San Damiano Monona

Friends of San Damiano

Our organization—

About the Friends of San Damiano

The Friends of San Damiano (FoSD or "Friends") was incorporated as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization in July 2020 to “advance the use of the property known as San Damiano as a place for public recreation, interpretive programming, and peaceful reflection.” The Friends group is comprised of residents from Monona, Dane County and beyond, all of whom share a strong commitment to and passion for the property.  

With the formation of FoSD, the future of San Damiano now depends on a public/private partnership; the City of Monona and the Friends collaborating to raise the funds necessary to support the purchase of the property and transform it into a one-of-a-kind Lake Monona destination.

Ownership and final decisions will be made by the City, while the Friends will fundraise to ensure the conservation of the property, partners in the planning process, and fund the future implementation of the master plan.

This process will require substantial community engagement, the generation of a vision, site plan, and the acquisition of sufficient capital to ensure that the final plan comes to fruition.

Driveway into San Damiano Monona with autumn leaves.
Driveway into San Damiano Monona.                                               Photo credit: Greg Bleck
Sunset viewed from San Damiano against Madison skyline.
Sunset viewed from San Damiano.                                                    Photo credit: Greg Bleck
Our progress—

2020-2021 Annual Report

The Friends are proud of our work to organize and prepare to conserve the important and historic San Damiano property for future generations of not just Monona residents, but our broader community to enjoy.

Review our 2020-2021 Annual Report to our stakeholders to learn about the significant progress we've made in our inaugural year.

Board of Directors

Wes Mosman Block

President

Andy Kitslaar

Patricia Howell

Secretary

Jennifer Kuhr

Treasurer

Lynn Laszewski

Matt Tramel

Melissa Badini

Juliet Page

Nancy Moore

Alderperson, ex officio

Early morning swan formation over San Damiano shore
Early morning swan formation over San Damiano.                       Photo credit: Greg Bleck
Hawk in flight against Lake Monona moon.
Hawk in flight against Lake Monona moon.                                    Photo credit: Greg Bleck

Community Advisors

David Allen

Principal, Development for Conservation

Jane Coleman

Former Executive Director, Madison Community Foundation

Peter McKeever

Attorney

Jane Schroeder

Operations Manager

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