Friends of Merrill Spring

05/12/2026

Merrill Spring is flowing into the lake again after a long dry spell last year and over the winter. Lake levels are up too due to more rain but also controls on the flows out of Mendota.

05/03/2026

Friends of Merrill Spring annual workday - job well done.

11/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/17WDbqzRsp/

11/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D84DDPzh7/

11/22/2025

10/15/2025

Thanks for turning lights out during peak migration.

Explore nightly migration data in your region

10/14/2025

Merrill Spring Park - art project

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) is seeking artists to create temporary outdoor public art installations for the Teejop Community History Public Art Project (TCHPAP) during the Summer and Fall of 2026.

09/24/2025

PARK VIEW EASEMENT AMENDMENT - An amendment to the view easement over the park was approved by both the Board of Parks Commissioners and the Madison Common Council. For more information on this agreement, see https://madison.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7357861&GUID=DA5E42A2-A555-4B7C-B243-31231B276340

The Friends of Merrill Spring Board participated in City Parks and Council meetings to oppose the new agreement. The Board believes the new easement is more expansive than the original and does not take into account obstructions that blocked the view (two large oaks that fell, an old cottage that was demolished, and a vegetated chain link fence).

The new easement agreement also defines how high vegetation (including trees and shrubs) can reach before trimming is allowed ranging from 4 feet at the top of the hill to 10 feet at the shoreline in the eastern half of the park. The Board believes the new view easement will impact park users' solitude and wildlife habitat by reducing vegetation, shading during the day, and allowing more light pe*******on at night.

Title: Authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an Amended View Preservation Easement for Merrill Springs Park (District 19)