County Executive Falk Announces Purchase of Land for Donald Park

July 22, 2003
Sharyn Wisniewski (608) 267-8823

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced that the County has negotiated the purchase of approximately 30 acres and a conservation easement on approximately 45.5 acres in the Town of Springdale from Vernon Valley Farms, Inc. Together, these parcels complete the acquisition goals between existing parklands at Donald Park and CTH 92 in southwestern Dane County near Mt. Vernon, southeast of the Village of Mount Horeb. “Donald Park is truly a remarkable resource,” said Falk. “It offers multiple recreational opportunities in an exceptionally beautiful area of Dane County, with Class I and II trout streams, rolling topography and agricultural fields.” Falk added, “I’m grateful to Delma Woodburn for her original donation of 105 acres in 1993, which established the park, and for the Woodburn Family's continued efforts to help Dane County expand the park.” The newly acquired properties are contiguous with each other and adjacent to Donald Park south of Highway 92. Deer Creek, a priority stream identified in the Dane County Parks & Open Space Plan, runs along the south edge of both parcels. The 30 acre parcel will expand public recreational opportunities extending west from existing County parkland, allowing trails to be moved to higher ground and the enhancement of the popular “Pop’s Knoll” picnic area. The purchase of the approximately 45.5-acre conservation easement assures the land will remain in agriculture and will provide a permanent buffer to enhance the rural scenic landscape and recreational values of the park. The land will remain in private ownership. “As Donald Park caters to outdoor enthusiasts, it remains a natural refuge for native plants and animals. Natural, as well as human history is captured here in a historic corridor that has changed little since the turn of the century,” said Falk. The Dane County Board approved the purchase in Resolution No. 66, 2003-2004, at the July 10, 2003 meeting. The County will seek state and federal matching funds to offset the $369,168 purchase. Donald Park is currently 480 acres including picnic areas, fishing opportunities, and horse, hiking and snowmobile trails. Additionally, DNR public hunting grounds are adjacent to the park. Access to the park is available near the Village of Mount Vernon off of CTH 92, west of the intersection with Messerschmidt Drive, and off of CTH G, south of the intersection with CTH 92. # # #