District meeting, Grand Opening of the Imagination Center at Reindhal Park
postedHello there,
In today's update, you'll find info on Thursday's district update as well as grand opening plans for the Imagination Center at Reinhdal Park.
District Updates
It's been awhile since I've been able to hold a district meeting to provide updates on the district overall.
On Thursday, September 17th from 6pm to 7pm join me on Zoom for district related updates.
You may also share any concerns and questions about the district.
Register to attend.
Grand opening of the Imagination Center at Reindhal Park
When I started in my role as Alder back in October 2022, the Imagination Center at Reindhal Park project did not have an operating budget. I met with former library director Greg Mickells right away that October to discuss the project. He was very straight forward with me and explained in great detail the history of the project as well as how important it was for me to work to secure the operating budget.
Along with meeting with residents across the district about the project, I spent a considerable amount of time inviting the Mayor, library board members, Alders and business leaders to the district for tours and conversations about the project and how important it is for residents. Our library director Tana Elias also joined me and I greatly appreciate her leadership as well on this project.
During the process of my advocating for the operating dollars, we also received several grants for the project that also helped to bring down our capital borrowing. The Madison Public Library Foundation also fully raised their commitment .
Through consistent advocacy and collaboration, we're opening the ICRP fully funded and fully staffed. Shout out to Mayor Rhodes Conway and current and former Alders for their support! So in other words -- OPERATING BUDGET SECURED!
I'm beyond excited to attend the upcoming grand opening activities with everyone. I'm especially happy for all the children and families in the Sandburg area. When I first started, some of the Sandburg residents referred to the project as the "Imaginary Center". I can totally understand why as it's been a 20+ year journey to get to Grand Opening. I hope to see you at our new library. Together, we made it happen!
Below are a few dates to save, a few articles, and a link to updates on the project if you'd like to take a look back at the last year or so.
Grand Opening Details:
All are invited for a weekend of family-friendly events at the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. Help welcome the first new Madison Public Library in more than 25 years by getting a library card, supporting local businesses, and being in community with friends and neighbors on the northeast side.
- Ribbon Cutting: Fri, Sept 25 | 3-8pm
- Celebrate the opening day of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 3-4pm
- Grand Opening Bash: Sat, Sept 26 | 10am - 4pm
- Celebrate the opening weekend of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park
- More details and schedule
More on the project:
- 6/17/19. From The Cap Times: Reindahl Imagination Center would be more than 'a library in a park'
- 8/7/24. From City Cast Madison: Why We Need to Talk about the Imagination Center
- 9/7/26. From the Isthmus: At last, the Imagination Center is opening
- Check out monthly updates on the project from our library director
- History:
- The Imagination Center Library is part of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, a multifunctional, indoor-outdoor library, parks pavilion, and community space opening in September 2026 that will serve as a hub of activity on Madison's northeast side. It's a unique collaboration that involved four partners: Madison Public Library, City of Madison Engineering, Madison Parks and Madison Public Library Foundation.
- You can learn more about the project vision and background, as well as the building's sustainability and art, on our About the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park page.
