June 1, 2023
Administration
Planting for Pollinators!
City staff enjoyed getting their hands a little dirty to install a native pollinator garden at City Hall! The purpose of the garden is to increase awareness of the benefits of native plants and provide floral and nectar resources for our urban pollinators.
We want to thank Cindy Burtley, Parks & Forestry Director, who gave staff an info session on how folks can plant a pollinator/native garden at their home!
2023 Sustainable Sun Prairie Roundtable
Sun Prairie will be hosting its first-ever community event focused on sustainability initiatives and projects in our community. The roundtable will include presentations from the energy, transportation and materials management sector and will touch on programs from the macro to local level. This event will be held in a facilitated style of presentations creating an opportunity to engage the audience and give them time to engage in smaller group/table discussions.
What is going to be covered?
-Energy: Maximizing incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), WPPI, and Focus on Energy, local clean energy efforts ; county, region, and state clean energy efforts and programs from Sustain Dane and RENEW WI
-Materials Management: Dane County’s Materials Recovery Facility and Dane County’s Organics Management Grant Program, Sustain Dane initiatives, programs and activities, Sun Prairie’s Municipal Composting Pilot and future planning for Biosolids Recovery Center
-Transportation Planning: WICC efforts, programs, and opportunities, RoundTrip and other MPO efforts, and Sun Prairie’s Local Bus Service and 2023 BRT planning
Sign up!
To sign up for the roundtable discussion, follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-sustainable-sun-prairie-roundtable-tickets-630418166707?fbclid=IwAR34t0WC-rgQGJhdMTAU31sJXLkxMKDP4fEO61RRInqEb69Y0kSky7KxU_A
To attend the Happy Hour hosted by Sustain Dane, please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustain-dane-all-around-dane-county-june-tickets-629362870287?fbclid=IwAR2jZg_s0Dg3afhRPmWlBNM8KqfdJuOwGrsvtybXrY4guOkLIcxzQJMT3Lg
Building Inspection
Building Safety Month 2023!
The final week for #BuildingSafetyMonth2023 includes solving challenges together on a global scale! Week 5 elevates Building Safety Month to a global scale and addresses some of the issues that we face as a global community. Visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org for information on water conservation, energy efficiency, carbon reduction and more. For additional information about the Building Inspection Division in Sun Prairie, please go to www.cityofsunprairie.com/buildinginspection.
Community Development
Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District Presents Streets of Sun Prairie Events
The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is pleased to announce this summer’s Streets of Sun Prairie event series. Streets of Sun Prairie (SOSP) is a line-up of Thursday evening events taking place in Downtown Sun Prairie:
- June 13, 5:00-7:30PM: Dine in the Dream Park and Dueling Pianos at Firemen’s Park in the Prairie Dream Park, 415 Park Street, Sun Prairie
- Event attendees can expect to find local Downtown restaurants selling select items from their menu. Restaurants will donate a percentage of their food sales to the Dream Park.
- Two Birds duo Marta Hansen, owner of The Piano Gal Shop, and Clarisse Tobia will perform Dueling Pianos. Dueling Pianos is a format where there are two pianists / singers that take requests.
- Enjoy story time yoga, glitter tattoos from Funny Faces Family Entertainment, rock painting, and other activities.
- June 29, 5:00-9:00PM: Night Market on Market Street and Cannery Square
- Join us for the first ever Night Market in Downtown Sun Prairie!
- Enjoy live music by the SoundBillies, local vendors, and yard games.
- Downtown businesses will have extended hours and specials for the evening.
- July 13, 3:00-7:00PM: Adventure Day Supporting Sunshine Place, In Memory of Fire Captain Cory Barr
- Adventure Day is back for its third year in Downtown Sun Prairie! Pick up a map and a bag at the Bank of Sun Prairie or Burn Boot Camp Sun Prairie from 2:30-6:30 PM and explore Downtown businesses by visiting the locations on the map.
