City Administrator’s Corner
By: Aaron Oppenheimer, Sun Prairie City Administrator
As the season heats up, there is so much to celebrate right here in Sun Prairie. Last month, Visit Sun Prairie hosted the second annual Mural Fest, bringing nine vibrant new murals to our downtown. These incredible works of art add color, character, and energy to our community – giving us all just one more reason to love Sun Prairie!
Another exciting project will come to life this weekend as the newly renovated Family Aquatic Center (FAC) celebrates its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, July 11. Since the close of last season, the FAC has undergone a significant transformation. Residents can look forward to an updated bathhouse, more modern amenities, expanded shade and seating, and energy efficiency. All designed to create a more comfortable, enjoyable experience for families for years to come.
If you haven’t yet, mark your calendars for the upcoming Partisan Primary Election on August 11. This election will be our first with the newly established polling locations. In June, City Council approved the consolidation from eight polling locations to four, with one in each district. This change is being made in response to the increase in absentee voters combined with our staff’s increased efficiency and familiarity with voting technology. Moving forward, District 1 will vote at the Sun Prairie Utilities Building, District 2 at United Methodist Church of Sun Prairie, District 3 at the Sun Prairie Public Library, and District 4 at the Westside Community Services Building. More information can be found on the City’s website.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge that July 10 marks the eighth anniversary of the downtown gas explosion that forever changed our community. Sun Prairie lost a lot that day – most tragically Fire Captain Cory Barr, who gave his life in the line of duty.
As I reflect on that day, I can’t help but also feel a sense of pride. On Sun Prairie’s darkest day, our Fire, Police, EMS, and municipal teams responded with extraordinary courage, professionalism, and compassion. Neighbors supported neighbors, rallying around one another to offer comfort and hope when it was needed most. And it was during that difficult time that the phrase Sun Prairie Strong became a reflection of who we are as a community.
To this day, that spirit continues to define us. While our community, like any other, faces challenges and differing perspectives, I remain confident in our shared commitment to the future of Sun Prairie.
As we remember July 10, 2018, may we also recommit ourselves to the values of service, resilience, and unity that carried us through one of the most difficult chapters in our city’s history.
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