Oak Hill Park

The Oak Hill neighborhood has had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. With over 100 residential homes and a large community park, this area of the hilltop has needed restoration and improvements for years. 

Oak Hill Park

Partners: City of Madison, Community Foundation, Private Funding

Project Type: Recreational

Location: Oak Hill Neighborhood 

Project Summary: This neighborhood has had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. The plan proposes a new park layout organized around a center shelter house; Redoing the existing basketball courts with new goals with a setting and stripped surface; A new playground adjacent to the shelter that would include modern playground equipment and rubberized surface meeting modern codes; A dog park that would allow for a gathering space for neighbors and their 4-legged family members; New upgraded fencing and signage for the park; Furniture and additional recreational items such as a soccer goal, corn hole and bike repair station.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Park completion spring 2023

Estimated Costs: $450,000 - $500,000

Funding Sources: City of Madison - $200,000, RDC - $125,000 for park improvements, City of Madison Parks 7 Recreation - $25,000, Community Foundation - $50,000, + private partners. US Premier has donated all fencing.

Timeline: 

Stormwater Ordinance and Design Manual

City of Madison Stormwater Management Ordinances:

The City of Madison regulates Stormwater Management through an the City of Madison Stormwater Management Ordinance adopted in accordance with statutory authority granted to the City of Madison under “Home Rule” and further is required by Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater program (40 CFR Parts 9, 122, 123 and 124; December 8, 1999) authorized by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (MS4 GP), and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP). This Ordinance shall apply to any Development or Construction plan that is submitted to the City of Madison for permit after January 1st, 2025. Any plans submitted to any Department prior to the passing of this ordinance shall be subject to all previously approved ordinances and regulations in existence at time of filling.

City of Madison Stormwater Management Guidelines and Design Standards:

• Madison Construction Standards Art 4 Storm Sewer
• Best Management Practices Manual for Southern Indiana

Housing Initiatives and Projects

The Indiana Economic Development Authority has recently shared four key strategies Indiana municipalities can implement to help alleviate our housing needs state-wide. These four strategies are listed below, and our team at the City of Madison has actively worked to incorporate each element into our city-planning and development:

• Partnering with Employers; 
• Rethinking Zoning;
• Using Data to Drive Demand;
• Building Across Boundaries.

The City of Madison has implemented a comprehensive housing strategy focused on expanding access to quality housing at all levels. Key initiatives include the PACE (Preservation and Community Enhancement) Grant program, aggressive blight elimination efforts, and an updated policy to address vacant and abandoned properties. The city is also taking a targeted approach to identify underutilized parcels of land and reposition them for their highest and best use. This includes supporting new housing developments that range from affordable entry-level to mid-level+ homes, as well as market-rate rental options, with the goal of strengthening neighborhoods and meeting the growing demand for diverse housing options.

In 2024, the City of Madison hired Club 720 Solutions to conduct a housing survey. View the study HERE.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Residences at Sunrise Crossing (Under Construction)

Join the waitlist at sunrisecrossingliving.com. 

• • Partners: City of Madison, Winterwood Property Management, Kersey and Kersey Architects 
  • Developer/Contractor: Winterwood Property Management
  • Location: Directly behind the Shoppes at Sunrise Crossing on Michigan Road
  • Project Summary: Totaling at 192 units, this new workforce housing development (AMI-based rent) will include a playground, bike and pedestrian access, public art, and site lighting. Currently, monthly rent will be: $850 to $1400, depending on the apartment size. This project also includes a stormwater detention basin that will help to mitigate flooding in the Crooked Creek watershed affecting downtown Madison. 
  • Anticipated Project Schedule: The project will be completed in two phases, with 96 apartments being built during each phase. Construction will begin in spring of 2025 with estimated completion of Phase I in spring of 2026. Phase II will begin construction in late 2026. 
  • Estimated Costs:  $36,500,000
  • Funding Sources: RDC has committed to the purchase and resale of land, the funding of the expansion of the boulevard and traffic light addition on Michigan Road, and the extended sewer line in support of the overall project. 
    

