Fitchburg Parks Commission Meeting Summary - February 5, 2026

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on February 5, 2026, to discuss and act on a full agenda, including a major discussion on the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan, approvals for a new bike greenway and a bus charging station, and the selection of a shelter design for McKee Farms Park. Public comments addressed meeting minutes, park maintenance needs, and concerns over the forest planning process.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The January minutes were approved with an amendment to include public comments and associated names in the record.
• Agenda Approval: The meeting agenda was approved as written.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Cheney criticized the revised, minimalistic format of the draft minutes, arguing they omitted the contributions of city staff and the mayor, and failed to acknowledge public participants. He urged the commission not to approve the minutes until they are more comprehensive.
• Regarding the Urban Forest Plan (Item 5A), Elizabeth (virtual resident) requested that the Gold Park Addition woodlot be given priority for maintenance, describing critical amounts of dead debris and invasive species. She proposed increasing the annual operations budget from $21,000 to $50,000–$60,000.
• Also on Item 5A, resident Nindy Halford requested that the full public comments from the community survey be released as an appendix. She also asked for an evaluation of the results and costs of past forestry work approved under Resolution R1718 in McGaw Park and Johnson Park.
• Patrick Cheney provided public comment on Item 5A, arguing the 74-page Urban Forest Plan was designed to achieve a predetermined result and that the commission lacked institutional knowledge to vet it properly.

Discussion Items

• Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan (Item 5A): Urban Forester Anna Healy and consultant Rich presented the draft plan. They highlighted high tree diversity (the top six species represent roughly a quarter of the population, compared to a typical 60% in many cities). The tree canopy goal is 30% by 2050. The presentation noted the city has roughly 3 FTE for forestry work compared to a peer average of 5.3 FTE. Commissioner Dave questioned where canopy gains would come from; staff confirmed most growth must come from private property. Commissioner Sam submitted extensive edits, stressing the executive summary must clarify the lack of staff and budget as a key barrier, and that a separate phase is needed to determine implementation and funding. A timeline was set for final Common Council approval on April 14th.
• Plat Restriction for Bus Station (Item 5C - R 3826): The commission approved a resolution to amend a plat restriction on city property at Treverton and McKee Road. This allows for the construction of a Madison Metro bus charging and break station and a multi-use path extension. Two trees will be removed and three planted. The motion carried.
• Kyle Stegert Greenway Plans (Item 5D - R 2726): Don Stegert of the Friends of Kyle Stegert Greenway presented the final construction plans for the greenway, which is fully funded by over $25,000 in donations. Discussion focused on the boundary of the proposed prairie planting because of black walnut management and the level of city staff involvement in implementation. The commission passed a motion amended to allow staff and donors to mutually agree on final plan adjustments before proceeding.
• Inclusive Playground Shelter Design (Item 5E - R 3326): The commission voted to select Design Option B (an octagonal style shelter) for the McKee Farms Park inclusive playground. Commissioner Dave expressed sharp frustration that the project was moved forward without prior parks commission consultation on its budget, advocating for planting trees instead of the $170,000 structure. The motion for Option B carried.
• Picnic Table and Bench Replacement (Item 5F - R 3726): Budget amendments were approved to replace picnic tables and benches at various parks. The commission requested ensuring handicap-accessible tables are included.

Key Outcomes

• R 3826: Approved the city's filing of a court action to modify a plat restriction for a bus charging station and multi-use path.
• R 2726: Approved the plans and property use agreement for the Kyle Stegert Greenway, as amended.
• R 3326: Selected and authorized Design Option B (octagonal shelter) for the inclusive playground at McKee Farms Park. Total projected cost is ~$170,000.
• R 3726: Approved budget reallocation for new picnic tables and benches across multiple parks.
• Award: The commission recognized park staff for receiving the ISA Gold Leaf Award for the city's tree planting program.
• Election: Commissioner Zue was elected Vice Chair.