May 6, 2021
Administration
Mayors' Monarch Pledge
Sun Prairie is now part of an expanding North American network of cities working to create habitat in public parks, public landscaping, vacant lots, roadsides, medians, green roofs, backyard gardens and open spaces throughout the entire community. The proclamation from the April 20 Common Council can be found here.
Today, the monarch butterfly population has declined significantly as a result of numerous threats, particularly the loss of habitat due to cropland conversion, urban development, and agricultural practices. Degradation of wintering habitat in Mexico and California has also had a negative impact on the species.
Through the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors' Monarch Pledge, cities and municipalities commit each year to create habitat and educate residents on how to make a difference at home or in their community.
For more information about the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, please go to: NWF.org/MayorsMonarchPledge.
Learn more about how you can save Wisconsin’s Native Pollinators: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/pollinators.html
Best Management Practices for improving pollinator habitats: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/PollinatorGardensLawns.aspx
Open Book for Property Values Remains Digital
The open book process is a time where property owners may meet with the City's assessing staff to examine their property tax assessment and discuss any valuation concerns. Often issues can be resolved during the Open Book period eliminating the need to further appeal their assessment before the Board of Review. Board of Re view hearings are a formal process where a property owner can contest an appraise value. Board of Review hearings are expected to start Monday, June 7, 2021.
While all residents who have access to phone or internet are encouraged to engage in the Open Book process digitally or by phone, the City is working diligently to ensure safety prior to residents being invited back into city buildings.
Due to COVID-19, the following will apply to Open Book meetings:
- All meetings must be scheduled before-hand
- Meetings will either be virtual or via phone
In the case that meetings must be held in person at the request of the resident, the following measures will be taken to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Masks or face coverings will be worn by staff and encouraged for community members
- Physical distancing will be maintained in a space provided by the staff
- Portable plexiglass shields will be present between resident and staff
Additional information concerning the open book process, revaluation and how property taxes are calculated can be found at: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1336/Revaluation-FAQs.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
COVID-19 Update 
SPPRF office staff is open for in person services: Tuesday – Friday 9:00am-2:00pm and available by phone at (608) 837-3449 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com, or by appointment as needed.
We're Hiring!
Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry is hiring for summer seasonal positions including: Lifeguard, Recreation Program Instructor, Recreation Program Assistant, and an LTE Office Assistant. To view current job openings and to apply, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/SunPrairieWI..
Facility Rentals
Reserve your park facility for your private event today! Reservations are available for shelters, gazebos athletic fields and courts. Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance. Green spaces are available to rent free of charge! For a full list of available rentals and to submit a request online visit: Facility Rental Information - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com)
Wetmore Park Splashpad Project Update
The project includes the addition of a splashpad, changing facility, reconstruction of the park trails and parking lot, site utility improvements and the replacement of the playground.
The utility improvements, which included stormwater piping to address drainage and a new water service to the existing shelter, has been completed. Concrete work that includes new sidewalk access to the west shelter, a reconstruction of the existing trail, playground border, sidewalk access around the east shelter, and the splashpad deck has also been completed.
The next major project milestones will include the installation of the splashpad water features, then the installation of the new playground, followed by site restoration and the reconstruction of the parking lot.
A grand opening ceremony will be scheduled for the end of June. More details about the opening will be available in the coming weeks and can be found on the City’s website at www.cityofsunprairie.com
Mayors Monarch Pledge Update
Last week, Parks staff planted a pollinator demonstration garden at Vandenburg Heights Park. Staff will work on putting some interpretive signage out there that shares the importance of pollinator plants.
The Parks, Recreation and Forestry department have partnered with Sun Prairie Parks Friends, Inc. to install a pollinator garden at Wetmore Park this June, and will be installed prior to the opening of the splash pad. The garden will also fit with the garden theme of the splash pad! The proposal was approved at last week’s Parks Commission meeting.
As a member of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, Sun Prairie is committed to creating habitats for the monarch butterfly and pollinators, and to educate residents about how they can make a difference at home and in their community.
Check It Out!
The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum is now open! The Museum is open for the 2021 Season from through October 30.
Originally designed as a Public Library, established in 1927, this building was constructed on the land occupied by the original Bird family homestead. Now serving the community as the municipal Historical Museum, past uses of this building include City Offices, Village Council Chambers, the original site of the Colonial Club Senior Center, and for a short time served as a World War II Red Cross Center where volunteers rolled bandages and donated blood.
Admittance to the Museum is free and there is no charge for most Museum sponsored activities. Cash donations are accepted and always greatly appreciated. All donations will be used for preservation of the collection and educational programming.
You can check it out Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 115 East Main Street, Sun Prairie.
