Summary
The City of Monona Common Council officially approved the Phase I Conceptual Development Plan, setting in motion the first tangible steps toward transforming this lakefront park into a vibrant, welcoming destination for daily use.
Monday, April 20th marked an important milestone, not only for San Damiano Park, but for Monona and our Dane County community. Unanimously, the City of Monona Common Council officially approved the Phase I Conceptual Development Plan, setting in motion the first tangible steps toward transforming this lakefront park into a vibrant, welcoming destination for daily use.
From Underutilized to Destination
For years, San Damiano Park has held incredible potential, beautifully located along Lake Monona, yet limited by barriers that make it difficult to fully enjoy. Phase I is designed to change that by focusing on immediate activation and visible progress:
- Making the site easier to access
- Creating reasons to visit every day
- Building energy, activity, and connection
Phase I includes thoughtful improvements that invite people in.
What Happens Next: Bringing the Space to Life
The approved plan focuses on key improvements that will fundamentally reshape how the space is used:
Access That Works for Everyone
Addressing parking and site flow removes one of the biggest barriers to use, making it easier for families, visitors, and community members to show up and stay.
A True Waterfront Experience
New pier structures, safe lake entry points, and a welcoming patio will create something the community has long been missing: a place to gather, relax, and experience Lake Monona up close, especially at sunset.
Adaptively Reusing the Frank Allis House
This historic structure will be reimagined as a functional, inviting hub, offering restrooms and food and beverage options that support daily use and longer visits.
Designed for Families & Connection
With outdoor play features and multi-generational spaces, the site will become a place where families can spend time together and return again and again.
A New Name, A New Identity
As part of this transformation, the park will be renamed, signaling a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose for the space.
This Is Just the Beginning
The Phase I Plan is intentionally designed to do three things:
- Build momentum through visible progress
- Increase community ownership and pride
- Create a foundation for long-term investment and growth
When people experience a place easily and fully, they begin to believe in what it can become. That belief is what fuels everything that comes next. With Phase I approved, the real work begins to turn these plans into reality.
In the months ahead, we’ll move into implementation, partnerships, and the next phase of fundraising to bring these ideas to life. This transformation will not happen alone. It will take a community of people who care about this space and what it represents.
And, if last night is any indication, the Monona community is ready. This is the beginning of a place people will gather, return to, and take pride in—for generations.
Stay Connected
We’ll be sharing updates, opportunities to get involved, and ways to support the next phase in the months ahead. If you haven’t done so already, please join our mailing list to stay in the loop. And, never hesitate to reach out with questions and comments… We’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for your support of the San Damiano Park and this incredible space.
With gratitude,
Cara Erickson
Executive Director
Friends of San Damiano
Media pieces sparked by this exciting news include:
Isthmus: ‘Dining on Lake Monona?’
Channel 3000: ‘Monona Common Council approves first phase of San Damiano Park redesign’
InBusiness: ‘Monona approves first phase of San Damiano Park for community use’
NBC15: Monona Common Council approves plan to transform San Damiano Park