July 1, 2021
Administration
2021 City of Sun Prairie Observed Holidays
The City facilities and services will be closed on Monday, July 5th. See below for a list of other dates where City facilities and services will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- January 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- May 31 - Memorial Day
- July 5 - Independence Day (in recognition of July 4 which falls on Sunday)
- September 6 - Labor Day
- November 25 & 26 - Thanksgiving Day (and the day after)
- December 24 - Christmas Holiday (in recognition of Christmas Day which falls on Saturday)
- December 30 - New Year Holiday
- December 31 - New Year Holiday (in recognition of New Year's Day which falls on Saturday)
NOTE: Sun Prairie Public Library’s observed holidays may differ. Please visit the Library website for more information.
Housing Needs Assessment
The City of Sun Prairie has embarked on a housing needs assessment, working with The Lakota Group, a Chicago-based urban planning and design firm, alongside SB Friedman Development Advisors, a Market and Housing C onsulting firm.
The Community Development Authority (CDA) as well as a housing advisory committee will facilitate the Sun Prairie Housing for All assessment. This housing study will provide City staff, elected officials, key stakeholders, and the community a better understanding of the housing market, housing challenges, and current and future unmet needs. The result of this process will focus on strategies that will provide a pathway to address housing challenges and ensure the City of Sun Prairie is taking advantage of opportunities to support housing development at a range of price points and across different housing options. This study will consider ways to manage change and balance community needs, while embracing Sun Prairie’s history and heritage.
As Sun Prairie’s diversity continues to grow, it is necessary to learn about what types of housing best suit the unique needs of different communities. “Addressing the housing needs can only be achieved by listening to all voices in the community and integrating their input,” said Mayor Esser. “We want to serve all community members who currently reside here and those who will one day call Sun Prairie their home.” Intentional engagement will be key in successfully conducting this assessment.
This planning process builds on Sun Prairie’s community pride and celebrates the history and traditions of the City. Since May, the planning team has engaged a number of stakeholders through focus group discussions as well as touring the neighborhoods and engaging with community members on the ground. The team has compiled an existing conditions report that illustrates the current housing situation in Sun Prairie, which has been uploaded to the project website, along with a recording of the most recent CDA meeting.
Different ways to follow the planning process include visiting the project website www.SunPrairieHousingforAll.com and signing up for regular email updates as well as checking the City’s Facebook page for updates posted there. An online survey and community workshops are scheduled to occur between July and August to continue in engagement with the Sun Prairie community in this planning effort.
Streets of Sun Prairie events!
The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is pleased to announce this summer’s Streets of Sun Prairie line-up of Thursday night events taking place in Downtown Sun Prairie:
- August 12, 5:00-8:00PM: Classic Cars and Bluegrass Music on Market Street and Cannery Square, 1 Cannery Square and the corner of Market Street and Main Street
- Road Apples Car Club will be on hand to show off a variety of classic cars. Come on down to chat with the owners about their passion for these amazing automobiles! Please visit https://www.road-apples.org/ for more information.
- Kodey Feiner of the Soggy Prairie band, and Marta Hansen of The Piano Gal Shop, will entertain with bluegrass music!
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be on-hand with balloon sculpting.
- Stop by the Explore Children’s Museum pop-up table to say hi!
The Streets of Sun Prairie event series is sponsored in part by the Bank of Sun Prairie.
The Streets of Sun Prairie event series is designed to offer a variety of entertainment and engaging activities throughout Downtown Sun Prairie that hopefully appeals to a wide range of people. We hope that residents and visitors explore Downtown Sun Prairie before and after all of the events.
Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie for more event details! www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie
Downtown Sun Prairie… we’re having fun down here!
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
SPPRF office is now open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm 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.
Reserve your park facility for your private event today! Reservations are available for shelters, gazebos athletic fields and courts and accepted up to one year in advance. Reserve now for your 2022 graduation parties and family reunions. 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)
Sun Prairie Historical Museum is now Open!
Wednesday – Saturday, 11am-4pm
115 East Main St, Sun Prairie
Summer Registration is now Open!
To view the full program guide or to register visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Confirmed pool opening date and hours! Still time to purchase your season passes at rec.cityofsunprairie.com or stop in our office M-F 8:00am-4:30pm. Questions? Give us a call 608-837-3449
WPRA Discount Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets must be purchased in person and payment with cash or card 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.
City of Fun Prairie!
