The community is invited to join Mayor Paul Soglin, Alder Marsha Rummel, Madison Parks Foundation, Madison Parks and the family and friends of Milton McPike at the new Milt McPike Park on Wednesday, April 4 at 3:00 pm. The current Central Park, at 202 S. Ingersoll St., will be renamed for the beloved educator who served as the longtime principal of Madison East High School until his passing in 2008.
The dedication will include performances by the East High School marching band, the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation recognizing April 4 as Milton McPike Day and the unveiling of the new McPike Park sign.
The idea to honor McPike first came to Stephanie Franklin, Executive Director of the Madison Parks Foundation, more than two years ago, according to the press release from the City of Madison.
“Milt had such a presence to him and so many lives were touched by meeting him,” Franklin said in a statement. “I knew there just had to be a way we [Madison Parks Foundation] could celebrate his life and contributions he made to the community.”
“I literally cannot think of a person more deserving of this recognition than Milt McPike,” said Bob Hemauer, Madison Park Foundation Board Member, in a statement. “I had a chance to speak with many people and neighborhood groups over the course of this effort and I can’t tell you how inspiring it was to hear how many lives he touched so deeply through his service to our community, and I’m excited that the City of Madison is honoring his legacy in a way commensurate with his impact.”
The 200 block of Ingersoll Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 2:00 to 4:30 pm on April 4 for the ceremony.
