Public Hearing on Proposed 2026 Dane County Parks Fee Increases

The Dane County Park Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on Wednesday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. to review proposed 2026 park fees. Community members may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. 

Each year, the Park Commission reviews and updates the fee structure for services in county parks to help offset operational and maintenance costs. 

Proposed changes for 2026 include: 

• Most adjustments are modest, focusing on permits that were not increased last year. 
• Replacement permits standardized at $20. 
• Special event permit costs increasing by $25, as the application fee will no longer be a deposit, which aligns with the recurring program permit structure. 
• Higher charges for certain services tied to special events and shelter reservations, including additional electric service setups, utility marking, and mowing (primarily for grass parking), to better reflect actual service costs. 
• Education program fees adjusted primarily due to increased transportation expenses for camps and high-cost field trips. 

A full list of current and proposed 2026 fees is available at: www.danecountyparks.com/about/fees 

Financial assistance and youth program scholarships are available to Dane County residents in need. 

The public can attend the public hearing in person at the Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI or virtually by Zoom. Paper registration forms to provide public comment in person will be available on site and are accepted throughout the duration of the public hearing. 

To join the meeting in Zoom, click the following link (after you fill out the form, the meeting link and access information will be emailed to you): 
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wAIwmSr6QzesU9skU8gCew 

This link will be active until the end of the meeting. 

Virtual registrations to provide public comment will be accepted until 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting. In order to testify (provide public comment) virtually, you must be in attendance at the meeting via Zoom or phone, you will then either be unmuted or promoted to a panelist and provided time to speak. 

To join the meeting by phone, dial-in using one of the following three toll-free phone numbers: 

1-833-548-0276 
1-833-548-0282 
1-888-788-0099 

When prompted, enter the following Webinar ID: 921 4551 8344 

If you are unable to make this meeting, feedback, and/or questions can be sent to LWRD@countyofdane.com, or mailed to the Dane County Park office at 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Room 208, Madison, WI  53718. Staff will forward the email and materials to members of the committee. 

Permits are available online at www.reservedane.com, by calling (608) 224-3730 or at the  

Parks office located at 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Room 208, Monday through Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm. 

For more information, please contact Dane County Parks at (608) 224-3730 or visit the parks website at www.danecountyparks.com