PROPOSED FUTURE PROJECTS

The City of Madison is considering the creation of a new zoning district to be known as the Riverfront District. This district is intended to create a vibrant mixed-use district that capitalizes on the City's location along the Ohio River to serve residents with parks and recreation, and living options while also supporting tourism and local events within Madison.

District Location: The proposed district, covering three riverfront blocks, will run along the north side of Vaughn Drive from Jefferson Street to St. Michaels Avenue.    

Steps to Rezone: The proposal must first be reviewed by the City Plan Commission. The Plan Commission can give a favorable, unfavorable, or no recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will then consider the proposal on two readings at which public comments can be made. The meeting dates are advertised on the City of Madison calendar.    

Housing Proposal: If the area is approved for rezoning, the City of Madison is exploring the potential development of a three-story, 53-unit market-rate apartment complex on city-owned property at the corner of Jefferson Street and Vaughn Drive. While the concept includes offering a portion of the units at a lower rental rate and features elevated construction with parking underneath to keep all units outside the floodplain, many steps remain in the process. This includes required review and approval by the Historic District Board of Review, among other necessary evaluations and approvals by other public boards and commissions.

Review the proposal presentation HERE. 

Watch the Plan Commission meeting HERE.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Habitat for Humanity Subdivision - Clifty Woods (City Portion Completed)

• • Partners: Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, City of Madison, JTL Engineering 
  • Location: A new subdivision off Beech Grove Street and Green Road 
  • Project Summary: The City of Madison Redevelopment Commission entered into an EDA on June 6, 2022. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority stated that Jefferson County is 300 units short in all income levels, this led us into this agreement with the nonprofit to build six homes no smaller than 1,200 SF. The developer will complete three homes on Green Rd with paved driveways, and at the time of completion, the city will mill and pave Beech Grove St and replace and repair existing sidewalks. 
  • Anticipated Project Schedule: Bid infrastructure by February 2023. Completion of infrastructure in late summer of 2023; Completion of 6 homes by June 30, 2025.
    • Redevelopment Commission Commitment: $240,000 (Infrastructure only)

Oak Hill Neighborhood (Completed)

• • Project Summary: The Oakhill neighborhood had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. This project includes complete sidewalk, curb and gutter replacements, ADA accessible ramps on all sidewalks and streets will be milled and re-paved. In addition, all driveways will have new approaches for improved drainage and access for residents. 
  • Project Completed: Infrastructure completed by the fall of 2022
  • Funding Sources/Partners: State of Indiana (match funding)

Stormwater MS4 Permit and Annual Reports

Stormwater MS4 Permit

• MS4 General Permit NOI 2022_05_26

Stormwater MS4 Annual Report

• 2020 Madison_MS4_Annual_Report
• 2022 Madison_MS4_Annual_Report
• 2022 Madison_MS4_AnnualReport_attachments
• 2023 Madison_MS4_Annual_Report
• 2024 Madison_MS4_Annual_Report

Stormwater Plans

• Madison Stormwater Quality Management Plan 2021-2026
• 2023 Regional Water Quality Characterization Report

Clifty Drive Improvements and Sidewalks

Clifty Drive Improvements and Sidewalks

Partners: City of Madison, INDOT, JTL Engineering

Project Type: 

Developer/Contractor: 

Location: A mile long section of Clifty Dr. from Michigan Rd to Wilson Ave.

Project Summary: The state road 62 (Clifty Dr) will be re-surfaced from Clifty Falls to HWY 421. The project also includes the addition of a mile long section of 5' walking paths along Clifty Dr. with ADA compliant crosswalks/ramps. The sidewalk will run the length of the project on the south side of Clifty Dr from Michigan Rd to Wilson Ave and from McDonald's to Frisch's on the north side of the road. 

Anticipated Project Schedule: February 2023

Estimated Costs: $3,115,706/50

Funding Sources/Partners: 

Timeline: This project is scheduled to be completed by fall of 2025.

