Say hello to Madison City parks!

[WISearchers]

This morning I had a meeting with members of the board of control for the City Parks Department of Madison. I presented basic geocaching information as several were familiar with it already, and then answered questions that they had. It went very well and although they have concerns they were open to the idea of it.

As anyone who has ever worked with government agencies knows, any change takes time. They will be removing the current ban in City Parks and are currently working developing a policy/procedures for geocaching. They are interested in working collaboratively with the WGA and will be getting back to me “in about a week” with their proposed policy. (Until then, the ban stays in place)

They feel very strongly that there not be any caching in Conservation areas, cemetaries, or golf courses. (Those were the only three areas of concern that they had) so potentially all regular city parks will be open to caches. They want to make sure that they are “in the know’ regarding where caches are, so more than likely there will be a need for permission to place a cache(I asked that there be a consistant contact person to make it a bit more streamlined).

Well, one small meeting for geocaching, one giant leap for the future of our activity in the Madison area.

I will update when I get specifics on their proposed policy and be sure to pass this along to Brian as approver.

happy caching-
Ms. WISearcher
Rhonda

[GrouseTales]

Great job Rhonda!

Thanks for taking the time of your schedule to meet with Madison at 8:AM. I know you represented the WGA very well. Hopefully your efforts will open up Madison Parks to geocaching. It’s a shame that such a large city is currently off limits.

Keep us updated with the latest developments. If there is anything I can do, let me know!

[Mama Fishcacher]

Way to go Rhonda!!!! You’re awesome!!!

[GeoPink]

Super! You’ve got my vote!

Oh the lengths people will go to to win an election!

Thanks!

---

later,
Team GeoPink
Co-conspirators to make the world a better place

[kbraband]

Nice job, Rhonda! Way to show us how it should be done.

[WISearchers]

Ken, you should take your comment as a compliment as I learned everything I know from you and WZBT03(et al) and your work with the Parks and Rec people…you both showed us all how it can be done…I simply am following suit…

oh, and as far as the election goes…they say that timing is everything…although I started working on this in the Madison area well before I was nominated (which was a total surprise)the timing sure was serendipidous…regardless of the result of the vote I will continue this as it is a passion of mine…I have found that once I got going that it just felt right…and hopefully it will encourage others to try it in their areas.
happy caching-
Ms. WIsearcher

[admin]

WELL DONE!
THis is quite an event for those in the Madison area, but also for all of us. Your efforts will benefit all of us. We’re proud of you! Thanks!
Carole & Tim

[wzbt03]

Nice job and I am optimistic that Madison will be the geocaching area it deserves to be. It just goes to show what we can do as individuals to help the whole group.
My next effort is speaking to the Rock Trail Coaliton on February 12th about geocaching. This group is one of “naturals” to join us. The have monthly hikes planned in different parks and are active in both funding and developing recreational trails and areas.

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