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OFFICIAL NOTICE AND AGENDA Notice is hereby given that the Parks and Recreation Committee of the City of Stoughton, Wisconsin, will hold a regular or special meeting as indicated on the date and at the time and location given below. Date and Time: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 at 6:00pm In-person: Stoughton Public Works Conference Room (2439 County Road A, Stoughton, WI) Video Call Link: https://shorturl.at/TTHwC Live streamed: The meeting can also be live streamed on the City of Stoughton Government Channel at https://www.cityofstoughton.com/336/GOV -TV-Livestream and on Spectrum or TDS Channel 980. The WSTO-TV app is also available on Roku TV, Apple TV and Fire TV as well as on Android and iOS devices. P & R Members: Regina Hirsch, Phil Caravello, Patrick Butler, Sandra Black, Nicole Dewitt, Mike Vienneau, Tim Swadley Call To Order Roll Call And Verification Of Quorum Certification Of Compliance With Open Meetings Law August Minutes PARKS RECREATION MINUTES AUGUST 18 2026.PDF Member Communications Superintendent Report - September SUPERINTENDENT REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2026.PDF Old Business COMP Plan 2016 HTTPS://WWW.CITYOFSTOUGHTON.COM/225/COMPREHENSIVE-PLAN Utilities And Community Facilities Chapter 8. STOUGHTON COMP PLAN DRAFT UTILITIES CH.PDF New Business Future Agenda Items Teigen Farms Park Master Plan East Side Park Concepts RDA Site Park Eastwood Estates Park Skate Park Scooters and E-Bikes 1. 2. 3. 4. Documents: 5. 6. Documents: 7. 7.I. 7.II. Documents: 8. 9. OFFICIAL NOTICE AND AGENDA Notice is hereby given that the Parks and Recreation Committee of the City of Stoughton, Wisconsin, will hold a regular or special meeting as indicated on the date and at the time and location given below. Date and Time: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 at 6:00pm In-person: Stoughton Public Works Conference Room (2439 County Road A, Stoughton, WI) Video Call Link: https://shorturl.at/TTHwC Live streamed: The meeting can also be live streamed on the City of Stoughton Government Channel at https://www.cityofstoughton.com/336/GOV -TV-Livestream and on Spectrum or TDS Channel 980. The WSTO-TV app is also available on Roku TV, Apple TV and Fire TV as well as on Android and iOS devices. P & R Members: Regina Hirsch, Phil Caravello, Patrick Butler, Sandra Black, Nicole Dewitt, Mike Vienneau, Tim Swadley Call To Order Roll Call And Verification Of Quorum Certification Of Compliance With Open Meetings Law August Minutes PARKS RECREATION MINUTES AUGUST 18 2026.PDF Member Communications Superintendent Report - September SUPERINTENDENT REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2026.PDF Old Business COMP Plan 2016 HTTPS://WWW.CITYOFSTOUGHTON.COM/225/COMPREHENSIVE-PLAN Utilities And Community Facilities Chapter 8. STOUGHTON COMP PLAN DRAFT UTILITIES CH.PDF New Business Future Agenda Items Teigen Farms Park Master Plan East Side Park Concepts RDA Site Park Eastwood Estates Park Skate Park Scooters and E-Bikes 1. 2. 3. 4. Documents: 5. 6. Documents: 7. 7.I. 7.II. Documents: 8. 9. City of Stoughton Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Date: August 18, 2026 Location: Stoughton Public Works Conference Room and online 1. Call to Order Chair Regina Hirsch called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 2. Roll Call and Verification of Quorum Present: Regina Hirsch, Phil Caravello, Sandra Black, Nicole Dewitt, Mike Vienneau, Tim Swadley Absent: Patrick Butler Staff: Tony King, Parks & Recreation Superintendent A quorum was present. 3. Certification of Compliance with Open Meetings Law The meeting was properly noticed in accordance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. 4. Approval of Minutes July Meeting Minutes Motion by Caravello, seconded by Dewitt, to approve the July Parks & Recreation Committee meeting minutes. Motion carried, 5-0. August 4 Special Meeting Minutes Motion by Dewitt, seconded by Vienneau, to approve the August 4 Special Meeting minutes. Motion carried, 5-0. Edit 5. Member Communications Swadley provided an update on the recent Coffee Break Festival. He noted that the event had a good turnout and that the Chamber was pleased with the event layout. The festival also sold out of coffee mugs. 6. Superintendent Report Superintendent King provided updates on the following: River Park Project: King discussed the recent meeting with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the contractor, and project engineers regarding permitting and the means and methods associated with the project. The August Superintendent Report noted that the River Park contract had been signed and that coordination with the contractor and DNR regarding dewatering was required. Stoughton Trailers Community Park: King discussed the agreement with STI and comments received as part of the review process. STI continues to review the agreement. Dog Waste: The Committee discussed issues with improper disposal of dog waste in City parks. King noted that a letter had been distributed to the neighborhood near Greg Standard Legacy Park regarding proper dog waste disposal. Budget Report: King reviewed the monthly budget report and clarified which specific budget line items correspond to various recreation programs. 