Madison’s Central Park is one step closer to being renamed after beloved local educator Milton McPike.
The Madison Parks Commission voted unanimously for the name change at a meeting at Warner Park on Wednesday night.
McPike passed away about 10 years ago. He was the Madison East High School principal from 1979 until his retirement in 2002. During his time at East Mcpike was named Wisconsin’s Principal of the Year, a Reader’s Digest Hero of American Education. East High was also recognized by the Department of Education for academic excellence while McPike was principal.
The executive director of the Madison Parks Foundation, Stephanie Franklin, said she’s never seen so much support for an issue.
“Everyone who knew him loved him; we’ve gotten so much positive feedback,” she said. “We have people who collected signatures and speak on his behalf. We’ve never heard anything negative.”
Madison parks officials say they hope this sets a new precedent for naming public spaces.after more people of color and women in the community.
The renaming was recommended by the foundation. Madison City Council will likely make the renaming official by early next year. However, I’m being told by the foundation that because alders in the area where the park is going already approve it, a vote may not be necessary.
