April 2025
Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion - Phase 2
The City of Sun Prairie is expanding its Wastewater Treatment Facility to keep pace with rapid population growth, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This project focuses on increasing biosolids handling capacity, enhancing sustainability, and future-proofing wastewater services.
Sun Prairie’s population is expected to grow by 40% over the next 20 years, further exceeding the capacity of the existing solids handling portion of the wastewater facility, which was last upgraded in 2005. Without expansion, wastewater services will be impacted, and the City risks noncompliance with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations.
The City is securing federal grants, low-interest loans, and other funding sources to minimize the financial impact on residents. Investing now prevents higher future costs from inflation, emergency repairs, and regulatory penalties.
The proposed project will result in a rate increase for households in the service area. To minimize costs, the City has secured federal grants, will pursue available incentives, and will use existing funds to reduce borrowing. While wastewater rates are expected to rise over the next five years, delaying the project would lead to significantly higher costs in the future.
For more information, please visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/.../Wastewater-Facilities...
Interview with Jeremy Cramer, Director of the Wastewater Treatment Director
From No Mow to Slow Mow-Let It Grow
The City of Sun Prairie first launched No Mow May, a pollinator conservation initiative, in 2022 and has since continued this program for the past few years. For this year, it will be experiencing a transformation!
No Mow May will now become Slow Mow-Let it Grow! The new name reflects change of warmer temperatures arriving earlier in the season, allowing grass to grow as soon as April. The expanded program aims to raise awareness around the importance of leaving your lawn unmowed for the entire transition from winter to late spring.
To learn more about the program and register, please go to: https://cityofsunprairie.com/2037/Slow-Mow-Let-it-Grow-No-Mow-May
Interview with Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator
Adoption of the Vision Zero Action Plan
On March 18, City Council adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan, which will serve as a comprehensive, data-driven strategy to guide city staff and elected officials in the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries in the community by 2035. Initial steps to reach this goal started in 2021 with the formation of the Pedestrian Safety Task Force.
The Vision Zero Action Plan connects past efforts and builds upon them to provide a clear roadmap for reducing harm on city roadways. The plan’s six core strategies include:
· Show commitment and accountability
· Utilize a data-driven approach
· Design for calm streets
· Build strategic & multimodal projects
· Create a culture of community well-being and safety
· Promote equity
Each strategy includes various action items that assign a champion to lead the work along with potential partners, timeframe for implementation, cost assessment, and funding sources.
With the plan officially adopted, staff will begin prioritizing and implementing strategies to reach the 2035 goal.
To review the plan in detail, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/VisionZero
Interview with David Salmon, Transportation Coordinator
Update on the Zoning Code Rewrite Project
In 2024, the City embarked on a path forward to update Sun Prairie's Zoning Code with Reimagine Sun Prairie! This is a community-driven initiative aimed at creating a more prosperous, resilient, an equitable future. The focus of this effort is to prioritize the community’s vision and values in the development and design of public spaces while building on the City’s previous and recent planning efforts. Understanding the significance of zoning in shaping the community is essential as this update launches.
Right now, staff and consultants are building on the great feedback received in 2024 and are surveying the community on design preferences. Click here to offer your input!
To learn more about the project and where it's heading, click the button below and you will be redirected to the interview!
Interview with Josh Clements, Planning Director
DEI Community Partner Sponsorship
In 2023, City Council passed a budget initiative to allocate funds for organizations in the community who are planning events, activities, and initiatives in line with the City's values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our commitment to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and fostering an inclusive culture serves as the focus of our daily endeavors. We want to support others who are doing this work in the Sun Prairie community. Currently, there is $4,000 allocated available for this initiative. You can click the graphic below to be directed to the application.
Once your application is submitted, an internal team of staff will review and reach out to the email address provided to notify you of the application's status. Specific questions can be sent to Jake King, Communications & Diversity Strategist, at jking@cityofsunprairie.com.
Click here for more information.
Interview with Jake King, Communications & Diversity Strategist
Administration
Earth Month Passport!
Register using the link below to track your participation in our Earth Month events through the new Earth Month passport! The more events you attend, the more entries you'll receive in our prize drawing. Follow the steps below to get started!
STEP 1: Register today for the Earth Month Passport: https://www.digitaleventpassport.com/.../b2c399a0-fd0a...
STEP 2: Attend events. Be sure to check-in to each event with your passport!
STEP 3: Win prizes! Each event attended earns you one entry into the prize drawing.
*BONUS* everyone who registers with the passport and attends at least one event will receive a coupon for $1,000 off a solar array - courtesy of Glow Solar!
THANK YOU TO OUR PASSPORT SPONSORS!
Find out more about Earth Month events on our website: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1620/Earth-Month
Save the Date for the Sun Prairie Sustainability Fair!
Mark your calendars for the City of Sun Prairie's first annual Sustainability Fair on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 from 10am-4pm at Wetmore Park!
This carbon neutral event will feature:
- An Electric Vehicle Showcase
- Food Trucks & Live Music
- Unveiling of the Wetmore Park Mural (painted by community members during Earth Month!)