7. Old Business Comprehensive Plan – Chapter 4: Natural Resources The Committee reviewed Chapter 4 – Natural Resources of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Committee members discussed potential additions and revisions to several goals. The proposed changes and comments will be forwarded to Katrina Becker. Caravello recommended reviewing the City's previous Comprehensive Plan as a reference during the review process. The Committee also discussed revising certain terminology, including language related to dam removal versus dam modification. The Committee agreed to continue its Comprehensive Plan review at the September meeting, with Chapter 7 – Transportation and Chapter 8 – Utilities & Community Facilities to be reviewed at that time. 8. New Business Dane County Food Scrap/Compost Program King reviewed the proposed Dane County Food Scrap Stop program. The Committee discussed potential locations for a collection site. King will continue discussions with Dane County to determine an appropriate location based on the County's operational needs and recommendations. The Committee expressed support for moving forward with the compost program. The Dane County program includes County-coordinated registration, outreach, hauling, carts, and locks, with participating municipalities responsible for certain site maintenance responsibilities. 9. Future Agenda Items The Committee discussed the following future agenda items: Scooters and E-Bikes – Hirsch and Caravello Adult Outdoor Workout/Fitness Area – Hirsch Future of Troll Beach – King 10. Adjournment Motion by Caravello, seconded by Black, to adjourn. Motion carried, 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Sources September Superintendent Report PARKS UPDATE River Park Project • The temporary drawdown is planned for October 19 through March 15 to support Phase 1 construction. • Freshwater mussel relocation was completed in mid-August. • The City , R.G. Huston, the project engineers and the DNR continue coordinating the drawdown application and the means and methods for dewatering and dredging. • All permits have been turned in and are under review Stoughton Trailers Community Park • MSA's east-west trail design has been sent to STI. Construction planned for early 2027 • The development agreement remains under review with STI. Greg Standard Legacy Park • Construction continues on the shelter and restroom building. • Turf establishment is planned for this fall, with use of the school district's slit seeder if available. Tee Naasak Park • Planning continues for the access road and angled parking layout. • Soil piles are being retained for future park grading and topsoil needs. Parks Operations • Seasonal mowing, facility maintenance and project support continue while staffing remains limited by an employee injury. • Looking to hire two LTE ’s for Parks. RECREATION UPDATE Fall Programs • NFL Flag Football is underway • Men ’s 3v3 Basketball is underway • Miniball Soccer is underway • Youth Basketball registration is open Staffing • Jeremy no longer works for the City . Staff are covering the Recreation Supervisor duties while hiring for the position takes place. Troll Beach  Revenue for 2026 was $35,000  Wages paid were $54,000  Maintenance/Repairs $8,000  Operating at a $27,000 deficit YOUTH CENTER UPDATE • Summer programming has concluded, and staff are transitioning to the school-year schedule and activities. • Staff took kids to Mt. Olympus, Dave and Busters, Badgers Basketball, and purchased an additional PS5 with games FORESTRY UPDATE • Tree trimming and seasonal watering of terrace trees continue. • The forestry intern has returned to school for the academic year. DRAFT 106 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft DRAFT Chapter 8: Utilities and Community Facilities In This Chapter INTRODUCTION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108 KEY TAKEAWAYS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108 GOALS, STRATEGIES, AND ACTIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - 109 SURVEY RESULTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112 COMMUNITY SERVICES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 117 UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TIMETABLE - - - - - 139 DRAFT DRAFT PLANSt/o_ught/o_n | 107 DRAFTDRAFT 108 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft INTRODUCTION Utilities and community facilities form the backbone of Stoughton’s quality of life, supporting residents, businesses, institutions, and future growth. Reliable water, wastewater, electric, stormwater, telecommunications, and other utility systems are essential to public health, safety, and economic development. Likewise, community facilities - including schools, parks, trails, public safety services, the library, senior center, youth center, and healthcare facilities—help create a vibrant, connected, and resilient community. As Stoughton continues to grow and evolve over the next 20 years, thoughtful planning and investment in infrastructure, public services, and community amenities will be critical to maintaining the high quality of life valued by residents. This chapter evaluates existing utility systems and community facilities, identifies future needs and opportunities, and establishes goals, strategies, and actions to guide decision -making through the planning horizon. KEY TAKEAWAYS ◊ Stoughton benefits from reliable and well -maintained water, wastewater, electric, and stormwater systems that have adequate capacity to support existing residents, businesses, and anticipated growth over the next 20 years. ◊ High -quality community facilities and services – including parks, trails, schools, the library, senior center, youth center, and public safety services – are central to Stoughton’s strong quality of life and community identity. ◊ Residents identified parks, trails, outdoor recreation opportunities, and family -oriented amenities as some of the community’s highest priorities, with strong interest in expanded recreational facilities, improved trail connections, and greater access to the Yahara River. ◊ As the community grows, maintaining service levels will require continued investment in staffing, facilities, and equipment, particularly for EMS, public works, library services, and public safety operations. ◊ Stoughton’s long -term success depends on attracting and retaining residents of all ages by providing excellent schools, youth programming, senior services, childcare options, and community gathering spaces. ◊ Sustainability, resilience, and energy innovation are increasingly important considerations in public infrastructure and facility planning. Stoughton has demonstrated leadership in renewable energy, sustainability initiatives, and environmental stewardship that should continue into the future. ◊ Strong partnerships and coordination among the City, Stoughton Utilities, the Stoughton Area School District, Dane County, neighboring communities, healthcare providers, and community organizations will remain essential for efficiently delivering services and meeting future community needs. