San Damiano possesses extraordinary environmental, historical, cultural, and recreational value for our community. We remain steadfast in working together to Create a Legacy, Together for the property.
THANK YOU
We are excited to share a major milestone for San Damiano! The City of Monona and Friends of San Damiano (FoSD) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 17, 2025 formalizing our relationship and enabling FoSD to lead fundraising, operations, and programming while the City retains ownership of the property. This agreement brings us closer to making the San Damiano Master Plan a reality.
The San Damiano Master Plan, shaped by over 6,000 community voices, envisions a $11-14 million transformation to create an accessible, sustainable, and community-centered space with walking paths, water access, nature play areas, and a year-round gathering space. With this MOU in place, we can move forward with securing the resources to bring this vision to life.
A key next step is hiring our first Executive Director, a critical role that will drive fundraising and future development, supported in part by a $50,000 grant from the Madison Community Foundation. As part of this transition, FoSD will also lead a feasibility study, set for completion by December 2025, to determine whether to renovate the historic Frank Allis House or build a new four-season facility. The study’s findings will guide a final recommendation to the Monona City Council and shape future improvements to the property.
San Damiano is one of the last remaining undeveloped parcels on the Four Lakes, and we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure its future as a welcoming, accessible place for all. But we can’t do it alone—your support is essential. Read more about how you can be involved this year as a supporter, sponsor, volunteer, or community partner. Thank you for your belief in our mission and for joining us on this journey.
Your gift, today, supports:
- Caring for and maintaining the property
- Continuing to offer free community programs
- Laying the groundwork for a capital campaign
- Achieving the community’s vision