- Hands-on Activities and Demos & Prizes!
Stay tuned for sponsor, vendor & exhibitor details to come!
Clerk's Office
Spring Election Recap
Curious how this year's Spring Election voter turnout compared to previous years? This is the largest turnout the City of Sun Prairie has seen in a Spring Election since 2016! Thank you to all of our election officials and voters for assisting in a smooth election day.
Community Development
We Need Your Input!
We're carrying forward the great feedback we received in 2024 to keep pushing forward with Reimagine Sun Prairie, which is our community-driven effort to update the City's Zoning Code. What's coming up next? a Visual Preference Survey! We're digging deeper into YOUR vision of the future of Sun Prairie streets, parks, homes, businesses, and more.
The Zoning Code brings the ideas and ideals from our Comprehensive Plan into reality, determining how our city grows, feels, and looks. This update is your chance to make your mark! Whether you like more walkable neighborhoods or a mix of housing types, your voice counts.
Take the Visual Preference Survey today (English & Spanish) for a chance to win a surprise prize in Sun Prairie! This is just one of many chances you will have to help shape the future of Sun Prairie—stay informed about community workshops this summer!.
Take the Challenge!
Want to green your transportation for Earth Month but not sure where to start? Join the Spring Roll Challenge, hosted by RoundTrip—a public program run by the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization that promotes eco-friendly and affordable ways to get around Dane County. It’s easy (and free!) to participate: just create a RoundTrip account and log any trip you take by walking/rolling, biking, riding the bus, carpooling, or vanpooling throughout April.
The goal? To encourage Dane County residents to choose greener ways to get around—and to celebrate those already making sustainable transportation part of their everyday lives.
We’ll have weekly and grand prize drawings featuring prizes like gift cards and Madison BCycle memberships.
Plus, the first 50 participants to log a trip get free slice coupons to Ian's Pizza Madison and two Metro Transit rides!
Learn more & join the challenge: https://bit.ly/spring-roll-25
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Summer Rec Guide
Our Summer Rec Connection is now available! View here https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_154674 or visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com for more information.
Public Safety
Police Chief Forum
The City of Sun Prairie invited community members to participate in the selection process for the next chief of police by submitting questions for the public forum and attending the event that was held on March 28, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. To watch a recording of the forum, click the video below.
2025 Citizens Fire & EMS Academy
Sun Prairie Fire & EMS is hosting the 2025 Citizens Fire & EMS Academy. In this program, participants experience how Fire & EMS services work in our community, as well as hands-on opportunities, including:
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- CPR Certification
- Hose & Water Movement
- Medical Skills
- Tools and Operations
- Ride-A-Longs
- Vehicle Extrication
This opportunity is open to residents and business owners in the Sun Prairie Fire & EMS District, as well as City of Sun Prairie (& Affiliates) employees.
https://forms.gle/W45WdhWT6yhjxV1r5
Sun Prairie's New Assistant Chief of Police
On March 25, the Sun Prairie Police and Fire Commission voted unanimously to approve the promotion of Lieutenant Ryan Cox to serve as Sun Prairie’s assistant chief of police. The promotion will take effect on March 31. Cox has served in the Sun Prairie Police Department for 17 years and will be stepping into the role with extensive experience.
In 2008, he joined the department as a patrol officer and since then has successfully held the positions of patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, special operations lieutenant and patrol lieutenant. Currently, he oversees 46 sworn sergeants and officers. In addition to his supervisory roles, Cox has led many critical education initiatives to advance public safety knowledge and skill for other law enforcement professionals, city staff and elected officials.
These efforts include serving as an instructor for both the Leadership in Police Organization course and Defense and Arrest Tactics course, coordinating active threat response trainings, and overseeing the K9 program. While ensuring strong involvement internally with staff, he has prioritized community engagement by participating in programs and events such as Leadership Sun Prairie, National Night Out, Shop with a Cop and more. With his experience, Cox has a strong educational background that will be useful in his new role.
Cox graduated from Western Illinois University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Sciences and from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff & Command in 2023.
“Lieutenant Cox’s proven leadership will be a true asset to each employee of the Sun Prairie Police Department and the citizens of Sun Prairie,” said Jeff Hook, interim chief of police.
As the second-in-command to the chief of police, Cox will be responsible for managing the department’s operations, personnel, resources and overall effectiveness. His primary focus will be ensuring that the vision, mission and core values of the department are integrated in all that they do.
“I look forward to working with Lieutenant Cox as our new assistant chief of police,” said Aaron Oppenheimer, city administrator. “He will play a vital role in assisting the next chief of police acclimate to the department, community and county.” To learn more about the Sun Prairie Police Department, please visit www.cityofsunprairie/Police.
Public Services
Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion - Phase 2!
The City of Sun Prairie is expanding its Wastewater Treatment Facility to keep pace with rapid population growth, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This project focuses on increasing biosolids handling capacity, enhancing sustainability, and future-proofing wastewater services.
Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum
The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum.
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!