Parks Department Notice: Emerald Ash Borer Treatment to Begin in May!
The City of Sun Prairie’s Park, Recreation, and Forestry Department has contracted TruGreen to treat high quality prominent ash trees in the community for emerald ash borer (EAB). They will be starting another round of treatments later this month. For more information on the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan go here: Ash Trees & Emerald Ash Borer Information
Summer Registration is Now Open!
To view the full program guide or to register visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center Opens June 19!
Swim lesson session 1 registration now open! Season passes on sale now! Purchase by 5/31 to save $5 and get a free keychain.
View the FAC guide, including information on swim lessons at rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Save the Date…
May 13 – Session 1 swim lesson registration and FAC season pass sales begins online for residents.
May 18 - Session 1 swim lesson registration and FAC season pass sales begins online for non-residents
Fitness Classes
Zumba Tuesdays – 6/1-8/3, 6:00 PM
NEW Pound Mondays – 6/2-8/4, 5:45 PM
Zumba Thursdays Outdoors – 6/3-8/5, 5:30 PM
P90X Outdoors Mondays – 6/7-8/16, 5:30 PM
Aqua Zumba Outdoor Session 1 Tuesdays/Thursdays – 6/22-7/15, 7:15 PM
Aqua Zumba Outdoor Session 2 Tuesdays/Thursdays – 7/2-8/12, 7:15 PM
Rec on the Go
May is a Mystery! – Basic Kit $7
May is a Mystery!– Deluxe Kit $17
Let us bring a recreation program to you, subscribe to our Rec on the Go kits! This month our bags will contain activities from the past, present and future. What they will be though will be a mystery…
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or check only. 2.5% service fee, or a minimum of $1.95 applied to all credit card transactions. Office hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00AM-2:00PM or by appointment call 608-837-3449.
Club Cardinal
Club Cardinal
A full day summer camp in partnership with the YMCA. To register visit https://www.ymcadane.org/child-care-camps/summer-camp
Moove Across Wisconsin
Virtual Challenge
6/1-6/30
Fee: $20
Kick-off National Dairy month with our Moove Across Wisconsin Fitness Challenge. Walk/Run/Bike your way "across" the width of Wisconsin (260 miles) during the month of June. You can participate as a team or as an individual and miles must be logged by 6/30. All participants will receive a Moove Across Wisconsin t-shirt.
**For more information or to register for these and other Recreation programs please visit the Recreation Department page at rec.cityofsunprairie.com Registration closes online one week prior to the start of class, to register after this date call 608-837-3449
Sun Prairie Media Center
Multicultural Fair Radio Reboot 
You can tune in to hear the interview with Evelyn Cruz, a Sun Prairie resident who is the Director for Program Planning & Evaluation at Centro Hispano! The interview, conducted by Sara Milewski, includes loads of information on the services that Centro Hispano provides not only for the Sun Prairie community but throughout Dane County. Ms. Cruz also shares some of her favorite music and spoken word content she enjoys listening to.
How can you hear this interview? You can listen to it on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio! The episode will be airing for the next couple of weeks on Saturdays at 4 PM. It is also available to listen to via the Sun Prairie Media Center app as well as right here.
SPMC's 2021 Summer Workshops
Have no fear . . . The Sun Prairie Media Center’s much-loved, often-imitated-but-never-duplicated summer workshops are back!
If you know of someone aged 9-15 who loves to make videos, movies, or even podcasts and wants help taking their creativity to the next level, then you need to sign up for these workshops!
These week-long workshops are designed for budding journalists, filmmakers, actors, and social media influencers who want a fun and creative way to express themselves. Participants will be introduced to media production in a fun, hands-on learning environment that is conveniently located – the Media Center is in the same building as the public library!
These courses will inspire kids in a creative atmosphere to learn communication skills they can use for a lifetime. Nothing is impossible when you have a camera, an idea and a group of friends!
Classes will include Adventures in Movie Making, Sports Production, Reporting, Podcasting and Vlogging, and more! More information is available at kids4.tv.
Online registration is now open and will close on June 18. But hurry – due to limited class sizes, these workshops will fill up fast! All workshops will meet at the Sun Prairie Media Center. Discounted rates for SPMC members are available. More information on memberships is available at sunprairiemediacenter.com.
Questions? E-mail Mara at mtrusty@cityofsunprairie.com.
See you at the Media Center this summer!
Public Works
Electronics Recycling 
The City is hosting an electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Family Aquatic Center on 920 Linnerud Drive. This is a great way to free up space and get rid of any electronics not being used!
