Recent and Upcoming Events


Subscribe to posts

FOOT Joins Madison Parks Foundation

posted Feb 25, 2015, 8:50 PM by Tom DeChant


As of February 19, 2015, FOOT has a signed agreement with the Madison Parks Foundation that provides us with IRS 501 (c) (3) status for fund-raising purposes. Through this agreement, FOOT will also be able to use of the Foundation's PayPal account when fund-raising, and will be able to post up-coming FOOT events on the Foundation calendar. Funds FOOT has raised through its concerts, ski evenings and other events, in the amount of $500, have been deposited with the Foundation for use by FOOT for the following broad purposes stated in the agreement:

-- General improvements and enhancements to both Olin & Turville Parks, such as bike racks, signage, seed-tosses, and other conservation efforts and
   improved amenities.
-- Save-a-Tree program for selected ash trees in Olin Park, if applicable.
-- FOOT-sponsored and Parks Division-approved programs and activities in Olin and Turville Parks that foster the ends of the community policing effort
                                                                                                                                      inaugurated in 2010.

FOOT Meeting Next Tuesday, February 17th at Barriques on Park Street, 6 PM

posted Feb 13, 2015, 1:44 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Feb 13, 2015, 1:44 PM ]

Come join us at Barriques on Park St. on Tuesday, February 17th at 6 PM for our regular bi-monthly FOOT meeting.

Agenda topics include:  
  • Review of our February 7th Candlelight Ski event (well over 100 in attendance - a great evening)
  • Planning for our May concert series in the pavilion
  • Update on Bird & Nature walks for 2015
  • Other items presented by attendees
Our usual backroom location could not be reserved, so look for us out in the main room.

Candlelight Ski (or Hike) & Hot Chocolate - Saturday, February 7th

posted Jan 29, 2015, 2:43 PM by Tom DeChant

Join us from 6 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, February 7th for candlelit Nordic Skiing (or moonlit walking if no snow) in beautiful Turville Point Conservation Park. There will be warming fires, free hot chocolate, S'more fixings, baked goodies and maybe a few local musicians to set the mood. Meet at the entrance to Turville Point off the south parking lot. If the snow cooperates, the trails should be freshly groomed - bring your own skis or rent a pair in advance. This free event is hosted by Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT) in conjunctions with the Madison Parks Division, with hot chocolate donated by Barriques. 

FOOT- Loose! Free Dancin' in the Park every Tuesday Night in September!

posted Aug 11, 2014, 8:38 PM by Tom DeChant

It's that time again - free dancin' in the Park every Tuesday night in September from 6 to 8 PM (or later) at the historic Olin Park Pavilion. This year's line-up includes some jumpin' new groups, starting with:
                • -- September 2nd:  The Madison Tango Society.  Unleash your inner Latin passion and learn this classic dance of Argentina.
        • -- September 9th:    Prairie Bayou Cajun Band.  Enjoy the dance traditions of Louisiana bayou country.
        • -- September 16th:  Madison Contra Dance Co-op. A classic, simple and social 'called' folk dance style.
        • -- September 23rd:  Madison Scottish Country Dancers.  Learn the traditional reels, jigs and strathspeys of Scotland.
        • -- September 30th:  Madison Contra Dance Co-op returns.
All dances are free and start at 6 PM in the historic Olin Park Pavilion. No experience or partner necessary. Come just to watch, or learn a few steps (instruction provided) and join in the fun. 

These will be five fun and FOOT-Loose fall evenings - please come join us!!

Next FOOT Meeting Monday, June 9th, 6 PM at the Olin Pavilion

posted Jun 5, 2014, 4:52 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Jun 5, 2014, 4:57 PM ]

The next meeting of FOOT members and friends will be on Monday, June 9th at 6 PM a the Olin Pavilion. The first agenda item and primary focus of this meeting is to develop a plan for winter ski trail use that we can present to the Parks Division. The issue to resolve is the conflict between ski use (the currently-designated use of all the Turville Point trails in winter time) and other uses such as hiking and snow shoeing (which can damage groomed ski trails). Members of Madison Nordic Ski will be present to help us hash out a plan and perhaps suggest improved signage to guide users to the correct trails, uses, and directions. Other issues to discuss, time permitting, are success of the May concert series, the upcoming summer Yoga series, and the proposed fall dance series. Hope to see many of you there.

May Concert Series Returns!

posted Apr 6, 2014, 6:38 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated May 6, 2014, 10:40 AM ]

Mark you calendars now - every Tuesday night in May, (and one in June), FOOT will bring a FREE live performance to the historic Olin Pavilion from 6 to 8 PM.

Here's the line-up:

Candlelight Ski & Hot Chocolate at Turville Point, Saturday, February 15th, 6-9 PM

posted Feb 1, 2014, 1:14 PM by Tom DeChant

Ski Capitol-view, candlelit trails in beautiful Turville Point Conservation Park. Enjoy a free hot chocolate, courtesy of Barriques; a warming fire, local drumming and s'more fixins. If you're already out and about for Madison Winter Fest’s ski around the square, be sure to add this FOOT event to your activities. Come even if there's no snow - a stroll in the moon-lit woods (just avoid those groomed trails!) will be just as fun. 

