May 2026
Sun Prairie Recognizes May as Affordable Housing Month
The City of Sun Prairie recognizes May as Affordable Housing Month! We're offering a variety of events for our community members designed to increase understanding of and engagement in housing issues. Visit our housing webpage to see event details. And tune in to this interview to learn more about how you can get involved.
Interview with Becky Binz, Housing & Equitable Development Planner
Community Development
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Aquatic Center Season Passes
Season passes for the Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center are now on sale! Purchase your pass by May 11 and use promo code EARLYSWIM2026 at checkout to lock in the lowest price of the season. Prices increase starting May 12. All rates have been prorated to reflect the shortened 2026 season, which runs from July 9 through August 30 following this year’s facility renovation.
Season passes remain the best value for families and frequent visitors. The Family Pass covers up to two adults and six children (ages 17 and under) living in the same household, making it an easy and cost-effective option for summer fun.
Early Bird Pricing (through May 11):
Residents: $50 Individual / $100 Family
Non-Residents: $70 Individual / $130 Family
Beginning May 12:
Residents: $60 Individual / $110 Family
Non-Residents: $80 Individual / $140 Family
Beginning on opening day, July 9, all season passes must be purchased in person at the Family Aquatic Center or the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department office. Proof of residency is required for all pass purchases.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lesson registration for Session 1 is now open at the Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center, offering a great opportunity to build skills and confidence in the water this summer.
Lessons follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program and are taught by certified Instructors. Each session includes eight classes held Monday through Thursday over a two-week period, with limited Tuesday and Thursday evening options also available. Friday make up days are built in when scheduling allows.
Programs are available for all ages and ability levels, from parent and child classes and preschool swimmers to youth, teens, adults, and adaptive lessons.
Space fills quickly, especially in evening classes, so early registration is encouraged.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Parking Lot Closed May 4th – May 15th
The time has come for the final piece in our Expansion and Renovation project: a new parking lot! Our parking lot will be closed Monday, May 4th until Friday, May 15th*. The library will remain open, but access to the library will be limited. Parking will be available at Sheehan Park.
After parking at Sheehan Park, the safest route to the library will be to cross Linnerud Drive at the crosswalk and take the sidewalk near the Kind Stage & Amphitheater. Follow the sidewalk and enter the library either at the Atrium entrance, or the front doors. The sidewalk to Walker Way from the library parking lot will also be inaccessible. The Drive-thru Book Drops and Holds Pick-up Window will be closed
If you need additional assistance and cannot make it into the library, please call us at 608-825-7323 or email sunref@sunlib.org.
Children’s & Teen Services
Safety Around Water with the Sun Prairie YMCA | Youth Program Room
The YMCA believes teaching water safety education in schools and other youth programs is one way to reduce drowning incidents among children ages 4 through 14. It is important that youth develop water safety knowledge as part of water competency—the ability to anticipate, avoid and survive common drowning situations, and to recognize and aid those in need.
Join us for a 5-week series of lessons teaching children and their families about water safety:
Week 1, April 29: Pool Safety
Week 2, May 6: Community Helpers
Week 3, May 13: Helping Others
Week 4, May 20: Fun in the Sun and Safe Swimming Areas
Week 5, May 27: Important Swimming Skills and Lifejacket Safety
Free to attend, no registration required. Space is limited. For families with children ages 6 and up. Each program lasts about 30 minutes.
Adult Services
Virtual Author Talk with Marjan Kamali | Thursday, May 7 from 6-7 p.m., Conference Room
Join us for an exciting conversation with internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali as we delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran, a story of two young women coming of age and pursuing their own goals for meaningful futures in 1950s Tehran as political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point.
There are two ways to participate in this virtual event:
- Join us in person in the library's Conference Room for a watch party
- Participate virtually via the following link: https://libraryc.org/sunprairie/164746
If you'd like to ask the author a question ahead of the event, please register using the above link.
Stitching in Sun Prairie | Thursday, May 14 from 6-8 p.m., The Mixer
Stitching in Sun Prairie is a community-based fiber crafts group that meets on the first Thursday of the month! Bring your knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects and craft and chat with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. This program is open to all skill levels. No registration required.
Puzzle Club | Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m.-2p.m., Community Room
Drop by and join us on Saturday, May 18 for socializing and puzzle fun! We'll have a variety of puzzles, including jigsaw, crossword and sudoku. Also, participate in our puzzle exchange - bring a puzzle and/or take a puzzle home. This program is free and open to all!
Virtual Author Talk with Nir Eyal | Tuesday, May 19 from 1-2 p.m., Conference Room
In Beyond Belief, Nir Eyal reveals how the hidden assumptions you carry shape what you see, how you feel, and what you do—and how to replace them with beliefs that unlock your true potential. Grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and unforgettable case studies, Eyal introduces the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Beyond Belief reveals the science behind incredible breakthroughs and shows why your limits aren’t fixed—they’re learned.
There are two ways to participate in this virtual event:
- Join us in person in the library's Conference Room for a watch party
- Participate virtually via the following link: https://libraryc.org/sunprairie/164749
If you'd like to ask the author a question ahead of the event, please register using the above link.
Live Music: Ragtime and Early Blues with Cherry and Jerry | Wednesday, May 20 from 6-7 p.m., Kind Stage and Amphitheater
The popular duo Cherry and Jerry will bring you well known songs such as “The Entertainer”, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, and “St. Louis Blues”, as well as some rarely heard but wonderful tunes. Fun for the whole family, they focus on ragtime, blues, jazz and popular music from around 1900-1925!
The Color of Law Book Club | Thursday, May 28 from 12 – 1:15 p.m., Community Room
Join us for a book club discussing The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein who explores how government policies caused ongoing segregation in America, the impacts of which are still visible today. The author will participate in a virtual discussion and Q&A. Bring your lunch while we provide dessert! Copies of the book are available at the Library Welcome Desk. This is a hybrid program - participants can attend in-person or virtually.
Registration is not required to attend in-person; however, to ask the author a question and/or participate virtually, attendees must register. To register, please visit: https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com/event/ColorofLaw.
Sun Prairie Utilities
You can pick up a free green LED light bulb at the utility's office (510 Linnerud Drive) during open hours in April and May, while supplies last. Organizers ask participants to please place them where someone can see them shining from the street at night.
You can also enter to win a prize by sharing a photo of your green light bulb on social media with the hashtag #stigmafreesp
You can also schedule a time and pick up a free yard sign that says, 'Mental Health Matters.' Email spwellnesscoalition@gmail.com and let them know you're interested.
Join your community and shine a light on mental health!
City Services Guide
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the City's departments and the services they provide? Check out the new city services guide that will get you connected! Print copies will be made available in city buildings such as City Hall and the Westside Community Services Building. Click the graphic below to access the online version.
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