Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan

After an intensive design process and a four-month review period, Sasaki was selected by the City of Madison committee to establish an ecologically vibrant living edge along Lake Monona’s waterfront. A once-in-a-generation opportunity, the master plan is a community-endorsed vision for revitalizing the capital city’s engagement with its lake. The redevelopment will forge connections to the water, expand recreational options, improve water quality, and provide an ecologically healthy shoreline for wildlife.

Currently described as a “heavily used but bland lakefront,” the Lake Monona waterfront creates a significant grade separation between downtown Madison and the lakeshore. Vehicular traffic along John Nolen Drive makes getting there both difficult and dangerous, further isolating residents from the lake’s edge. In response, Sasaki developed a new master plan for the 37-acre linear park, which envisions an inclusive community destination for residents and visitors that will boost the downtown economy and ecology of Madison’s unique isthmus environment...