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 109 GOALS, STRATEGIES, AND ACTIONS Goal 1: Provide reliable and efficient utilities and public infrastructure that support existing residents, future growth, and long-term community resilience. Strategies: 1. Prioritize proactive maintenance and strategic upgrades to water, sewer, electric, and stormwater systems to provide future developments and redevelopments with reliable and durable infrastructure. 2. Ensure utility systems have adequate capacity to accommodate planned growth while avoiding unnecessary overbuilding. 3. Coordinate utility and community facility systems planning with land use, transportation, natural resources, housing, economic development, and recreation planning. 4. Encourage compact development, infill redevelopment, and other growth that efficiently utilizes existing infrastructure and public investments, and plan for the orderly extension of utilities and facilities in future growth areas. Actions: ◊ Maintain and regularly update utility master plans, service area plans, and related infrastructure studies, and follow the recommendations of these plans and studies when making utility and growth decisions. ◊ Continue to update and implement the city’s 5 -year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) annually. ◊ Avoid extending public utilities over large acreages of undeveloped land for the purpose of serving scattered parcels of existing development. ◊ Continue to require that all new development in the city make provisions for handling stormwater. ◊ Complete regular maintenance of utilities and community facilities in accordance with best practices and requirements. ◊ Combine utility and community facility projects with other projects – like roads, parks, and broadband – wherever practical. ◊ Continue to require that all new development and redevelopment in the city make provisions for handling stormwater and soil erosion, including stormwater management and erosion control fees. DRAFTDRAFT 110 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Goal 2: Provide high-quality community facilities and public services, such as the library, parks, trails, senior center, and youth center, that enhance quality of life, promote public health and safety, and serve residents of all ages and abilities. Strategies: 1. Modernize public facilities and municipal operations to improve accessibility and sustainability. 2. Continue to invest resources to ensure a high level of public safety, including fire, police, and emergency medical services (EMS) throughout the city. 3. Provide effective, transparent, and inclusive service and governance to City residents. 4. Ensure all residents have convenient access to parks, open spaces, trails, and recreation opportunities. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 111 ◊ Ensure adequate staff capacity to continue providing high - quality services as the city grows, particularly for EMS, public works, and the library. ◊ Close gaps in the community trail network and improve connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, downtown, and regional trail systems. ◊ Evaluate renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices for municipal and utility facility projects. ◊ Incorporate universal design and accessibility principles into park and recreation improvements. ◊ Utilize diverse methods to communicate programs, policies, initiatives, and other information to the public and stakeholders in a clear, timely, and equitable manner. ◊ Update and implement the city’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan every five years. ◊ Continue to require parkland dedication or fees -in -lieu -of, and park and trail improvement fees for new development. ◊ Implement the Stoughton Sustainability Plan recommendations and periodically update the plan. ◊ Implement the recommendations of Stoughton’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and continue to update the plan every five years. ◊ Support continued investment in the Library, Senior Center, and Youth Center. ◊ Pursue opportunities for shared facilities and services with other governmental units and the School District. ◊ Assess the space needs of city administration and public safety departments and explore the feasibility of and potential locations for new facilities as the city grows. ◊ Explore the potential of a multi - use community center; evaluate potential sites and funding sources for a new or expanded facility that could serve as a conference space, event center, and recreation hub. Actions: DRAFTDRAFT 112 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Graph 32. Public Services Satisfaction: How satisfied are you with the quality of public services (parks, water, emergency services, etc.)? SURVEY RESULTS City Services and Governance The majority of survey respondents (59%) indicated that the city is doing well or great at delivering essential services efficiently and at an affordable cost. 10% say there is some work to do. Graph 31. Services: Stoughton delivers essentials services, such as water, waste management, and public safety, efficiently and at an affordable cost to meet the needs of its residents. 