It's important to see what can and cannot be recycled. To do that, you can click here and find out.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Phased Reopening Begins
On Monday, May 10, 2021, the library will be opening its doors for more in-person services. Phase II hours of service will be: M-F: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun: 1-5 p.m.
In preparation for the reopening, the library will be closed for all services on Thursday, May 6 and Friday, May 7. Drive-up and walk-up window service for holds pick up will be offered on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9. Express Technology will be closed on Saturday, May 8.
The library will be adding back the following services:
- Quick Browsing (30 minute limit for browsing & check out)
- In person reference service, technology assistance, readers’ advisory service, circulation service
- Additional computer stations (one hour limit for computers)
- Faxing, photocopying, printing, microfilm reader, wi-fi
- Self-check-out
- In-person holds pick up
- Linkcat stations for catalog searching
- Adult Services will accommodate magazine and newspaper requests
- Services by appointment: Resume writing assistance, Teleconferencing, Telehealth, Test Proctoring, Project Recovery Counseling. These services will take place in the Discussion Room and will be coordinated by Adult Services.
- Walk-up window (Circulation & Youth Services)
- Summer Library Program for Youth & Adults
- Outdoor programs
- Bus passes, taxi ride share, recycle stickers
Masks and social distancing required. Occupancy limits will be in place. Time limits will be in place: 30 minutes for browsing and 1 hour for computer use. All PHMDC (Public Health Madison Dane County) recommendations and guidelines will be followed.
Starting on Monday, May 10, drive-up and walk-up pickups will be by appointment only. Reservations can be made at www.sunlib.org and click on "Schedule a curbside pickup". We will not be able to process unscheduled pickups, but scheduled pickups will be available throughout the day either at the drive-up window or the walk-up window. Please make sure to check "walk up" or "drive up" on the reservation form so staff can prepare items correctly. The window will not be staffed directly, and interaction must be done through the intercom.
Although pickups will be limited, the building will be open from 9am - 6pm, Monday - Friday, as well as 9am - 1pm on Saturdays and 1pm - 5pm on Sundays for in-person hold pickup and self check-out. To limit close interaction between staff and patrons, all in-person pickups will be expected to make use of the self-checkout.
Children's & Teen Services
Youth Programs will take a pause in May while we enter Phase II Reopening and prepare for Summer Programs.
Adult Services
Wednesday, May 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th 11-11:30 a.m.
Tai Chi is slow, mindful exercise and attention to the breath proven to be helpful for strength, alignment, flexibility, stress management, cognitive fitness, and balance of body, mind and spirit. It's practical, relaxing, and can be modified for a wide range of special needs. Take a break and learn the basics with certified master instructor, Jody Curley, M.A. This is a four part weekly series, but you do not need to register for all four to attend. You are welcome to attend those that fit your schedule, but please note, you must register for each session individually. These sessions will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
Sunday, May 16th 2-3pm
Everyone loves getting something fun in the mail! In this virtual craft workshop, led by Jamie Statz-Paynter, you'll learn how to make handmade greeting cards to brighten someone's day! We'll provide the card supplies, but participants will need to have their own glue, scissors, colored pencils and/or markers handy. Card making kits will be made available for registrants only, one week prior to the program; registrants will be contacted to schedule a pick-up. Members of a household are welcome to participate together; however, due to limited supplies we ask that households limit themselves to one registration and one kit. This event will be held via Zoom. To receive the log in information, please register here.
Tuesday, May 18th 6:30-7:30pm |
Please join us for an evening with eminent local author, Rex Owens, as we celebrate the release of his new book The Life & Times of Rowan Dal, a fantastic work of historical fiction that recounts the story of one very determined Pack Horse Librarian. Rex is also the author of the Irish Troubles series: Murphy's Troubles, Out of Darkness, and Dead Reckoning as well as an avid supporter of local libraries. This event will be held via Zoom. To register for the event and receive the Zoom log in information please register here.
Wisconsin African Americans in the Civil War
Wednesday, May 19th 6:30-7:30pm
Hundreds of African American soldiers and regimental employees represented Wisconsin in the Civil War, and yet these individuals are rarely mentioned in state histories. Jeff Kannel, local historian and author, will discuss the research behind his book Make Way for Liberty, through which he hopes to shine a light on the crucial role of African Americans from Wisconsin in the Civil War. This event will be held via Zoom and registration is required. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
The Dream Bus is a library on wheels! Sign-up for a library card, return materials, and get free books, movies, wi-fi and more! Visit the table outside the Dream Bus, for touch-less browsing. On-board service will not be offered. Staff will be observing social distancing and wearing masks.
Mondays, 4-6 p.m.
C.H. Bird Elementary School
1st and 3rd Saturdays, May-August, 9-11 a.m.
Sun Prairie Farmers Market