Dane County Parks Public Meeting

Dane County Parks planning staff have completed a draft master plan for McCarthy Youth and Conservation County Park. The County currently owns approximately 260 acres within the recreation park boundary. The plan includes proposed improvements for lands within the park and also includes general recreation and resource protection recommendations for lands surrounding the park.     

“We are very excited to see this plan come to fruition as it will enable McCarthy Youth and Conservation Park to become an incredible asset to the people of Dane County.  We particularly wish to express our gratitude to the Ho-Chunk Nation, Friends of McCarthy Park, Village of Cottage Grove, Town of Sun Prairie and members of the public who have provided valuable input into the planning process,” said Dane County Park Commission Chair Bill Lunney.  

Draft master plan recommendations include a season based Ho-Chunk interpretive trail, new shelter and picnic area, wetland overlook platform, prairie restorations and several proposed trail improvements.  Longer term recommendations include a future dog exercise area, conservation buffers along Koshkonong Creek and a regional sports facility that would potentially be located near the park in the Village of Cottage Grove.  

A public information meeting to present the draft plan will be held on Thursday June 25th, 7:00pm at the Sun Prairie Town Hall, 5556 Twin Lane Road, Marshall, WI 53559.  

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