debt services (borrow funds) --- = other options
19. If you chose “Other options,” please share specific ideas. 30 responses
Similar Answers 10 Fundraising Volunteer help 2 raise funds through sponsored activities/events/raffles (beer festival, music festival, etc.) public fundraising for a specific item i.e. splash pad fundraiser for a park where the public could purchase i.e.- a personalized brick 2 firework donation request donations foundations
4 Grants Sponsorships shelters, parks/courts, fields implement a memorial bench/tree for sponsors Community Business partnerships Develop and utilize a Parks & Rec Foundation
State Funding $20 city tax for playgrounds (or more) Capital Campaign anything to not increase taxes fee for service if no residence 2 sales tax
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20. The following statement is intended to identify your opinion concerning the role of Parks & Recreation. Please respond by selecting the most appropriate answer. The role of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space in Monroe today is: 214 responses
21. How often do you use park facilities in the City? 217 responses
22. What would encourage you to increase your usage/frequency of park visits? 100 responses
Similar Facilities /Parks Answers lower shelter permit cost 12 more established trails/walkways 8 splash pad 11 more/ better bathrooms 2 more baseball/softball fields
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2 better volleyball courts 3 better soccer fields 2 updated basketball courts in Twining 3 more landscaping/shade 3 renovations mow Forest Prairie Park visibility/information on all parks monitoring of older unsupervised high schoolers/adults updated pool more parks
Dogs 13 allow dogs (on leashes) designated dog walking areas less dogs at the dog park
Playgrounds 3 better/updated playgrounds mommy & me swing
Activities 3 special events 2 more programs that I'd be interested in/age appropriate 2 more sports leagues more activities for older children more adult sports leagues/opportunities more to do for my age group (56-65yrs) more outdoor fitness classes disc golf league more group functions, i.e. Kiwanis, Women's Club etc.
Access 2 bike trail link to the parks 2 better accessibility Access via ATV trail more jogging/bike paths
Personal 6 the weather 5 lived closer
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5 more time 3 family in the area 2 having older children 2 time of year having younger children more information times during sports seems uninviting retirement- more time with grandkids kids being there self-motivation more police presence better publication of program to no residence (willing to pay to play) newer iPads/equipment
23. What Monroe parks have you visited recently? (check all that apply) 217 responses
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24. What is your level of satisfaction with the condition of the parks you visit? 217 responses
25. If you are not satisfied with park conditions, please explain why or any other comments you have. 30 responses Similar answers Parks more trees Honey Creek too wet only 1 park has handicap accessible equipment more bridges at Twining unused area at Twining (splash pad/bigger playground?) more walkways connecting areas for wheel chairs and strollers Concern of Twining becoming disc golf park- can't walk around without risk No enforcement of no dogs allowed no restroom at dog park 2 Forest Prairie needs more regular trail maintenance
Playgrounds unruly kids at Cheese Park update upper playground at Twining Swiss Alps needs maintenance upgrade equipment more equipment for children under 5 swings at East School Park sandboxes are nice, but find bad things in them- remove and add something else? Advance playground- see lots of inappropriate trash
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Sports/Rec 4 Honey Creek ball diamond East School basketball courts crack
Bathrooms 3 more/update bathrooms 3 access to drinking water add at Sunset W update Bandshell bathrooms dimly lit
General 2 keep clean/keep up 2 renovate/update would like to see more people enjoying them too many disrespectful juveniles- don't want to take young kids there trail upkeep for safety of biking/hiking
26. Please rate the importance of keeping our parks maintained regarding the following:
27. How would you rate the ability to walk & bike in and around the City of Monroe?
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28. How well do you think the following parks, trails, facilities & programs provided in the City of Monroe are currently meeting the needs of the community?
29. Please indicate how valuable you feel parks & recreation are to the residents and visitors of Green County with regard to the following statements.
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30. Please select and/or suggest issues or projects you would like addressed within the next 5 years.
31. If you answered “Other Improvements,” please specify details. 20 responses
Similar Playgrounds answers update Rec Park playground 2 splash pad mommy & me swing
Parks/Rec outdoor workout training trail outdoor ice rink pave bike paths Honey Creek to allow soccer to coincide with shelter use more basketball courts indoor multi-sport complex (partnership w/Y?) Forest Prairie trails & add restroom/porta-potty regulation height volleyball nets
Programs more adult programs evening yoga
General 3 Downtown Pocket Park
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3 Update pool/new pool free Wi-Fi install bike lock posts at eat street corner off the square Parkview subdivision-creek needs improvement beer garden
32. How were you made aware of this survey? (check all that apply) 215 responses
33. Please share any suggestions or recommendations that you think would be helpful in determining how best the Monroe Parks & Recreation should serve the community. 46 responses
Similar Answers Transportation/Accessibility education for bikers/drivers regarding bike lanes signage links A to B i.e. biking off the Square to return to Badger State Trail work w/DNR for upkeep/safety issues on Badger State Trail 2 make more parks accessible to ATV traffic accessibility by foot easier access to the parks for seniors lots of sidewalks in disrepair (in city) concern of motorized vehicles on hiking trails
General Parks/Program share more info about Parks & Rec at the Square share out survey more public places/postcard save money by sending a flier w/program highlights directing people to the website for specifics instead of the long brochure sharing to non-residents
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basketball nets back up, more locations for basketball later classes so more children can participate (not immediately after school) upgrades at Honey Creek option to sign after summer school program for only a few days survey was too long- keep it brief and fewer options for answers keep disc golf course free programs that would appeal to all age groups add walking stones to dog park- it gets muddy rotation of practice schedule so teams aren't stuck at the same field every time soccer fields should be available when someone is renting Honey Creek
Community community event or meeting in park pavilion festivals in the park (Twining) i.e. beer festivals, arts festivals, etc. community garden for people to use for a fee keep up green space more park benches 3 upgrade of pool, zero depth/splash pad more concessions available to people inside/outside pool 2 consider dogs on a leash in more parks more destination-based attractions fund by taxes avoid charging a park user fee new programs and responsibilities have been added, but budget hasn't reflected as such
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