A host to frequent community events, small businesses, and eateries, Garver Feed Mill has become a boon to the Starkweather neighborhood and the city as a whole.

Newly announced plans to build a park nearby could add to that community feel.

The city, as part of the Olbrich Park-North Parcel Park Development Plan, has plans to build a multi-use park on currently undeveloped land just northeast of Garver Feed Mill. The former industrial site is currently untended. It consists of piles of dirt, fill, and remnants of wetlands and woods near Starkweather Creek and Olbrich Botanical Gardens beyond.

Construction could begin as early as next year for a new park at Garver Feed Mill. | Photo via City of Madison Parks Division | City of Madison Parks Division

The draft plan for the park includes:

An open field that could accommodate tents and food trucks
A picnic area that could include an open-air shelter
Permanent outdoor yard games
Play area
Bike skills loop trail
A meadow with a walking path
A storage area for Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A parking lot with ~65 stalls to serve parkgoers or as overflow parking for Garver Feed Mill.

Existing wetlands and woodlands would remain.

The plan will be presented at the Board of Park Commissioners meeting taking place at the Park Division’s Lakeside Offices (330 E. Lakeside St.) on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Community members can send written comments to the Parks Commission or register to speak at the meeting to provide input.

On Wednesday, May 8, the Parks Commission may adopt the plan and begin implementation.

Construction documentation and bidding is scheduled for late 2024 with construction to commence in 2025.