MS4 Boundaries for Indiana

Southern Indiana Stormwater Advisory Committee

Franks Drive East Intersection Improvements

Intersection Changes for New Restaurant

Partners: City of Madison, JTL Engineering

Location: The parcel on Franks Dr and Clifty Dr at the intersection corner (currently undeveloped) 

Project Summary: This parcel is one of the last developable parcels along the corridor. A national restaurant chain (Culver's) has announced it's plans to come to Madison with this being one of the few options they are considering for a location on our hilltop. The RDC will need to do some intersection improvements to facilitate the project. See "Recent News" tab below for project updates.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Roadway and intersection construction began in Q2 2023, and final paving is set for October of 2023.

Redevelopment Commission Commitments:  $200,000

Gaines Park Project

Gaines Park Redevelopment Project

Partners: City of Madison, City of Madison Parks & Recreation Department

Developer/Contractor: Contractor, Sedam Contracting and Can-Do Maintenance; Playground Equipment Provide, GameTime; Designer, Ratio Design

Location: 628 Broadway Street

Project Summary: This project reimagines Gaines Park to give this area of the community a neighborhood park with fresh updates, to become a beautiful asset to the residents nearby. The project plan includes a new modern playground to meet state code, refurbishment and extension of the current shelter house, a new basketball court and goals, and open space for the community to use for meetings and gatherings.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Construction began in summer of 2023 and is to be completed in September of 2023. 

Estimated Costs:  $250,000

Funding Sources: Redevelopment Commission has committed ARPA funds for this project.

Wayfinding

Wayfinding in Madison (Implementation of parking study)

Partners: City of Madison, HWC Engineers

Location: Currently targeting priority areas first: downtown along Main Street.

Project Summary: Stemming from research conducted in fall of 2021, this project includes the installation of wayfinding signs per the recommendation of the study. The design will adapt or use the existing Madison Comfort Station, Map Kiosk and Trolley stop signs. Design is currently underway, with some new signs installed in the fall of 2022 and additional signage in the spring of 2023.  At the completion of this study, two new wayfinding map kiosks were added @ Sunrise Crossing, cross-promoting the stores in downtown. 

To see the original Parking Study published in February of 2022, click HERE.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Signage installation began in targeted areas first (i.e. along Main Street) in fall of 2022 with additional signage added in 2023. 

Estimated Costs: Total estimated budget = $100,000

• Parking study $49,900 - PAID
• RDC commitment to implementation $25,000 in 2022 & 2023 for wayfinding signage

Funding Sources: Economic Redevelopment Commission, the City of Madison, Jefferson County Board of Tourism.

Reenvisioning John Paul Park

The History

John Paul Park, located at 500 W. 3rd St. in Madison, Indiana, is the city's oldest park, with origins dating back to the mid-1800s. The land was initially donated in 1823 by Madison's founder, John Paul, to serve as a city cemetery.

By the early 1900s, the cemetery had fallen into disrepair. The John Paul Chapter of the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), formed in 1902, obtained permission from the Madison City Council to take ownership of the land and transform the neglected site into a public park. Their efforts went beyond simply clearing rubbish—they also carefully relocated several gravesites to Springdale Cemetery, while John Paul and his wife were moved to Fairmount Cemetery.

In 1904, the land was officially dedicated as a park, and trees were planted to mark the transformation from a cemetery into a public green space. Around this time, the DAR also began requesting tree donations to enhance the park's natural beauty. Trees were donated by governors of the original 13 colonies, the Vatican, the Indiana State Forest Reserve, and many local citizens.

Funding the park's transformation was a challenge. Throughout the early 1900s, the John Paul Chapter of the DAR struggled to raise money, but financial concerns eased when the city council agreed to donate $200 per year for the park's care—later increasing the amount to $300 per year.

In 1907, the city deeded additional adjoining land to the DAR, including an area through which Crooked Creek once ran. The creek was straightened, and the land was prepared for a baseball field and tennis court.

By 1913, the DAR had made significant improvements, including the construction of a six-sided stone tool house, which served as a storage facility for park maintenance tools.

For decades, the DAR took pride in maintaining John Paul Park through fundraisers and community donations. However, by the mid-1980s, the organization requested that the city take over park maintenance. Since then, the Madison Parks Department has overseen its upkeep.

