Fitchburg Parks Commission Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM to discuss and vote on the naming of a park at 2220 Traceway Drive and a shelter design for McKee Farms Park. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the December meeting were approved.
• The agenda for the meeting was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Park Naming (5A): Patrick Cheney, a resident, spoke in favor of the name "Traceway Commons" and reiterated the commission's previous guidance to avoid using "hub" in the name.
• Park Naming (5A): Ryan Greendear, representing the Ho Chunk Nation, expressed the Nation's support for the name "Hostahochi," arguing that unfamiliarity with the pronunciation is not a sufficient justification to reject it.
• Park Naming (5A): Two written comments from residents Kelly Jetzer and Ari Lowe were read into the record, both strongly supporting the name "Hostahochi."
• Shelter Design (5B): Patrick Cheney objected to the use of the term "Fahy Fields Park" in the Capital Improvement Plan, stating the area is only a western addition to McGaw Park, and argued against a proposed new parking lot near the pickleball courts.

Discussion Items

• 5A: Naming of Park at 2220 Traceway Drive The commission reviewed several submitted names for the new park and community center. The names included Traceway Commons, Traceway Park and Community Center, Hostahochi, Scott Andrell Central, and several names containing "hub" or "Nine Springs".

  • Support for Hostahochi: Commissioner Chris spoke in detail about his proposal for "Hostahochi," a Ho Chunk phrase meaning "a place to gather." He argued the name represents a meaningful step towards reconciliation and aligns with the city's land acknowledgement. He strongly rejected a suggestion to assign the name to a room, stating the word "reservation" carries historical trauma. New Commissioner Aaron echoed this, stating that rejecting the name would make the city's land acknowledgement "performative."
  • Support for Traceway Park and Community Center: Commissioner Dave supported "Traceway Park and Community Center," citing the historical significance of Traceway Drive in the community and the benefit of a simple, easily identifiable name. He noted this name received the most votes in a previous informal commission poll. Commissioner Heidi, who made the formal motion for the name, questioned the objection to the word "reservation."
  • Eligibility of Submissions: A brief procedural debate occurred over whether two name submissions that listed City Hall as the applicant's address were valid, but staff confirmed that anyone can submit a name.

• 5B: McKee Farms Park Shelter Design Park Manager Eric presented a design for a new shelter at McKee Farms Park near the accessible playground and splash pad. The proposed design, described as a "grain bin shelter," features a round, galvanized steel farm theme.

  • Favorable Comments: The Chair and Commissioner Aaron supported the unique, whimsical round design, arguing it creates a distinct attraction and fits the park's aesthetic. The round shape's flow was also praised.
  • Critical Comments: Commissioners Sue and Dave raised concerns about the design. Sue stated she found it "unattractive" and worried about maintenance issues, specifically barn swallows nesting in the corrugated scalloped panels. Dave, who grew up on a farm, preferred a simpler, more standard design similar to the shelter at Stoner Prairie Park, citing concerns over maintenance costs and longevity. Commissioner Heidi questioned whether the metal structure would rust.

Key Outcomes

• Park Naming Recommendation: After a roll call vote, the commission voted 3-2 to recommend the name "Traceway Park and Community Center" to the Fitchburg Common Council. Commissioners Sue, Chris, and Heidi voted in favor; Commissioners Aaron and Dave voted against. The Chair expressed a dissenting personal position. The Council will consider the recommendation at its meeting on January 27.
• Shelter Design Next Steps: No formal vote was taken on the shelter design. Park Manager Eric will develop a second, simpler design (Option B) to present alongside the current grain bin design (Option A) at a future meeting for a formal commission decision.
• Other Updates & Future Agenda Items:
  • A draft of the Forestry Management Plan has been posted on the city website.
  • Staff is coordinating with the Fire Department to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at McGaw and McKee Parks.
  • The commission will elect a new Vice Chair at the February 5th meeting following Sarah Schroeder's resignation.
  • A public information meeting for the Kids Crossing playground will be scheduled once renderings are available.
  • The Tree Advisory Committee will present a discussion item at the next meeting.