On May 16th, we invite you to experience something special along the beautiful Monona lakeshore, our very first Spring Lawn Games at San Damiano.

Designed as a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon, this year’s event brings together croquet’s classic outdoor fun and meaningful impact. Guests can participate in a lively croquet tournament, as well as enjoy picnic-style seating, food trucks, a Lemonade Stand, a bucket raffle, team costumes, and live music… All set against one of the most scenic backdrops in Monona and our eastside community.

Adding to the excitement, we’re thrilled to welcome Lanette Hansen from Magic98 as our celebrity MC, who will guide the day’s festivities and keep the energy high as teams compete and celebrate together.

Play, Connect, and Give Back

At its heart, Spring Lawn Games is about more than friendly competition… It’s about stewardship. Proceeds from the event directly support the care and preservation of San Damiano, ensuring this cherished lakeshore space remains accessible and vibrant for generations to come.

Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps sustain the natural beauty and community value of this special place. It will surely be a beautiful day on the grounds.

What to Expect

Teams of four will compete in a round-robin croquet tournament, with each team guaranteed at least two matches. The top teams will advance to the finals, adding a fun, competitive edge to the afternoon.

Beyond the games, there’s plenty to enjoy:

• A bucket raffle with exciting prizes
• Food trucks offering a variety of local flavors
• Live music from Idledaze Trio to set the tone
• A festive atmosphere where team spirit (and costumes) are encouraged

Join the Fun

Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and register your foursome today! At just $100 per team, it’s an easy way to spend a memorable day outdoors while supporting park stewardship at San Damiano.

Come for the games, stay for the community, and leave knowing you’ve made a difference. We can’t wait to see you on the lawn on May 16!

The post Spring Lawn Games: Croquet Classic appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

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. 

Phase I Site Plan

Phase I Special Events

Phase I Daily Experience

This Is Just the Beginning 

The Phase I Plan is intentionally designed to do three things: 

1. Build momentum through visible progress

2. Increase community ownership and pride  

3. 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 

cara@sandamianomonona.org

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

The post A Major Step Forward: Phase I Conceptual Plan Unanimously Approved appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

About 50 people showed up to spread wood chips, pick up sticks and litter, clear and line the trails, and take care of the park. In less than 3 hours, volunteers spread 45yds of wood chips… We can’t wait to put those freshly groomed paths to the test!

It’s also volunteer appreciation week, and we are so grateful for our ever-expanding, dedicated, and supportive community. Our non-profit would not function without the hardworking volunteers who give their time and energy to steward this breathtaking public space. Thank you for helping us shine.

In appreciation, we held a cookout afterwards to celebrate our volunteers.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who show up, not only on spring clean-up day, but any day of the year.

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

Spring Clean Up 2026

The post Spring Clean Up was a HUGE SUCCESS! appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

We invite you to be part of this spring renewal with these upcoming events.

Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 18, 9am – noon
It’s time to refresh and revitalize this special place! Roll up your sleeves and help with important tasks, including picking up litter, freshening plant beds, spreading mulch, clearing sticks and more.

Join us after for a volunteer appreciation cookout! EVERYONE is welcome! 
Sign up here to be a part of the day’s activities!

World Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 9, 8am – noon
Plan for a morning filled with birdwatching, learning, and family-friendly fun as we highlight the interconnectedness of our world and how we can create bird-friendly communities right here in our area.

Sunset Games
2nd Sunday, May through October, 4 – 8pm
May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11
Sunset from San Damiano is THE BEST in Dane County. One Sunday a month, join us for free lawn games (think bags, bocce, croquet, and giant Jenga) along with food carts and live music to enhance your sunset experience.

If you’re interested in volunteering for one of the dates, here’s the link for volunteer sign up.