- After visiting all or some of the locations on the map, attendees are encouraged to submit their map at the Downtown Fire Station (135 N Bristol Street) to enter for a chance to win a fire truck ride, and other prizes!
- Downtown businesses will be hosting specials for the day or the entire month of July to support Sunshine Place.
- In 2018, Captain Cory Barr approached Sunshine Place with the idea to host a scavenger hunt as a way to raise money for the nonprofit. Help support Cory’s dream by participating in Adventure Day and donating to Sunshine Place. https://sunshineplace.org/i-want-to-help/
- July 27, 5:00 – 7:00PM: Community Art Making Project (C.A.M.P.) – Sun Prairie is Blooming!
- Create an art project that will be displayed in Downtown Sun Prairie from July 27 through August 21! Sign up and register for the first ever Community Art Making Project.
- There are 40 wooden flower cut outs primed and available for pick up at the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry (SPPRF) Department office, 2598 West Main Street. There are two flower designs to choose from; each flower cut out
isroughly 2.5 feet x 2.5 feet. - Flowers are $50.00 at the time of registration and pick
itup, at the SPPRF office. The entry fee can be paid by you or a sponsor (family members, friends, a business, etc.). - For an additional $50.00, flowers can be purchased outright.
- All flowers, unless purchased outright at the time of purchase, will be included in a silent auction with a starting bid of $50.00. All auction revenue will support the development, improvement, and promotion of Downtown Sun Prairie.
- Artists have until 4PM on June 30 to complete and return your art project to the SPPRF office. Once your project is returned, it will be poly coated to make it more weather resistant.
- All of the completed projects will be displayed online on Downtown Sun Prairie’s social media pages and at: http://downtownsunprairiewi.com/
- August 10, 5:00-7:00PM: Classic Cars on Market Street and Cannery Square
- Car enthusiasts are invited to attend Classic Cars to show off their own vehicles and/or admire other antique vehicles on Market Street and Cannery Square. It is free to attend and to participate in the car show!
- Funny Faces Family Entertainment will be onsite doing balloon sculptures.
- Enjoy live music by Ed Ford.
Thank you to our 2023 BID Sponsors: Bank of Sun Prairie, Beans n Cream Coffeehouse, Forever Yours Jewelry Inc.
Thank you to our 2023 Streets of Sun Prairie Event Partners: Forward Legal Services, Board & Brush Sun Prairie, The Loft at 132, Ben’s Auto Service, Sun Prairie Utilities, Beans n Cream Coffeehouse, Allison Art and Design, and i3 Product Development.
The Streets of Sun Prairie event series is designed to offer a variety of entertainment and engaging activities throughout Downtown Sun Prairie that appeals to a wide range of people. We hope that residents and visitors explore Downtown Sun Prairie and shop local.
Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie for more event details! www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie
Sun Prairie is Blooming!
Night Market!
Community Art Making Project
Community Spotlight
ESL Classes!
2023 Juneteenth Celebration
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, or by phone at (608) 837-3449 or by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
Announcements:
Concerts in the Park
Join us Tuesday for our summer kick-off to our Concerts in the Park series! Hula Hoop Elation will be demonstrating the fun of hoop dancing (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.) and Electro Retro will follow them up with some funky music (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Grab a beer from Working Draft and a bite to eat from one of our food trucks! Don’t forget to see what Sun Prairie has to offer at our vendor booths.
Summer Rec Guide out now!
Summer Rec Guide and registration is now open for residents!
1. View the Summer Guide at rec.cityofsunprairie.com!
2. Log in to our website to make sure you know your password and that your account is up to date, including street address and email address.
3. If you don’t already have an account, create your account. If you think you have an account, but cannot find yourself on the website, please do not add yourself again. Call the Recreation Department office at 608-837-3449 and we will assist you.
4. If you do not have a Sun Prairie address, but live in the Sun Prairie School District, the system will not know that and will charge you Non-Resident rates. If you continue your registration and pay Non-Resident rates, the difference is non-refundable. Please contact our office prior to your registration so that we may adjust your account to reflect the proper designation.
