In 1999, my grandfather, Art Pope, sold most of his farm to the town of Middleton so it could be turned into a farm park. My father, Mel Pope, worked with the town of Middleton to convert 105 acres from farmland into a beautiful park that accomplishes the goals they set forth when planning its design:

1) To encourage all Town of Middleton residents, including those with special needs, to enjoy the tremendous variety of features offered by Pope Farm Park.

2) To preserve and enhance the views, vistas, agriculture, natural vegetation, geology, and the history of the park.

3) To provide educational opportunities for Town of Middleton students by providing lesson plans, field trips and interactive projects.

4) To balance agriculture, restored prairie, geology, history, and beautiful views and vistas to maximize interest and uniqueness in the park.

5) To put in place a basic infrastructure that can be easily upgraded over time as increased demand requires.

I included a Pope Farm Park brochure and additional park information below. Though there is plenty of information, the park is something that you need to experience. The next time you are in the Madison area make sure to stop by Pope Farm Park. It is a fantastic place to spend some time and I believe it has something for everyone. I couldn't be prouder of my family for making it a reality.

Pope Farm Park Plan

Table of Contents

I. History of Pope Farm Park. 3

II. Planning Process. 4

III. Points of Interest/Signage at Pope Farm Park. 6

A. Geology. 6

B. Restored Prairie/Oak Savannah. 9

C. Agricultural Crops. 10

D. Historical 12

IV. Summary of Passive Park Study/ Dane County. 15

V. Goal/Vision. 17

Pope Farm Park Positioning. 17

VI. Vegetation Plan. 19

A. Figure 2 Entrance 1.4 acres. 19

B. Figure 2 Eastern Restored Prairie (South Portion) 20

C. Figure 2 Eastern Restored Prairie (Grassy Knoll) 20

D. Figure 2 Eastern Restored Prairie (North) 20

E. Figure 2 Manicured Overlook. 21

F. Figure 2 Horticulture/Agricultural Gardens 1.5 Acres. 22

G. Figure 2 Active Wheat Field 5.3 Acres. 22

H. Figure 2 Active Alfalfa Field 8.7 Acres. 22

I. Figure 2 Active Barley Field 5.9 Acres. 22

J. Figure 2 Active Corn Field 12 Acres. 22

K. Figure 2 Natural Grassland and Wild Flowers 5.7 Acres. 23

L. Figure 2 Oak Forest Restoration 5 Acres. 23

M. Figure 2. 23

N. Figure 2 Oak Savannah 6.4 Acres. 24

O. Figure 2 Oak Savannah 1.6 Acres. 24

P. Figure 2 (Q & R) 27 Acres. 25

Q. Breakdown of Vegetation Plan. 26

Implementation Plan and Schedule. 28

VII. Access, Parking, Facilities. 30

Grand Entrance. 30

Lower Parking Lot 30

Road to the Upper Parking Lot 30

Upper Parking Lot 31

Viewing Area Access. 31

Lake Mendota Viewing Point 31

Blackhawk Road Entrance. 32

Black Earth Creek Valley Viewing Point 32

Twin Valley Entrance. 32

Twin Valley Entrance Alternative. 33

Twin Valley Viewing Area. 33

Service Entrances. 33

VIII. Validation of Master Plan. 34

IX. Trails System.. 36

X. Signage. 37

A. Points of Interest 37

B. Regulatory. 37

C. Signage design and cost 37

Grand Opening – Fall 2005. 41

IX. Financial Plan. 42

Cost of producing the Master Plan. 44

XV Additional Implementation Items. 45

XVI. Contingency Planning. 46

Facilities Plan. 46

Vegetation Plan. 46

Use and Promotion. 46

Signage. 46

XVI. More About the Master Plan. 47

I. History of Pope Farm Park

The Town of Middleton purchased the Pope farm from the Art Pope family in 1999, after public meetings at which Town of Middleton residents gave overwhelming approval to its purchase. The Town purchased 145 acres of land, of which 105 acres formally became “Pope Farm Park.”

The park lies between Old Sauk, Twin Valley, and Blackhawk