Ongoing Restoration Efforts & Future Plans

Despite its rich history, John Paul Park is in need of extensive upgrades and redevelopment to bring it up to modern standards and align with the evolving needs of our community. This effort goes beyond simple restoration—it involves significant improvements to infrastructure, accessibility, and amenities to create a more functional, inclusive, and welcoming space for all residents and visitors. In the early 2000s, Jill Keller, a dedicated John Paul DAR Chapter member, spearheaded park revitalization efforts. She rallied community members to establish the John Paul Park Conservancy, which commissioned a professional design by Environs Landscape Architecture in 2009.

Sadly, Keller passed away in 2014, and the John Paul Park Conservancy disbanded. The remaining funds were used to establish the John Paul Park Fund at the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County (CFMJC). Today, the John Paul DAR Chapter utilizes annual fund distributions to support modest park projects, assisted by many volunteer hours. Recent efforts include:

·       Installing new benches

·       Stabilizing the fountain base (pending a decision on its future use)

·       Refreshing the park's historical marker

Despite these improvements, limited resources have hindered necessary upgrades and repairs, leaving the park underutilized.

In 2023, a dedicated and collaborative John Paul Park Working Group was formed. Members include, John Paul Chapter DAR representatives, City of Madison Parks and Recreation representatives, a City Parks Board representative, and a City Council representative.

The group's first step was to assess the conservancy's original plan and update it to reflect current community needs. Environs Landscape Architecture was re-engaged to guide the process, and in May 2024, the revised plan was presented to the public and received positive community feedback. The key elements and changes include: adding a walking path, improved ball field and audience seating, ADA-compliant access to both the upper and lower levels, comprehensive signage to memorialize and share the park’s history, erosion remediation, addition of a pollinator garden  restrooms, and defined parking. Before any work can begin, an engineering firm has been engaged for the critically important – but invisible – feasibility and foundational work to ensure a successful multi-year reenvisioning project. As work continues in the area, all efforts will be conducted with the utmost sensitivity and respect to honor those laid to rest and preserve the site’s heritage.

The above image is a conceptual masterplan and subject to change. 

A Vision for the Future

The ultimate goal is to create a unique place in our community that invites people in, is utilized by people of all ages, welcomes both residents and visitors, and contributes in a positive way to the well-being of those using the park. The John Paul Chapter, the Parks Board, the Mayor, and members of the City Council are all supportive of this effort.

The Reenvisioning John Paul Park Project leverages the work of Jill Keller and the John Paul Park Conservancy and is the basis for a revised plan to create a more attractive, accessible, multi-use space that provides for physical activity and a contemplative space that honors Madison’s history and its founder.

From one generation to the next, John Paul Park stands as a testament to the community's dedication to preserving history, enhancing the present, and ensuring that this cherished space continues to serve and inspire future generations.

Partners: City of Madison and the John Paul Chapter of the DAR

Funding Sources: This project, grounded in the original spirit of community support, will be 100% funded by grants and community donations, ensuring that the legacy of John Paul Park is not only preserved but enhanced for generations to come.

Support the Project: To help bring this vision to life, you can support the John Paul Park Restoration Project by donating or writing a letter to show your support for funding requests. Your contributions—whether financial or through advocacy—will help ensure the park’s future as a vibrant, accessible space for all.

Key Supporters and Donors (2023-Present): Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County Grant, Darrel Lock (In Kind Donation), Steve Land, Vires Excavation & Concrete, Zack Vires (In Kind Donation), John Paul Chapter of the DAR, H Beall, Bethany Legacy Foundation, and Madison Parks and Recreation

Public Arts

Public Art Installations

Partners: Madison Area Arts Alliance, Madison Public Arts Commission in addition to Madison Consolidated Schools, CRM (Sunrise Crossing developer) and sculptor, Dale Rogers

Location: Sunrise Crossing, Gateway and Bicentennial Park

Project Summary: 

Bird Man: (in partnership with CRM - Sunrise Crossing developer)