Spring Lawn Games: Croquet Classic  
Saturday, May 16, 10am – 2pm
Sign up for a relaxed, family-friendly Spring Lawn Games afternoon featuring a classic croquet tournament, picnic-style seating, bucket raffle, food trucks, beverages, a costume contest, and live music. This inaugural fundraiser supports park stewardship.

Additionally, the Friends of San Damiano recently proposed our conceptual recommendation for Phase I, including a decision on the future of the Frank Allis House, to the Monona City Council. City Council will vote on our recommendation on April 20th, after which we’ll be able to make exciting updates to our community. You can watch the meeting here.  

The post Spring arrived at San Damiano appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

For Clean Lakes Alliance, the connection to San Damiano felt natural from the start.

Located along the shores of Lake Monona, the property represents a rare place where people, water, and landscape meet in powerful ways. As an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Yahara watershed, Clean Lakes Alliance recognized that San Damiano offers a meaningful opportunity to highlight the importance of healthy lakes while welcoming the community to experience the shoreline firsthand. The site’s long history of care for the land and its unique lakeside setting makes it an ideal place to connect people more deeply with the waters that define our region.

One of the most visible ways this partnership comes to life is through volunteer service.

From spring through fall, Clean Lakes Alliance hosts weekly outings as part of its Volunteer Day program. Since 2023, one of those volunteer events each year has taken place at San Damiano. Volunteers have helped with invasive species removal, shoreline cleanups, trail maintenance, and even assisted with storm cleanup after several trees were brought down during a major storm.

For many volunteers, these days combine hands-on stewardship with the chance to experience a truly special lakeshore setting. The stunning views of Lake Monona and the fascinating history of the property make San Damiano a memorable stop on the Volunteer Day calendar each year.

For Clean Lakes Alliance, partnerships like this directly support their mission. Caring for and celebrating shoreline parks is a core part of their work. Collaborating at San Damiano helps bring people closer to the lakes—building a deeper understanding of why protecting them matters and inspiring long-term stewardship throughout the community.

Beyond volunteer work, San Damiano also contributes to lake research and public education.

The property serves as a monitoring site for Clean LakesAlliance’s Lake Forecast water quality program. Through this initiative, trained volunteers collect data on water clarity and temperature, observe beach conditions, and watch for signs of harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms. The information is shared publicly in real time through the Lake Forecast website and mobile app, helping residents and visitors stay informed while also generating valuable data for research and advocacy efforts.

This kind of monitoring plays an important role in raising awareness about both the opportunities and challenges facing our lakes.

Clean Lakes Alliance has spent the past 15 years building programs like this to protect and celebrate local waters. In that time, the organization has awarded more than $1.4 million in Clean Lakes Grants to support projects that improve water quality and strengthen stewardship efforts throughout the watershed.

Looking ahead, the partnership with San Damiano will continue to grow.

Another volunteer outing is planned for this spring, bringing community members back to the property to help care for the land and shoreline. San Damiano will also play a role in an upcoming community event connected to Clean Lakes Alliance’s Teejop Initiative. During this year’s Loop the Lake bike ride around Lake Monona, riders will encounter San Damiano and the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival hosted on the grounds as the first stop along the route.

Together, these collaborations highlight the power of place. At San Damiano, people can experience the beauty of the lake while also becoming part of the effort to protect it for generations to come.

The post Clean Lakes Alliance – caring for the land and water, together appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

The post Monona community bands together to preserve historic lakefront space appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

With so many options for getting outside with Ruby, San Damiano stands out as their favorite by far. “It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place for Ruby and me to relax. We go there as often as we can.” Ruby loves greeting visitors, exploring the wooded areas, and especially romping through the snow in winter. For Heather, the experience begins the moment they step onto the property. “The minute we walk onto the property, I feel decompressed and relaxed.” Each season brings something special — snowy quiet in winter, vibrant growth in spring, warm gatherings in summer, and breathtaking sunsets over Lake Monona year-round. The view, Heather says, is simply the best.