Immigrants to Ambassadors: 200 Years of Norwegian Immigration
Follow the story of early Norwegian immigration to the U.S. and learn about Sun Prairie resident, Norwegian-American descendent, and Former Ambassador Tom Loftus in a display of unique artifacts highlighting his diplomatic work. Visitors can see this exhibition and others on Wednesdays – Saturdays, 11:00am-4:00pm beginning April 2, 2025.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page @CityOfSunPrairieMuseum to stay up to date on upcoming events!
Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway
Through a partnership between the City’s Museum and Forestry Divisions with generous grant funds from the National Wildlife Federation, celebrate Arbor Day 2025 by picking up a new seedling at the Museum between 12 – 4pm on Friday, April 25! All seedlings come with an informational sheet and planting instructions.
Seedlings are first come, first serve with the option to reserve a seedling in advance. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn a second seedling by completing a scavenger hunt on site. To learn about available species and reserve in advance, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/2cjmvce8
Sun Prairie Utilities
Mental Health Awareness LED Lightbulbs
Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) is partnering with the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Month this May by providing free green LED light bulbs so residents can place them where someone can see them from the street. Shine a green light on mental health and show your support! You can also enter to win a prize by sharing a photo of your green light bulb on social media with the hashtag #stigmafreesp Light bulbs can be picked up at our office during open hours in April and May, while supplies last. Make sure to pick one up before they’re gone!
Stigma Free SP is a campaign held during Mental Health Awareness Month, hosted by the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition, that encourages residents to begin conversations about mental health, create safe spaces for those that are struggling, and provide support to one another as we remember that mental wellness is important for a healthy, thriving community. Through a series of educational messages, public events, and training opportunities, Stigma Free SP will challenge residents, local businesses, and organizations to open conversation about mental health in our community. Our goal is to normalize the conversation and raise awareness surrounding mental wellness.
Design the Juneteenth Event Logo!
Mental Health Matters
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SPARC Community Conversation on Zoning
Downtown Sun Prairie to Host Inaugural Mural Festival
The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District is thrilled to announce the inaugural Sun Prairie Mural Fest, presented by Bank of Sun Prairie, from June 18 - 26, 2025. This exciting event will bring together talented local and national artists to create large, dynamic murals, transforming the downtown landscape into an open-air art gallery. Sun Prairie Mural Fest is a collaboration between Urban Art Bloom Inc., Downtown Sun Prairie, and Visit Sun Prairie. The goal of the event is to celebrate public art, foster community engagement, and honor the city’s heritage as the birthplace of Georgia O’Keeffe, a pioneer of American modern art.
Sun Prairie Mural Fest will feature several murals painted by a variety of talented artists, each bringing their unique style and vision to the event. With approximately seven (7) days to paint, these public artworks will transform the north-facing wall of the Washington Mills Ceramic Corporation Building, which is visible from the Public Parking Lot located at 251 E Lane St., into a vibrant outdoor gallery, showcasing the diversity and creativity of each artist.
Watch the artists work and enjoy live music on Saturday, June 21 during Make Music Sun Prairie, hosted by Prairie Music & Arts.
The finished murals will be revealed on Thursday, June 26th from 5 pm – 8 pm as part of the Downtown Sun Prairie’s annual Streets of Sun Prairie Community Art Making Project (CAMP) event. This year’s CAMP event will be set up as a block party, offering event attendees an opportunity to witness the finished murals and hear from the artists while enjoying an evening filled with live entertainment, community art making projects, family friendly activities, and more! The festival’s emphasis on community connection and artistic expression aligns with Business Improvement District’s mission of strengthening Downtown Sun Prairie as the heart of the community, and a dynamic and inspiring place to work, live, and visit.
Downtown Sun Prairie’s Community Art Making Project (CAMP) is a part of the Streets of Sun Prairie Thursday evening summer event series hosted by the Sun Prairie Business Improvement District. There are four (4) Streets of Sun Prairie events that take place throughout the summer and are designed to offer a variety of entertainment and 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 and dine local!
Sun Prairie Mural Fest sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and organizations that want to support this transformative event. Sponsors will have the chance to gain visibility while contributing to the growth of public art in Sun Prairie.
Sun Prairie Mural Fest is presented by Bank of Sun Prairie and sponsored by the following businesses and organizations:
Sun Prairie Tourism Commission – Visit Sun Prairie, and WPPI
Artist Sponsors: Beans N Cream Coffee, Dewey St. Neighborhood, Hallman/Lindsay Quality Paints, Nowlan Personal Injury Law – Evan B. Tenebruso, Rotary Foundation – Sun Prairie, and Traveling Cheesehead – Dannelle Gay
In-Kind Sponsors: Sun Prairie Star, Sherwin-Williams, Repaint Tray, and Zibra Brushes
For more information about Sun Prairie Mural Fest, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, go to: downtownsunprairiewi.com, visitsunprairie.com/event/mural-fest/, or on Instagram, follow @urbanartbloom, @downtown_sunprairie, and @visitsunprairie.
Sun Prairie Avid Program - Fish Fry Fundraiser
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Children's Day Festival
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