5. If you accidentally register for the wrong program, do not immediately register for the correct program. Call us 608-837-3449 and we can make the transfer for you.
“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!
Come join us for fun and enriching programs available for the whole family! Requesting a scholarship is easier than ever with our NEW online form! This easy, streamlined form provides "no questions asked" financial access to SPPRF programs.
In order to request the Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship you must be a resident of Sun Prairie or enrolled in the Sun Prairie Area School District.
For questions or assistance contact us at 608-837-3449 or visit Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship Information
• Scholarships cover 50% of enrollment fees on most programs
• No formal documentation is required for approval of financial assistance
• Online submission with approvals within 2 business days
Blooming Sun Prairie
Create an art project that will be displayed in Downtown Sun Prairie! Sign up and register for the first ever Community Art Making Project (C.A.M.P.). This year’s theme is Sun Prairie is blooming.
We have 40 flowers (20 sunflower cutouts and 20 tulip cutouts) primed and available for pick up at the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department office, 2598 West Main Street. The flower cut outs are roughly 2.5 feet x 2.5 feet. Flowers are $50 when you register and pick it up at the SPPRF office. The entry fee can be paid by you or a sponsor (family members, friends, a business, etc.).
Artists have until June 30th to complete and return your art project to the SPPRF office. Once your project is returned, it will be poly coated to make it more weather resistant.
All of the completed projects will be displayed online on Downtown Sun Prairie’s social media pages and on downtownsunprairiewi.com.
Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:
Registration Deadline: 6/02/2023
Rec on the go is a themed based exploration kits for kids ages 5 and up. Each bi-monthly will feature crafts, experiments, and other fun activities for kids. Pick up or Delivery is available.
Non-residents must use curbside pick-up.
June - Dino Day: June 1st is National Dinosaur Day, let's celebrate with some crafts, activities, and more related to our favorite prehistoric friends!
Pick up and delivery will be available 6/8 and 6/9. Participants will be emailed when kits are ready so make sure your email address is up to date.
All Inclusive Teen Night – June
June 2nd
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Teen Nights is a partnership between Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation, & Forestry and the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin to create a free all-inclusive space for teens with Down syndrome and related disabilities to come together for a night of independence, fun, and friendship! Join us on the first Friday of the month for different activities each Teen Night! We'll be featuring game nights, crafts, dances, movement activities, seasonal activities and more!
Parents and caregivers are not required to remain onsite, unless their child requires assistance utilizing the restroom. For any questions about the Teen Night, please contact Emily Rebarchek at erebarcheck@cityofsunprairie.com or (608) 825-0765.
Monthly Themes
- June: National Donut Day and National Dairy Month Spectacular
- July: Disability Pride Month
- August: End of Summer Celebration
Public Safety
Police LPO Graduation
The Sun Prairie Police Department would like to recognize three members of our department, Court Officer Nicole Vedvik, Sergeant Leonard Webster and Sergeant Frederick Garcia, who recently graduated from the Leadership in Police Organizations Program. The LPO program is an intensive, three-week course that explores leadership theories and strategies at different levels within an organization. LPO is modeled after the training concept of dispersed leadership ("everyone is a leader"). Students work in teams throughout the course, and it culminates with a group "change project". Congratulations Nicole, Leonard and Freddy!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Odalys Gloria, Shamika Anderson, Cole MacMiller and Matthew LaCount graduated the 720-hour Police Recruit Academy on May 12th.
We are happy to have them on our team!
Sun Prairie Historical Museum
The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays-Saturdays 11:00am-4:00pm and by appointment for research and special events. Be sure to join for free downtown walking tours the first Saturday each month!
Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com .
The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.
Announcements:
New Exhibit Now Open
Quilts often carry special meaning to those who create and use them. For Sun Prairie, quilts carry the additional story of community members coming together to create one of the most successful small-town quilt shows in the Midwest.
Stop in during open hours to see award winning quilts and learn about the people who made them!
Summer 2023!