• • Created by sculptor Dale Rogers who will be an artist in residence at Madison Junior High twice during the next year
  • Madison Junior High School students will be creating storylines describing who Bird Man is
  • Madison Cub Industries will be creating smaller sculptures inspired by Dale Rogers work, which will be placed throughout the Madison School District 

Flight

• • Partnering with Madison Area Arts Alliance to submit a grant to the community foundation for the temporary art exhibit 
  • Dale Rogers will be setting up 12 birds that will stay in Bicentennial Park from the end of March to October
  • One bird will be a permanent art installation in Bicentennial Park, if funding allows

GATEWAY Art Project

• • The commission is reviewing the RFQ for Indiana Artist for the 3-dimensional public art to be installed at the Madison/Indiana Gateway project. 

Anticipated Project Schedule: 

FLIGHT - Install March - October 2023

BIRDMAN - Install September 2023

GATEWAY - Final designs submitted Q4 of 2023. Install Q1 2024. 

Estimated Costs: GATEWAY Art: $200,000 ($100,000 READI, $100,000 Fundraise and Grants)

Funding Sources: $25,000 annually will be invested into art and maintenance by the RDC 

Oak Hill Neighborhood

The Oak Hill neighborhood has had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. With over 100 residential homes and a large community park, this area of the hilltop has needed restoration and improvements for years. 

Oak Hill Neighborhood

Partners: City of Madison

Project Type: Infrastructure, maintenance 

Developer/Contractor: All-Star Paving

Location: Oak Hill Neighborhood 

Project Summary: This neighborhood has had little to no maintenance since it was built over 40 years ago. This project includes complete sidewalk, curb and gutter replacements, ADA accessible ramps on all sidewalks and streets will be milled and re-paved. In addition, all driveways will have new approaches for improved drainage and access for residents. See "Recent News" tab below for project updates.

Anticipated Project Schedule: Infrastructure completed by the fall of 2022

Funding Sources: State of Indiana (match funding)

Timeline: The project was completed in fall of 2022

Re-envisioning Main Street Project

Madison's historic Main Street was a four-lane state highway for most of its existence. That changed when the City of Madison entered into a road transfer agreement with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in 2014, that upon completion of a new bridge approach from the Milton-Madison Bridge (July 2020), the City would assume responsibility for approximately 4.5 miles of former SR 56 and portions of SR 256, and U.S. 421, primarily the corridor between Jefferson Street (west of the intersection) and the top of Hanover Hill. This road transfer provided the City with the opportunity to re-envision the look, functionality, and purpose of Main Street, but also required extensive planning and community input.

Click the image above to view a larger image, view the Main Street Master Plan HERE, and continue scrolling to learn more about the project.

2025 PROJECTS

Broadway Street to Mill Street- In Progress

Scope of Work: Milling, paving and restriping of Broadway St. to Mill St. As well as, the replacements of sidewalks for ADA accessibility in some areas, storm drain repair from Broadway to Mill Street and the addition of pedestrian safety bump-outs at Elm Street, Vine Street, and Broadway Street (above renderings) in areas where parking was not permitted. 

During this phase of work, trees significantly impacted by the project and those causing damage to the city streets or sidewalks will be removed. Where feasible, we are committed to planting replacement trees to preserve and enhance our urban canopy. Additionally, at each intersection low maintenance landscaping will be installed. 

Timeline: Began August 4, 2025 and is estimated to be completed in mid-November.

Estimated Costs: $1.2 million

Funding Sources: Community Crossings Grant, City of Madison Bond, City of Madison Redevelopment Commission, and Jefferson County Board of Tourism

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers- Prime AE

Contractor: All-Star Paving

Construction Schedule:  Work began Monday, August 4, 2025, starting at Vine Street. The project will move intersection by intersection, in the following order: Vine Street, then Elm Street, followed by Broadway Street.

Broadway Street to St. Michaels Avenue- In Progress

Scope of Work: Milling, paving and restriping the street for enhanced pedestrian safety measures from Mill Street to St. Michaels. This will include a mid-block crossing at Main Street parking lot to the Comfort Station (pictured above). 