Did you hear the news?! The Mayor has changed the name of the City of Sun Prairie to the City of FUN Prairie for the month of July in honor of Parks and Recreation Month! SPPRF, in partnership with a number of local businesses and community organizations, are putting together some exciting things to highlight all of the local fun to be had in our community! Stay tuned over the next several weeks for more information and what living in the City of FUN Prairie means for residents!
See below for the Fun Prairie Bingo Card.
This item is a great way to see some of the activities, promotions, deals, and more going on in the local area. Check out these locations to get a bingo card:
- Bank of Sun Prairie (228 East Main Street)
- Bank of Sun Prairie (550 Broadway Drive)
- Bank of Sun Prairie (695 S. Grand Avenue)
- City of Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center (920 Linnerud Drive)
- City of Sun Prairie Historical Museum (115 East Main Street)
- City of Sun Prairie Media Center (1350 Linnerud Drive, Suite 2)
- City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department (2598 West Main Street)
- City of Sun Prairie Public Library (1350 Linnerud Drive)
- Eddie's Alehouse & Eatery (238 East Main Street)
- JJ's Boxing & Wrestling (1323 W. Main Street)
- Orange Theory Fitness Sun Prairie (1261 Cabela Drive)
- Prairie Grove Orthodontics (2408 Montana Avenue)
- Prairie Kids Club (352 Wilburn Road)
- Prairie Music & Arts (798 Lois Drive)
- Sun Prairie Farmer's Market (1 Cannery Square)
- Sun Prairie YMCA (1470 Don Simon Drive)
Youth Mentorship Program for Young Men
Sun Prairie Youth & Teen Navigator and Sun Prairie Library Board member, Darreon Steward is offering a FREE mentorship program for young men through the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation Forestry Department and the Neighborhood Navigators program. Each meeting date of the program will focus on a different life skill such as cooking, resume-writing/job interviewing, self-care, wellness, etiquette, etc. The program seeks to accomplish the following goals:
• Build a community between the youth of Sun Prairie
• Provide youth with tools for everyday life
• Have youth be invested in and feel part of the community
• Develop and foster resilience-building skills
The program will serve youth and teens entering grades 5-10 for the 2021-2022 school year. There is no fee to attend, and participants may drop-into the program. However, all participants must have a signed registration form and waiver form on file prior to attending.
The program will run on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 21 – August 18 at The Element on Main Apartments (102 Park Circle) and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 22 – August 19 at Vandenburg Heights Park (1020 Vandenburg Street).
See the flyer HERE with more information, including the registration/waiver form. Completed registration/waiver forms can be e-mailed to rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
Disney Trivia Night
Join us for Trivia at Sheehan Park on the central athletic field. Bring your own chair or blanket, and Disney knowledge…we will provide the rest! Great family fun activity for all ages. Visit our Facebook event page for more info.
Tumbling Session 1, Ages 5-8
Monday-Friday, 6/28-7/2, 11:00-11:50 am
Fee: $49 Residents, $69 Non-Residents
This general tumbling class is designed for all genders who have little to no previous experience with tumbling. Students will learn basic body positions and vocabulary to execute safe tumbling skills. Students will build flexibility, strength, and confidence through daily practices, games, and challenges. Students will work on developing their gross and fine motor skills while having fun in a gym setting!
New Sessions Added!! Kinder Kickers Soccer, Ages 3-4
Tuesdays, 6/29-8/3, 3:15-4:00 pm
Wednesdays, 6/30-8/4, 3:15-4:00 pm
Fee: $55 Residents, $130 Non-Residents
This program introduces youth to soccer with games that allow them to run, play as a group and kick a ball. They will gain basic soccer skills while building fundamental skills such as balance and coordination. Classes incorporate activities that are sure to be fun for everyone!
Junk Sculpture, Ages 8-10
Wednesday & Thursday, 6/30 & 7/1, 2:00-5:00 pm
Fee: $44 Residents, $64 Non-Residents
Bring your junk to the Westside Building and we will create with it. Students will enjoy creating art worthy sculptures for a “gallery showing” for friends and family on the last day of class.
Pedal the Prairie 100 Mile Bike Challenge
Virtual Challenge
7/1-8/31
Fee: $12
Join us as we hop on our bike and pedal 100 miles throughout Sun Prairie and beyond!
Keep track of your outdoor OR indoor miles from July 1 through August 31 (average of 12.5
miles/week to reach 100!)
Record your miles on a Google doc we will provide
ALL AGES WELCOME!
