Flourishing Northside neighborhood associations and community
organizations are creating a stronger Northside identity as
the “Gateway to Madison. ” Twenty-six neighborhood-based
groups help Northside residents meet their neighbors and to
have a voice in their neighborhood’s affairs. 21 neighborhood
associations, the Northside Business Association, the Northside
Communities of Faith group, NESCO, Lakeview Lutheran Church,
and the Northside PTO/A Coalition all bring residents together
for mutual support and action. These groups also work through
the Northside Planning Council to share information, address
community-wide issues and create greater resources for Northside
residents.
Click a number to read more about the neighborhood!
1. Berkley Oaks
Organized in 1996, led by founder Anita Lightfoot and fueled
by neighborhood opposition, BONA fought plans for a proposed
gas station in their neighborhood. BONA worked to protect Berkley
Park by going before the city's Park Commission and requesting
a change in park hours (approved) and securing additional lighting
(now in place). With these changes, life around the park is
slowly returning to being family-oriented. BONA has been successful
through working with the Northside Resource Team and North District
police in transforming troubled areas and making the neighborhood
a safer place. Contact Lenny Alston at 249-6435.
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2. Brentwood Village
The Brentwood Village Association was established in 1958 and
is one of the Northside’s oldest neighborhood associations.
It includes over 200 homes and 50 apartment buildings in the
area south of Warner Park, west of North Sherman Avenue and
north of MacPherson Street. Membership is extended to all residents,
businesses, community organizations and landlords within the
geographical area. The Association has a Board of nine members,
holds quarterly meetings at Warner Park Community Recreation
Center, operates several yearly social and community service
events, and publishes a quarterly newsletter. Contact Gil Gonzales,
President, at 244-8231.
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3. Cherokee Gardens
The Cherokee Garden Condominium Homes Association was organized
in 1976 and now includes 570 condominium homes. The association's
efforts have led to extended bus service and road improvements
in their area. Boundaries are Wheeler Road, N. Sherman Avenue,
Comanche Way, Golf Parkway, and Golf Course Road. The Association
is governed by an elected Board of Directors whose responsibility
it is to administer the By-Laws of the Association. The Board
meets monthly to address current issues and future plans. The
Condominium Association meets annually to hear the board report
on the state of the association and to elect new board members.
Contact: Mary Jo Rimkus, Board President, at 246-9111.
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4. Cherokee Townhouses
The Cherokee Townhouses and Garden Condominiums had their beginnings
in 1974. Today there are 57 townhouse condominium units. The
condo association, Cherokee Townhouse Condominium Homes, Inc.
was founded in 1975, has monthly board meetings and an annual
meeting. Contact John Kanvik at 245-1868.
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5. Cherokee Park
Organized in 1994, Cherokee Neighborhood Association serves
about 270 homes with an active slate of social and other activities,
including an annual garage sale, park clean up, Easter Egg Hunt,
4th of July Bike Parade and Picnic, Halloween Event and Holiday
dinner. The primary purpose of the neighborhood association
is to provide community enjoyment, to generate a spirit of community
among neighborhood residents and to promote awareness of this
unique neighborhood surrounded by a lake, golf course and wildlife
preserve. Contact CPNA President Dayna Dalton at 241-2178.
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6. East Bluff
Formed in the early 70’s as Wisconsin’s first condominium
association, serving 176 units (450 residents), East Bluff is
at the intersection of Northport Drive and North Sherman Avenue.
In 2001, East Bluff updated some of its playground equipment,
which is used by many area kids, with help from the city’s
Community Enhancement Program grants. Major goals for 2004 include
continuing to ensure that East Bluff provides attractive, safe,
and affordable homes for Northside families. Contact Phyllis
Carey, President, at 244-8411.
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7. Kennedy Heights
Formed in 1983, Kennedy Heights was the first Northside neighborhood
to develop a community center. The center offers a full range
of programs including, a city accredited early childhood program,
an after school program, a youth program, a girl neighborhood
power program, adult activities that include a womens' group
and cultural activities and an Asian outreach program that includes
parenting classes for the numerous Southeast Asian families
living in the neighborhood. The neighborhood developed a food
pantry for Kennedy Heights residents, including ethnic-appropriate
items, every Monday from 5:00 - 6:30p.m. The Center host community
building events throughout the year and has numerous volunteer
oportunities. Contact Alyssa Kenney at 244-0767.
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8. Lake View Hill
Formed in the mid-1980s, the association has always acted as
a guardian of the beautiful green spaces of Lake View Hill.
After a period of dormancy, the association was reactivated
in 2003. Activities include a neighborhood directory, spring
plant sale, summer picnic, and regular meetings with potlucks
and speakers. Contact Andrew Goodnough at 658-7363 for more
information.
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9. Lerdahl Park
Formed in 1996 in response to the threatened development of
the Troy Gardens property and to the challenges at Mendota Elementary,
Lerdahl Park includes about 275 households. Neighbors have continued
their strong involvement with the Troy Gardens project, as well
as hosting annual social events, such as summer picnics, caroling,
and wine tasting. Knowing the person next door or down the street
helps to create a safer, congenial environment and sense of
community. Contact the NPC office if you are interested in getting
involved.
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10. Maple Bluff
The Village of Maple Bluff, population 1,350, occupies a narrow
band on the northeast shoreline of Lake Mendota where Winnebago
Indians once had their summer encampments. Annual village events
include the Father’s Day Parade, Fourth of July Parade
and Fireworks, Garage Sale, Holiday Tree Lighting, and Winterfest.
The Maple Bluff neighborhood has been involved with broader
Northside issues and is a member of the Northside Planning Council.
Youth sailing classes are available at Marina Park - for scholarship
info contact the recreation department. Contact Village Administrator
Tim Krueger at 244-3048 or NPC representative Laura Vogel at
244-7187.
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11. Maple Wood Condos
Last year, Maple Wood held its fifth annual garage sale in June
and annual picnic in September. This year, we will continue
updating our buildings and landscaping, and will add additional
outside lighting. Contact the NPC office at 661-0060 if you
are interested in getting involved.
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12. Mendota Hills
Formed in 1994, this association serves 150 homes west of Warner
Park. Activities include an annual neighborhood picnic, neighborhood
garage sale, a spring plant exchange, and neighborhood directory.
Contact Susan Hill at 301-0102 or Bob Paolino at 249-7126.
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13. Nobel Park
The Nobel Park neighborhood association was established in 2003.
Our area covers the triangle that runs from the corner of School
Rd and Troy Drive to the corner of School and Northport Drives
and connects at the corners of Troy and Northport. Our goal
is to have more active participation so we can all get to know
our neighbors better. Contact Daniel O’Kane at 241-8081
or dwljo@charter.net.
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14. North Lake Mendota
Formed in 1978 to protect the wetlands west of Mendota Health
Center , the association has grown to serve over 300 homes.
Meadow Ridge Park now has a playground set and there is a wooded
space and hiking trail to connect it with Westport Meadows Park.
An area has also been set aside for field-type sports for the
neighborhood children. The association has established a retention
pond park of storm water management and a wildflower and aquatic
species area. Two neighborhood signs grace the entrances to
the neighborhood from grants received through the City of Madison.
Currently the association has reached an agreement with Mendota
Hospital to do an annual Deer Harvest. It will continue to work
with the city to develop Meadowridge Park, as well as sponsoring
events that will allow the members of the neighborhood opportunities
to interact. Contact Lynelle Harrison at 242-0363.
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