Madison -- Even Prettier!

Tuesday's print MDL reports that the Madison City Commission is the proud recipient of 8.3 acres donated by John Maloney for the purpose of establishing the Gerry Maloney Nature Area. Maloney has donated the land on the north side of town and will kick in another $100,000 to fund improvements "including a bridge, pond, grass walking trails, parking lot, fences, gazebo and benches" (Chuck Clement, "Commission Reviews Electric Rate Hike," MDL, 2007.04.24, p. 1).

8.3 acres -- that's a lot of municipal park! It sounds like an excellent addition to Madison's recreational opportunities. (And if I may suggest, we probably don't need a big parking lot. Keep all the green we can, and let people get a few more steps of exercise.) I can't wait to take Baby Madville Times for a stroll through it.

One fiscal note: for $100,000 and nice stretch of land from one private donor, plus maybe an $80,000 grant from SD Game, Fish and Parks, we get a beautiful new outdoor public park every citizen can actively use and enjoy year-round (yes, some of us even hit the parks in winter). Compare that to the recently defeated $10-million gym, where a few dozen athletes would play in front of a lot of spectators. This park sounds like a much better investment for the greater good of the community. Besides, a lush green park will look a lot nicer on our promotional materials than another big windowless brick building.