SWAG
Everyone who registers will receive a Pedal the Prairie t-shirt
Complete fun, mini challenges to help you stay on track
Awards to the top finishers in total # of miles for the following age groups: 5 & under, 6/10, 11-
15, 16-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71+
Rec on the Go – Recommended for Ages 5-14
July, Fun Prairie! – Basic Kit $7
July, Fun Prairie!– Deluxe Kit $17
July has been designated Fun Prairie month. Our kits will include activities that make Sun Prairie great like a city scavenger hunt, Jimmy the Groundhog craft and more! Non-residents must use curbside pick-up. Pick-up and delivery will be available the week of July 19.
Bedtime Buddies – Ages 2-4
July, Down By the Cool of the Pool! Kit
Bedtime Buddies is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Each kit will include a stuffed animal kit, book and snack. Each month there will be a different book and matching stuffed animal. Non-residents must pickup - No delivery available. Please make sure your email address is up to date as that is the way you will be contacted about pickup/delivery.
**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
Public Safety
Firework Safety
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate! We know fireworks are part of that celebration. Remember these guidelines below for your safety and fun!
Welcome to the Team!
We are excited to announce the hiring of our newest dispatcher! Sarah Soderholm joined our department on June 21st. Sarah comes to us with around a decade of experience dispatching for the Fitchburg Police Department.
Police Swearing In
Sun Prairie Police Department’s newest officers were sworn in on Monday, June 21st.
Derek Moe (right) is originally from Minnesota. He was a member of the United States Navy and recently moved to Wisconsin from his station in Florida. He will be starting the Police Academy in August.
Jamy Dennis (middle) comes to us from the Village of Albany Police Department. He is originally from the Madison area and will be beginning his training in the field with our officers the week of July 5th.
Zackeri Drill (left) is originally from northern Wisconsin. He was in the United States Marine Corps and spent time doing contract work after. He will be starting the Police Academy in August, as well.
Sun Prairie EMS Awarded $200,000 Grant for EMS Outreach Program
The City of Sun Prairie’s Emergency Medical Services Department has been awarded a $200,000 CDBG-CV grant to assist with the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this grant, the paramedics at Sun Prairie EMS will be able to provide residents with free in-home medical support for all manner of issues related to the pandemic. This grant provides opportunity for people:
- Recovering from COVID-19 at home
- Experiencing trouble accessing healthcare
- Fearful of going to the doctor
- Having financial difficulties and pressures
- Living in compact housing with other people
- Concerned about vaccinations
Paramedics will provide free in-home visits to monitor health, assist with prescribed treatment regimens, and provide education about prevention/mitigation strategies to help reduce the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 in the community. All program participants will receive free pulse-oximetry devices and touchless thermometers. Additionally, paramedics will distribute free medication lockboxes as well as free medication disposal kits from our partners at Public Health Madison and Dane County.
For more detailed information, please click here. If wanting to make a referral, or to inquire about participating in the EMS Outreach program yourself, please contact Sun Prairie EMS via email at EMS@cityofsunprairie.com, or call us at 608-837-3604.
Coffee With A Cop!
You can stop and have coffee with a cop! This will be held at different locations throughout Sun Prairie. Community members interested in this opportunity to connect with officers can go to the Sun Prairie Police Department Facebook account and then follow the event page for updates. The July session is currently being planned but the next set date is Monday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Beans n Cream Coffeehouse| 345 Cannery Square, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
The mission of Coffee With a Cop is to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know officers in your neighborhood.
Changes in date and time may occur due to police-related circumstances. You can stay connected by following updates posted from Facebook and Twitter on the Sun Prairie Police Department's webpage. Just click here!
Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum
Fun Prairie Historical Scavenger Race
This Scavenger Race, designed for teams of two adults, takes contestants to multiple Sun Prairie locations where they solve puzzles and complete tasks as quickly as possible. The first place winning team takes home $1,000, while second place wins $500 and third place wins $250.
A socially distant game, conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown, utilizes QR Codes to start an activity clock and photos of completed tasks to end an activity time. By timing only the activities, contestants have no need to speed down Main Street and instead, it gives them an opportunity to stop in for lunch or check out a shop they have never been to.
100 tickets will go on sale Tuesday, July 6 at www.cityofsunprairie.com/museumrace. Entry fee for a team of two adults costs $80 and a phone with the ability to send photos and videos is required to play. All proceeds go to the Sun Prairie Water Tower Historic Preservation Fund to help repair the historic landmark, built in 1899.