From their very first visit, Heather and her husband felt connected to San Damiano. “We were just in awe of the beauty and the views. ”The walks with Ruby became treasured memories. When family and friends visit from out of town, San Damiano is always on the itinerary, often with coffee enjoyed on the overhang by the water. It’s also become a place of connection. Conversations with fellow visitors, shared appreciation for the property, and the welcoming spirit of the space have all deepened their attachment. “It’s a very special place, and we feel so grateful to spend time there.”

That gratitude eventually inspired action. “I wanted to give back to the property that has given us so much.” Heather values that San Damiano is open to the public — a place where all are welcome to experience beauty, nature, and peace. Volunteering felt like a natural way to help protect and support that mission.

One of the things Heather looks forward to most is seeing the continued development of the property. The dedication of the Friends of San Damiano is evident. “Over time, all the hours they’ve put in really show.” Each year brings new landscaping touches after volunteer cleanups. Events continue to expand, drawing the community together in meaningful ways. She has especially loved the spring cleanup, watching the property transform from winter into spring; seeing the shoreline turned into an elegant celebration space; and the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival in 2024. “To see blocks of wood transformed into pieces of art was unbelievable.”

Beyond the work itself, volunteering has created something equally meaningful: connection. “It’s such a great way to meet really interesting and wonderful people. We all share a love for this special property.”

Outside of volunteering, Heather works as a nurse practitioner at UW in the pre-anesthesia clinic, helping medically optimize patients before surgery. At home, life includes Ruby and their newly adopted kitty, Morty. Heather loves music, sports, and live events — and has a fun personal quirk: “I’m very seasonal. I love decorating for each season, and I even have certain foods and drinks I only enjoy during specific times of year. And I love organizing spaces!”

San Damiano is special for many reasons, but Heather’s story is a reminder that it’s not just the views or the events that matter. It’s the way this place weaves itself into people’s lives, offering peace, connection, and purpose.

The post Where Simple Moments Become Lasting Memories for Heather appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

That connection deepened when Pat learned the Frank AllisHouse might be torn down or the property sold. Pat hoped instead that the land would remain undeveloped and accessible as a place where the community could enjoy nature, wildlife, lake access, and sweeping views.

After many years serving on the Monona Park and Recreation Board, Pat had seen firsthand how deeply people value lakeshore parks. In 2020, following the City of Monona’s feasibility study and decision to move forward with purchasing San Damiano, Pat was invited to get involved. Since then, Pathas served as Friends of San Damiano’s Board Secretary and is Chair of the Community Engagement Committee.

Asked about favorite experiences, Pat doesn’t hesitate to name the people. Volunteers of all ages generously share their time and talents, whether through seasonal grounds cleanups, handyman projects, event planning, photography, graphic design, or social media work. It’s equally rewarding to see visitors simply enjoying the space: watching sunsets, walking, reading, picnicking, or resting. Pat also loves seeing San Damiano used as a learning destination, with frequent visits from MGHS, MG21, and Winnequah Elementary classes.

Another highlight is learning the property’s deep and fascinating history. The land dates back thousands of years to the Ice Age and includes centuries of Indigenous presence, evolving private ownership, archaeological significance, and rich ecological diversity. The more Pat learns, the more awe-inspiring it feels that this relatively undisturbed lakeshore is now open to everyone.

Having grown up in South Dakota and lived for many years in Montana, Pat says being surrounded by nature is “in the blood.” Access to a place like San Damiano, Pat believes, is essential to overall well-being and stewardship of it helps nurture the spirit.

Outside of volunteering, Pat enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially nearby grandchildren, along with traveling, biking, playing cribbage, reading, and being outdoors whenever possible.

Looking ahead, Pat is encouraged. With much of the master planning research complete, strong collaboration with the City of Monona, and dedicated leadership now in place, San Damiano is well positioned to be sustained and enhanced for generations to come.