Bring your own skis or rent a pair in advance from folks like Fontana Sports, Rutabaga, or REI. Help reduce waste by bringing your own mug for the free hot chocolate. Meet at the main entrance to Turville Point, off the south parking lot. 

                                                                                  Hosted by FOOT in conjunction with the Madison Parks Department and the                                                                                             generosity of Barriques.

FOOTNotes from Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10th

posted Dec 5, 2013, 8:27 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Dec 11, 2013, 1:53 PM ]

Our most recent FOOT meeting was held on Tuesday, December 10th at 6 PM at Barriques on Park Street. Five 'regulars' attended: Ron, Andria, Lisie, Tom and Dex.

Here's what we got accomplished:
  1. February 15th Moonlight ski event assignments:
    • Tents – Tom & neighbors; tent weights – Ron
    • Firewood – Ron, from Parks Dept.
    • Firepits – Tom & Andria
    • Candelaria – Andria; lighters – all
    • Drummers - Andria
    • Hot Chocolate – Tom will ask Barriques again
    • S’mores fixings – Tom; other food - Lisie, Andria, Ron
    • Hot & cold water – Andria
    • Forks – Tom, from Parks Dept.
    • Chairs - Lisie
    • PR and poster – Tom, in coordination with Winterfest, if possible
  1. Turville Bay aquatic research project:
    • Army Corp of Engineers sponsored research to test efficacy of chemical treatment (2-4D) vs. manual cutting for best control of Asian millefoil. Results indicated manual cutting was more cost-effective, at least during period tested.  Dane County is likely to stay with manual cutting as a result.
  1. Bluebird trail:
    • Nine new bluebird houses will be set up soon in Quann Park/Wingra Creek area, in time for early spring nesting. This effort is supported by Madison Audubon.
  1. Safety update:
    • Jim (Dex) will pursue proposed one-way car circulation test around Olin Pavilion loop in Spring. Goal is to reduce unwanted ‘cruising’.
  1. Alliant Energy Center update:
    • County has issued an RFP for study of AEC site to include assessments of convention market, facility condition, highest & best use of real estate, and organizational options for AEC management/control. AEC Strategic Design Study Committee activities and information can be tracked at the committee’s website: AECstudy.countyofdane.com
  1. Fireworks on Lake Monona:
    •  Discussed recent public meeting on proposed “Rhythm & Booms” fireworks show next July on Lake Monona. Concerns were expressed regarding impact of fireworks on water quality.

FOOT Meeting of October 15th, 2013

posted Oct 16, 2013, 3:40 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Oct 17, 2013, 2:09 PM ]

Four foot members and guest, Jim Lorman, of Friends of Lake Wingra (FoLW) met at Barriques on Park St. on October 15th at 6 PM. Topics covered were:
        • Wingra Creek Parkway
        • Jim Lorman reviewed Wingra Creek Parkway improvements to date and earlier suggestions by FoLW for improvements to the last stretch of unimproved parkway from Olin Ave.to stone railroad bridge (Phase 3). This stretch is due to be redone soon by City of Madison's Engineering division. A public hearing will be held by the city on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 PM at the Madison Water Utility on Olin Ave. to seek more public input. Ron Shutvet of FOOT will attend and support the idea for a weir at the mouth of Wingra creek in Olin Park to help sustain higher winter water levels in the creek.
Review of August and September FOOT Activities
The September Folk Dance series (three Tuesday evenings) was well attended and folks had fun.

At Madison Bird City Day, September 29th, FOOT volunteer Lisie Kitchel represented Olin-Turville  interests. Outcome was suggestion to create purple martin houses and chimney swift habitats in O-T.

On September 14th, a volunteer work party of several FOOT members, 7 students from Badger Rock Middle School and their teachers gathered and tossed wild flower seeds in Turville Conservation Park. Seeds gathered and tossed included: Wild Bergamot, Virginia Wild Rye, Yellow Giant Hyssop, Bottle  Brush Grass, and Joe Pie Weed.

All who have seen the Madison Parks Department's new graphic for the kiosk near the pavilion feel it is a great improvement and appreciated having input into the design. 

Plans for Upcoming Activities
Si Wistrand's "citizens inventory" of Madison parks' natural areas and their invasives was reviewed. Andria agreed to follow-up to determine whether this should be a focus of FOOT volunteer efforts.

Plans for another winter full-moon ski event were begun. Ron will research appropriate dates.  


FREE September Folk Dance Series at Olin Pavilion

posted Sep 3, 2013, 2:52 PM by Tom DeChant

Join us for three September Tuesday evenings of FREE folk dancing in the historic Olin Pavilion.
  • Tuesday, September 10th:  Madison Scottish Country Dancers
  • Tuesday, September 17th:  Folklore Village Barn Dance
  • Tuesday, September 24th:  Madison Contra Dance Co-op
All dances are from 6 to 8 PM. Come to watch or come to learn. No experience necessary and no partner required. Dances may include traditional reels, jigs, strathspeys, contras, old-time squares and big circles. Organized by FOOT and supported by the Madison Parks and Police Departments. Come on down!!

1-10 of 38