NOTE: This event is part of the “Fun Prairie” marketing campaign celebrating the National Parks & Recreation Month. Sun Prairie Mayor, Paul Esser, made a proclamation at last week’s City Council meeting to change the name of Sun Prairie to “Fun Prairie” for the month of July.
Event Info:
Location: Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum | 115 East Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Event Category: Community, Fundraiser, Event
Website: www.cityofsunprairie.com/museumrace
Phone: 608-825-0837
Contact: Jennifer Harper, Museum Director | museum@cityofsunprairie.com
Date & Time: Saturday, July 31, 2021 (10am-6pm)
Sun Prairie Media Center
Catch WIAA State Baseball Semi-Finals and Finals on 103.5 FM
103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio has been your home for Cardinals softball and baseball action throughout the season and postseason, and coverage will wind up for the season on Thursday, July 1, with total coverage of the Division 1 semifinals and, if Sun Prairie advances, the Division 1 Championship.
After advancing to the WIAA State tournament as the #1 seed in Division 1, Sun Prairie defeated #8 Onalaska by a score of 6-1 on Friday, June 25 at Herr-Baker Stadium in Fond du Lac, a game heard on 103.5 FM.
Now the Cardinals advance to the Division 1 WIAA semifinal at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, where they will play #5 Menomonee Falls. Menomonee Falls upended #4 Pewaukee 8-6 on Friday. Coverage of the semifinal matchup will be heard on 103.5 FM on Thursday, July 1, beginning just before 11 AM.
If the Cardinals defeat Menomonee Falls, then they would play either #2 Bay Port or #6 Eau Claire Memorial at 6 PM for the Division 1 Championship. Coverage of that game would start just before 6 PM on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio. Calling the games will be Dan Corcoran and Bill Baker. The SPMC would also like to thank Woodman’s for their sponsorship and their help in making the coverage possible.
The SPMC is always looking for members eager to help cover Cardinals sports or provide any other programming or production assistance. For more information, please call the SPMC at 608-837-4193 or e-mail jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com..
"Get Back" to Tuesday Night Tunes at Wetmore Park
Tuesday Night Tunes returns to the newly-renovated and improved Wetmore Park in 2021 with a full summer of great music.
Kicking off the summer schedule on July 13 is a concert sponsored by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Media Center, which is also serving as a sixth anniversary celebration of the launch of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio, Sun Prairie’s community radio station.
Playing at the concert will be Madison Mystery Tour, a Beatles tribute band that specializes in accurate live renditions of the entire Beatles recorded catalog. Active since 2012, Madison Mystery Tour has performed sold-out concerts at major venues and festivals. The July 13 concert is set to begin at 6 PM at Wetmore Park on 555 North Street in Sun Prairie.
“I’m thrilled that our Friends group is sponsoring such a fantastic group to launch the Tuesday Night Tunes series and to celebrate the radio station’s anniversary,” said SPMC director Jeff Robbins. “It’s a great year for Beatles fans. Not only have solo albums by George Harrison and John Lennon seen super deluxe re-issues this year, but the highly-anticipated Peter Jackson ‘Let It Be/Get Back’ reimagining and accompanying box set are due later this year, which is the biggest Beatles project in over 25 years.”
In addition to the music, the Sun Prairie Lions Club will host a beer tent, and food and other beverages will be available for purchase from Texas Roadhouse, Sassy Cow Creamery, and others.
There is also scheduled to be a 50-50 raffle to benefit the Friends of the Sun Prairie Media Center as well as a staffed booth with more information on the Sun Prairie Media Center.
For more information about the Sun Prairie Media Center or how to become a member producer, please check out sunprairiemediacenter.com or e-mail Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
The Parenting Game
The Sun Prairie Media Center is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Christine Bright, founder of the Parenting Game, in a new series of programs imaginatively titled “The Parenting Game.” The 30-minute programs air on KSUN (among other times) at 1 PM and 10 PM Wednesdays and on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio at 8 AM Fridays.
The program is for any person desiring to foster a healthy relationship with a child and aims to provide information, resources, and actionable strategies. Guests on “The Parenting Game” will share stories from their parenting journey and host Bright will help them share their wins and fails, recognizing that perfect parenting does not exist.
“I have had the pleasure of working with differently abled children since I was in high school. I was drawn to children that were the ‘naughty ones.’ It seemed I had a natural knack for being able to handle their behaviors," said Bright. “My passion for helping children guided me to become a therapeutic foster parent which gave me invaluable training I still use. Working one-on-one with a child that had challenging behaviors brought me unspeakable joy. A deeper passion was ignited within me.”