Timeline: October 2025 to November 2025

Estimated Costs: $300,000

Funding Sources: Community Crossings Grant, City of Madison Bond, and City of Madison Redevelopment Commission

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers-Prime AE

Contractor: All Star Paving

West End Gateway Traffic Safety Improvements- In Progress

Scope of Work: New sidewalks leading to the trail head of Madison-Hanover Connector Trail, installation of a crosswalk and speed table (a traffic calming device similar to a speed hump but with a flat top), additional street lighting, and a Gateway entrance structure.

Timeline: Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

Estimated Costs: $550,000

Funding Sources: Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Madison Redevelopment Commission (RDC), and City of Madison funds

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers-Prime AE

Contractor: Temple and Temple, Duke Energy

FUTURE PROJECTS

Mulberry Street to Broadway Street Traffic Signals

Scope of Work: Modernizing traffic signal to enhance pedestrian safety on Broadway Street, Mulberry Street, and West Street. This include audible crosswalks.

Timeline: Q4 2026 

Estimated Costs: $750,000

Funding Sources: Federal Safety Grant (90%), City of Madison Highway Funds, and City of Madison Redevelopment Commission

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers-Prime AE

Contractor: Not yet bid.

McIntire Street to State Road 62

Scope of Work: Resurfacing the road from McIntire Street to SR 62, past the bridge, to the top of Hanover Hill, as well as sidewalk repair for ADA accessibility. Additionally, landscaping and drainage repair for the sections of sidewalks along the north and south sides of the road are included in this project.

Timeline: Bidding in Q3 2026 with work beginning in Q2 2027

Estimated Costs: $5 million

Funding Sources: Federal Grant, City of Madison Bond, and City of Madison Redevelopment Commission

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers- Prime AE

Contractor: Not yet bid.

McIntire Street to Mill Street

Scope of Work: Milling and paving, as well as improvements to sidewalks for ADA accessibility, and storm drain repair from McIntire Street to Mill Street. It also includes the addition of pedestrian safety bump-outs.

Timeline: Construction to begin in 2028

Estimated Costs: $12.3 million

Funding Sources: Federal Grant, City of Madison Bond, and City of Madison Redevelopment Commission

Designers: Jacobi, Toombs, and Lanz Engineers-Prime AE and Ratio

Contractor: Not yet bid.

New Downtown Grocery

COMPLETED! DG Market

Partners: City of Madison, City of Madison Redevelopment Commission

Developer: Rafferty Development, LLC

Location: The old grocery store location at 120 East Second St.

Project Summary: Rafferty Development, LLC will be responsible for the exterior renovations (based on city renderings) as well as incorporating public arts into the project. The city will contribute towards the site improvements and is investing in other improvements to the Mulberry Street and Second Street area, which will include lighting, sidewalks and paved roads, and planting of trees and flowers. Dollar General Market (DG Market) brings access to name-brand goods, fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and perishable foods and has a distribution network of over 17,000 locations. Rafferty Development, LLC has developed over 150 Dollar Generals and a dozen DG Markets.

Anticipated Project Schedule: DG Market opened in September 2025.

Costs: The City of Madison - $565,000, which includes the purchasing of the lot and infrastructure improvements to the surrounding sidewalks, parking lot, etc. 

Funding Sources: The City of Madison Redevelopment Commission, and private partners. 

Park and Green Space Projects

In 2022, the City adopted a Parks Park Master Plan. The development of the plan was led by a community committee, and included a public survey and forum that allowed citizens to give feedback on the proposed plans. A majority of the citizens who participated in the survey and forum felt that the condition of existing parks is average to poor, and want to see improvements to existing playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic areas across the City. Highly valued activities cited by survey respondents included walking, going to the playground, picnicking, and swimming. As expected, trails, splashpads, playgrounds, and picnic shelters topped the list of priorities for new improvements.

Based on community feedback, data analysis, and administration priorities, recommendations outlined in the Parks Master Planare designed to enhance our parks and recreation through carefully planned investment that will help strengthen our quality of life for all citizens of Madison.