The post From Curiosity to Care: Pat Howell’s Story appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

Among Sadie’s favorites is the Harry Whitehorse Wood Sculpture Festival first held in 2024, an event she loves for the way it blends community service with learning. “I love serving my community and learning more about the history of the people who live here — and those who lived here before us,” she shares, “and can’t wait for 2026 when it’s held again!”

San Damiano holds a special place in Sadie’s heart. She believes deeply in preserving its peaceful landscape and historic significance so everyone can enjoy it. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone who visits and sharing the beauty and history of the property. The more people experience San Damiano, the more they fall in love with it.”

Outside of volunteering, Sadie works as a barista in Monona, and spends her free time reading, painting and embroidering — quiet hobbies that reflect her care and creativity. She’s also a prolific plant mom and loves sharing her knowledge with fledging plant parents. And a fun fact? Sadie spent a full year studying abroad in Ireland with a focus on history and journalism.

Looking ahead, Sadie is especially excited for Fire and Wonder on February 21, 2026. “The candlelit walk through the woods, the bonfire, indigenous storytelling, hot cocoa, and the togetherness of community is magical.” It’s an event that perfectly reflects everything Sadie loves about this place: connection, learning, and shared wonder.
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We are grateful for your heart for San Damiano, Sadie!

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The post Serving with Heart: A Spotlight on Sadie Chase appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

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Recognizing a Treasure Worth Saving

Before San Damiano was officially in the City of Monona’s hands, Tim already knew the property was special. “I was one of many who recognized the value of the property and house immediately,” he says. So when the City closed on the property and asked for help, he jumped in with both feet.

Tim started with the original cleanup crew—hauling trash, pulling up old carpeting, and tackling the long list of repairs needed to get the house and garage into safe, functional shape. Leaks? Fixed. Critter entry points? Sealed. Anything else? He was already on it.

“Volunteering is part of my nature,” Tim says. And with past roles like Monona Youth Dream Park co-founder, Optimist Club President, and Monona Community Festival President, Tim’s spent a lifetime stepping up for the community he loves.

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Moments That Stand Out

His favorite San Damiano memory? The San Damiano Biergarten earlier this summer, which drew more than 1,500 people.

“That really showed the power of place and how Monona comes together, as well as how well our crew of volunteers worked together,” Tim says.

A close second was giving a detailed tour to board members, walking them through the house’s strengths and weaknesses based on the 100+ hours Tim’s spent inside. His deep hands-on knowledge even helped compare real-time observations with the City’s official status report.

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The Magic of San Damiano

Why does this place matter so much to Tim? “It just makes so many people happy,” he says.

Tim’s recommended way to understand San Damiano’s power: “Drop by to see the people watch the sunset. You will see what I mean.”

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A Fun (and Unexpected) Fact

Tim once captured eighteen bats inside the house during that first summer after the City’s acquisition – humanely, of course.

“I caught them in the top floor and released them after they promised not to return,” he jokes. The City crew awarded him the title ‘Bat Wrangler,’ and thankfully, the bats have kept their promise.

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Life Beyond Volunteering

Now in his 48th year as a chiropractor (currently practicing one day a week), Tim keeps himself more than busy with projects, be it home projects or office building projects, adding that by doing so it seems to be his “…lot in life to keep Menards in business”. He’s also been dubbed “Director of Infrastructure” for his son’s arcade bar on Willy Street.

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Looking Ahead: Reimagining the House

What excites Tim most about the future? The day the house – “the jewel of the property” – takes on a vibrant new life.

Once a single-family residence, the house has been “remuddled” as Tim describes it a variety of times through the years by its various owners. Tim looks forward to seeing it “reimagined, functional, and useable in a viable, self-sustaining way.”

We’re beyond grateful for volunteers like him—people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and help bring the promise of San Damiano to life.

If you see Tim around the grounds (or rescuing any stray bats), be sure to say hello!

The post Meet Tim “The Tool Man” Turino appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.