County Executive Agard Celebrates 90 Years of Dane County Parks

October 09, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Land & Water Resources

DANE COUNTY – County Executive Melissa Agard joined community members, staff, and volunteers today at the Lussier Heritage Center to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Dane County Parks, marking nine decades of stewardship, conservation, and community connection.

“When the Dane County Parks system began back in 1935, it was with a single park, Stewart Lake County Park in Mount Horeb,” said County Executive Agard. “That first park was the seed of an idea: that protecting land for public use wasn’t just good policy, it was an investment in our collective future. Ninety years later, that seed has grown into something truly remarkable.”

From its humble beginnings, the Dane County Parks system has expanded to include more than 19,000 acres of protected land, serving as a cornerstone of the county’s commitment to conservation, recreation, and community well-being. Each year, more than 3,000 volunteers contribute over 50,000 hours of service, helping maintain trails, restore prairies, lead educational programs, and ensure that parks remain accessible and vibrant for all residents.

Agard thanked those who have helped make the system what it is today, including Laura Hicklin, Director of the Land & Water Resources Department; Joleen Stinson, Dane County Parks Director; Aaron Mullins, Executive Director of the Foundation for Dane County Parks; and Tom Wilson, the Foundation’s new Board President.

“Our success is built not only on the work of our county staff, but also on the incredible generosity of our residents,” Agard said. “To our Parks staff and volunteers, you are the heart and hands of this work, and the reason our parks continue to thrive.”

Since its founding in 2017, the Foundation for Dane County Parks has raised more than $4 million to strengthen and sustain the park system. These funds have helped grow youth programming that now serves over 1,000 young people each year, connecting the next generation to nature and inspiring future conservation leaders.

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, the Foundation has also launched a new initiative, Adopt-an-Acre, giving residents and local businesses a way to directly support the preservation of Dane County’s most cherished lands.

“As we look ahead, we stand on a foundation built by generations of visionaries, people who understood that the health of our land and water is tied to the health of our community,” Agard said. “Our job now is to honor that legacy by protecting it for the next 90 years and beyond.”

Agard also highlighted her personal “25 for 25 Challenge,” a commitment she made at her swearing-in ceremony to visit all 25 Dane County recreation parks during her first year in office. “It’s been a joy,” she said. “I’m closing in on my goal, and if anyone wants to join me on one of these visits, please contact my office.”

The event at the Lussier Heritage Center featured remarks, volunteer recognition, and reflections on the past, present, and future of Dane County’s beloved parks system.

“Happy 90th Anniversary, Dane County Parks,” Agard concluded. “Here’s to the next chapter in this incredible story.”