Community Urban Forestry Grant Project

As a designated Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, the City of Madison is committed to preserving and expanding our urban forest, which plays a crucial role in enhancing our quality of life and beautifying our community. The City of Madison received a Urban Forest Tree Grant Project for 2025-2026. This project consists of 45 various native trees being planted throughout the city in the following locations, Johnson Lake, Heritage Trail, the Georgetown neighborhood, and West Third Street.

Trees planted in the Johnson Lake area and at the base of Heritage Trail will be created a "showcase forest" to educate the public on the beauty and variety of native trees to our area. Trees installed along west Third Street and in the Georgetown District will increase the tree canopy to mitigate heat island effects and improve the overall quality of life in these areas.

Partners & Funding Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Contractor: River City Nursery

Timeline: Summer of 2025 - Spring of 2026

• Fall 2025 - Planting of 20 native trees at Johnson Lake,

• Fall 2025 - Planting of 20 native trees at the base of the Heritage Trail (working in coordination with the Madison Connector Trail project that is in progress),

• Spring 2026- Planting of 15 native trees in the Georgetown neighborhood, 

• Spring 2026- Planting of 8 native trees along West Third Street.

Madison Connector Trail (Phase 1)

Beginning downtown branching off of the Heritage Trail, the trail will cross Crooked Creek and progress westward to Clifty Falls State Park.

This is a part of our 5-Year Parks Master Plan. This project will tie our downtown into the south entrance of Clifty Falls, allowing bicyclists, walkers and hikers to travel between the areas freely. This project also partners with the regional development authority's goal to have a world-class trails system in the 5-county region.

Partners: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Madison Heritage Trail Conservancy, City of Madison, Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority, Jefferson County Commissioners, Clifty Falls State Park, Hanover College, the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County, and Madison Railroad and Port Authority. 

Developer/Contractor/Designer: Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz/Prime AE and Temple and Temple Excavating and Paving

Timeline: Summer of 2025 - Spring of 2026

Funding Sources: The Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority, READI grant match through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Next Level Trails grant.

Damon L. Welch Park Renovation Project

Site plan subject to change. 

Damon L. Welch Park, formerly Jaycee Park, at 619 E. Vaughn Dr., is located on two acres along Vaughn Drive under the pillars of the Madison-Milton Bridge. In 2022, based on community feedback, the City identified Welch Park as a neighborhood park in need of investment and upgrades. View the Parks Master Plan here.

The project plans include a complete renovation of the park and will include improved parking, construction of an additional shelter house, a new basketball court, a new restroom building, and updated playground equipment*, a new stone wall and signage to honor Mayor Welch, improved sand volleyball courts, and new pickleball courts.

Estimated Project Cost: $2,050,000

Partners and Funding Sources: Bethany Legacy Foundation, Community Foundation Madison Jefferson County, GameTime, Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison Historic Eagle Cotton Mill, City of Madison Redevelopment Commission, and private donations.

Developer/Contractor/Designer: Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz/Prime AE

Timeline: Estimated to begin Q2 of 2026

* PlayCore’s Scholar Network unites experts to promote health and wellness through evidence-based play and recreation. Its PlayOn! program encourages children’s fitness by focusing on six core elements of play—spinning, sliding, swinging, climbing, brachiating, and balancing. The new playground at Welch Park is the first in the city intentionally designed to showcase this model and earn these designations.

John Paul Park Project

John Paul Park has a rich legacy that dates back to 1823 when city founder John Paul donated the land for use as a cemetery. By the early 1900s, the area had fallen into disrepair and was transformed into a public park by the John Paul Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Officially dedicated in 1904, the park evolved through tree donations, land expansions, and community improvements, including a ball field and tool house. For decades, the DAR maintained the park, but city oversight began in the mid-1980s.

In recent years, efforts to revitalize the park have resumed, building on earlier work led by the late Jill Keller and the now-dissolved John Paul Park Conservancy. A new working group—comprising the DAR, city officials, and community partners—has updated the original master plan to include walking paths, ADA access, improved recreational facilities, and historical signage, all while honoring the park’s origins. 

Learn more about the project plans here!

Madison Railroad Industry Expansion