Dane County Executive Parisi Announces Significant Expansion of
May 10, 2016
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive
Token Creek County Park
Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced the incredibly popular Token Creek County Park will soon be expanding. A neighboring property owner to the Park approached the County looking to sell so their land forever remains an outdoor recreational resource. With this additional 68 acres from the Harbort Living Trust, Token Creek Park and its adjacent Token Creek Natural Resource Area will soon total nearly 500 acres in size.
“This property is a great addition to the Token Creek County Park,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “Token Creek has magnificent water access, popular camping grounds and beautiful trails. Dane County has some of the finest County Parks in the state and we are incredibly grateful to the Harbort Family for their desire to add to the experience that is Token Creek County Park.”
The property includes about 10 acres of ponds and wetlands and an overlook that will provide hikers a panoramic view of the western sky and Token Creek Park.
Token Creek is the sole cold water trout fishery in northeastern Dane County. The 27 square mile watershed provides nearly half of the base flow of water for Lake Mendota. The County, along with other governmental units and nonprofit organizations, has actively worked on water quality and habitat improvement measures for many years to protect and enhance this resource. Lands protected in these areas are available for public use and enjoyment and also create opportunities for habitat improvement projects.
The Dane County Board will review this proposal in the upcoming weeks. Pursuant to the Dane County Parks & Open Space Plan 2012-2017 and the Token Creek County Park and Natural Resource Area Master Plan, the Land & Water Resources Department recommended the acquisition of approximately 68 acres that are immediately adjacent to existing county property in the Town of Burke. The property will be managed as part of the Token Creek natural resource area and may also be classified as a wildlife area. The proposed purchase price $1,090,000.
The now almost 500-acre park is best known for its five shelter facilities and ample open space for large group picnics and outings. Recreational facilities include five volleyball courts, equestrian trails, miles of hiking and cross country ski trails, a 27-hole disc golf course and a 43-unit campground, plus a group camp area, and a dog park. Special facilities accommodate people with disabilities such as a fishing pier, two playgrounds and an elevated boardwalk through a sedge meadow marsh. It also offers winter access to Dane County's 274 miles of snowmobile trails.