Harvey Schmidt Park Master Plan

Last Updated: 05/23/2023

Background

The City of Madison Parks Division is undertaking a master planning effort for three of our parks; they are Fraust, Harvey E. Schmidt, and Heifetz Parks. These parks were previously administered by the Town of Madison and were transferred to the City in the fall of 2022. These developed parcels need input from the surrounding neighborhood regarding the existing and desired uses and amenities to be located in these parks going forward, and in the area as a whole. It is the intention of the Parks Division that the area's parks and amenities act as a cohesive system in order to maximize recreational potential.

Fraust Park is the smallest at 2.41 acres and currently features a sun shelter, restroom building, play equipment, and community garden. Harvey E. Schmidt is the largest at 4.9 acres and runs along the southern border of the U.W. Arboretum. It has nature play opportunities and abundant shoreline. Heifetz Park encompasses 3.96 acres and offers a sun shelter, basketball court, and play equipment.

Parks staff held public input meetings and issued an online survey to gather input from the community on the future of the parks.The development plan was presented to the Board of Park Commissioners at their April 19 meeting as an informational agenda item. The plan was then adopted at the May 17 meeting.


The Final Master Plan for Harvey Schmidt Park PDF  was presented at the Board of Park Commissioners at its May 17, 2023 meeting and was approved for adoption during the session.

 


Public Meeting #3

Date: Thursday, 3/16/23
Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Location: UW Arboretum Visitor Center, 2880 Longenecker Dr. 

Parks staff presented online survey results and other feedback received and the draft park development plan options. 

Materials from this session can be found at the links, below. 


Public Meeting #2

Date: Thursday, 3/2/23
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom. 

Parks staff presented online survey results and other feedback received and the draft park development plan options. 

Materials from this session can be found at the links, below. 


 

Community Survey

As part of the master planning process, Parks issued a community survey to residents which closed on 1/6/23. 


Public Meeting #1

Date: Thursday, 12/15/22
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Parks staff held a first public meeting on December 15, 2022 to discuss the Harvey Schmidt Park Master Plan.  At the session, attendees reviewed existing opportunities at the park and discussed their preferences and priorities for items to include in the park.

Materials from this session can be found at the links, below.