Bright is now a child care professional and family advocate for children with mild to severe behavioral issues, having trained with Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child. She works to help families navigate all the challenges that are a natural facet of parenting, teaching her clients fundamentals, skills, and actionable strategies that result in more positive interactions with their children.
Bright says that doing “The Parenting Game” program with the Sun Prairie Media Center will allow her to share the strategies she has developed with larger audiences as an advisor and speaker.
For more information on Christine Bright and The Parenting Game, go to parentinggamewins.com.
“The Parenting Game,” as with all SPMC video programming, is available on KSUN at Charter Spectrum channel 983, TDS channels 13 and 1013, or to stream at sunprairiemediacenter.com and on the Sun Prairie Media Center app. On-demand programming is available on the website, app, and on the SPMC’s Roku and Apple TV channels. The podcast version is also available on the SPMC app.
For more information about the SPMC or how to become a member producer, please e-mail Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
Sun Prairie Public Library
The library will be closed on Sunday, July 4. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.
New Hours Starting July 5
The Sun Prairie Public Library Board of Trustees and staff are pleased to announce that the library will resume its regular hours beginning Monday, July 5!
Hours Starting July 5:
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Children’s & Teen Services
Storytime Resumed Monday, June 14
Join us for Small Fry Storytime on Mondays at 10:00 in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel, and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel. Keep an eye out for Pop-Up Outdoor Family Storytimes as well. Our first in-person Outdoor Family Storytime was successfully held on Wednesday, June 16! Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo for up-to-date info.
Level Up this summer with the Summer Reading Program! Earn digital badges as well as cool prizes like a pass to the Dane County Fair, a pass to the Milwaukee Public Museum, a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza, a farm pass, a prize book, the all-new 2021 Library Champion sign and more! Also, you'll get something special just for signing up! The Summer Reading Program is for ALL ages -- whether you are being read to, just learning to read, or reading advanced teen materials...we have a program for you! Registration began June 1 on Beanstack and the program runs until August 22! For more information, visit our Summer Reading program page here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-program
Friday, July 2nd 12:30-1:30pm
Sammy wants to play Among Us and maybe some Jackbox games! Game with Sammy on Zoom on select Fridays at 12:30 PM. Registration required for each session and space is limited. This program is for those who are 7-12 years old.
Fridays, 2-4 p.m.
Melissa wants to play Among Us and Jackbox games! Game with Melissa on Zoom on Fridays at 2:00. Registration required for each session and space is limited. Email Melissa at mcarollo at sunlib.org to register. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.
Adult Services
Announcing the Adult Summer Reading Program! Our theme this summer is Read With Friends, and we also encourage you to join us for our first ever Big Summer Read, “We Ride Upon Sticks” by Madison author Quan Barry. Registration is available now on Beanstack.
Big Summer Read Book Discussion
Sunday, July 11th 2-3pm
Join us for a book club style discussion of our 'Big Summer Read,' We Ride Upon Sticks by award-winning author and poet, Quan Barry! Limited copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Adult Information Desk and you can check Hoopla and Overdrive for e-book and audio formats. This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please fill out the registration form here. This is the first of two Big Summer Read Book Discussions to be held this summer (the second will be on Thursday, 8/19 at 6:30pm.) You may register for whichever date works best for you.
Tuesday, July 13th and Wednesday, July 14th 11am-6pm
A special traveling exhibit is coming our way! On July 13 & 14, the BUS-eum, a school bus retrofitted as a history museum on wheels, will be stationed in the library's parking lot and open for visitors from 11:00am - 6:00pm. The BUS-eum offers insights into America's present problems by revisiting parallel historical events, highlighting five significant themes from America's history:
- The flu pandemic of 1918
- Anti-German hysteria during WWI
- Prohibition-era bootlegging in rural America
- The "Second Wave" of the Ku Klux Klan in the Midwest of the 1920s
- Farmer-led rebellions during the Great Depression
As part of the traveling exhibit, museum director Dr. Michael Luick-Thrams will offer a presentation each day:
-Tuesday 7/13 @ 1:00pm: "1920s KKK & Race Riots"
-Wednesday 7/14 @ 3:00pm: "The Cow Wars and Other Farmer Rebellions of the Great Depression"
This program is generously funded in part by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Dream Bus Bookmobile
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! Staff will have masks available.
Mondays, 4-6 p.m.
C.H. Bird Elementary School
1st and 3rd Saturdays, May-August, 9-11 a.m.
Sun Prairie Farmers Market