Sun Prairie Public Library
Adult Services
The Adult Summer Reading program and Big Summer Read start on June 1st! Watch for more details coming soon!
Adult Summer Reading Program: All Together Now
Summer reading fun isn’t just for kids! The Adult Summer Reading Program will run from June 1st – August 31st. Read books and do activities to earn entries into end-of-summer prize giveaways. Record your reading on a paper log or on Beanstack (website or app).
Along with the Adult Summer Reading Program, we are holding the third annual Big Summer Read. This summer’s selection is “The Family Chao”, by Lan Samantha Chang. We encourage adults to read the book and come together to talk about it! Visit the library’s website or stop by the Information Desk for more information on the Summer Reading Program and the Big Summer Read.
Juneteenth: Understanding and Honoring
Wednesday, June 14, 6-8pm, Community Room
Juneteenth has been increasingly in the news over the last several years, and is now recognized as a federal holiday. But what exactly is it, and why is it important? In this combined presentation and panel discussion, we'll learn about the history of Juneteenth and how it is recognized and celebrated today.
Youth Services
Summer Reading Program: All Together Now
Thursday, June 1 – Friday, August 5
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! (And there’s even a program for adults!) Register for the Summer Reading Program in person or online anytime between June 1st and August 5th.
Record your reading on a paper log or on Beanstack (website or app). Track by books (titles) or by minutes (time) – whatever works best for you!
The more you read, the more prizes you earn! Complete 75 books, 12 hours, or 15 hours to earn all the prizes, a pass to the Library Pool Party in August, and your “Library Champion” sign!
Wednesday, June 7 4:00 p.m.
For those going into 3rd-5th Grade. We each read our own book! After you’ve requested a book from the website, you’ll be invited to join an optional meeting on Zoom where we talk about the books! Learn more here: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/young_critics_book_club
Summer Library Kick-Off with Miller & Mike
Tuesday, June 13 2:00 p.m.
Starting at 2 p.m., enjoy games, eat snow cones, make crafts, get your face painted and have fun with activities both inside and outside the library! It’s also a great time to register for the Summer Reading Program!
At 4 p.m., the show starts! Crowd favorites Miller & Mike are back! They’re bringing some new jokes and mischief as well as their classic tricks! Full of energy and lots of fun with juggling, circus skills, audience participation and more! This show will be outside, next to the library.
Recommended for all ages. Everyone is welcome! Program length: Approx. 45 minutes.
Generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library
Wednesday, June 14 and 18 3:30-4:30 p.m., Conference Room
Our Tween Book Club is intended for readers entering grades 6-9. We will discuss lighter topics than our Teen Book Club. Registration is recommended, please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.
Teen Late Night
Friday, June 16 7:00-10:00 p.m., Advanced permission slip required, space is limited.
What is Teen Late Night? Gaming (board, computer & console), movies, crafts, snacks and after hours free time! The library will be open only for teens with signed permission slips — permission slips are required! Permission slip must be picked up in person, by the teen, at the Children’s Desk. When you receive a permission slip, you are making a commitment to attend! Permission slips available beginning Thursday, June 1. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.
Join the Dream Bus Mobile Library at events around Sun Prairie in June! What can you do on the Dream Bus? Sign up for a library card, check out free books, music, and movies, access free Wi-Fi and resources, and more!
Downtown Sun Prairie Farmers’ Market
Saturday, June 3 8-10am
Saturday, June 17 8-10am
Northside Elementary End of Year Celebration
230 W. Klubertanz Drive, Sun Prairie
Friday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m.
Creekside Elementary End of Year Celebration
1251 O'Keeffe Ave, Sun Prairie
Tuesday, June 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Dine in the Dream Park
415 Park Street, Sun Prairie
Thursday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m.
Strawberry Fest
Colonial Club, 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie
Saturday, June 17 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Sun Prairie Juneteenth Celebration
Wetmore Park, 555 North Street, Sun Prairie
Saturday, June 17 from 2-5:30 p.m.