69% of survey respondents are satisfied with the quality of public services in Stoughton. Comments on city services emphasized strong appreciation for core services - particularly the library - alongside widespread concern that staffing levels, hours, and facilities have not kept pace with community needs. Many respondents called for improved EMS capacity and upgrades to police facilities and operations. Public Works staff expressed that “as the community continues to grow, our biggest challenge is adding adequate staff… to maintain parks, roadways and stormwater infrastructure.” While noted as a beloved and key community resource, comments also consistently highlight the desire for increased library staffing and space. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 113 “Essential city services are understaffed. The Library in particular needs more staff. ” “We need a full time EMS. Response times to calls are terrible. ” “The library is amazing but clearly understaffed. ” Graph 33. Stoughton fosters transparency, actively involves residents in decision making, and keeps the community informed about its projects and initiatives. Representative Quotes 36% of survey respondents said the city has a lot or some work to do in fostering transparency, actively involving residents in decision -making, and keeping the community informed about its projects and initiatives. DRAFTDRAFT 114 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Parks and Recreation Parks and outdoor recreational spaces were ranked as the most important of community facilities by survey respondents, while indoor recreational facilities were ranked as the second most important. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 115 Residents link strong schools and family/youth -friendly activities to enrollment, talent retention, and long -term community health. Many responses indicated a desire to attract more young families to Stoughton and interest in more activities and “third spaces” for kids and adults (places other than home or work where people can gather). “We need to focus on attracting young families and the way to do that is with great schools!” “We need more free or low cost things to do, especially for families. ” “We need more activities and facilities for youth. Teens need places to go that aren’t sports based. ” “Supporting young families is key if we want to stop declining school enrollment. ” Comments emphasized the need for improved parks, expanded trail connections, and better access to the riverfront, with many residents viewing these amenities as central to quality of life and community health. There was especially strong and repeated support for a public aquatic center, often framed as a priority amenity for families, in addition to closing trail gaps and building truly inclusive play spaces. “Please prioritize a city swimming pool… Families leave town to use neighboring pools. ” “Finish trails and connect to Lower Yahara and Madison. ” “Being a grandparent, parks are very important—we need inclusive parks for all ages and abilities. ” “We really need more fun recreational activities that are friendly for all ages like a pool or mini golf. ” Representative Quotes Representative Quotes DRAFTDRAFT 116 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Urban Service Area An Urban Service Area (USA) includes those areas planned for urban development where a full range of urban services will be provided within the planning period. Urban services include public sanitary sewer systems, public water supply and distribution systems, fire and police protection, solid waste collection, urban drainage facilities, streets with curbs and gutters, streetlights, neighborhood facilities such as schools and parks, and urban transportation systems. USAs represent an essential element in community planning and growth management and are used to locate future development in specific areas planned for urban growth. In Dane County, all USAs are established and amended by the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) working on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Amendments to original USAs expand services as communities grow. As of October 2025, Stoughton’s USA contains 4,075 acres in total. This acreage includes areas within environmental corridors, existing ROW, and existing development; this calculation does not represent acreage that is currently available for future development. The Stoughton USA includes the majority of the municipal boundary area of the City of Stoughton and small portions of the Town of Dunkirk, Town of Pleasant Springs, Town of Rutland, and Town of Dunn. There are a few parcels on the western, northeastern, and southeastern areas of the city that are not included in the Stoughton USA. Stoughton’s USA is relatively close to the edge of existing development thereby limiting the potential for “leap -frog” development (when new development “skips over” nearby undeveloped land and instead gets built farther out, leaving gaps of empty land between existing development and the new area). Lake Kegonsa Limited Service Area Around Lake Kegonsa, a Limited Service Area (LSA) has been established to provide sanitary sewer service for residential development in close proximity to the lake. Limited -Service Areas are not intended to provide a full range of urban services or accommodate intensive urban development and thus are generally not considered as logical for substantial expansion – particularly for residential, institutional, office, or commercial development. Source: Natally Fisher - RE/MAX Preferred / RedFin.com DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 117 COMMUNITY SERVICES Municipal Utilities Drinking water, wastewater, and electric utilities are provided to City of Stoughton residents by Stoughton Utilities (SU), a locally -owned not -for - profit municipal utility with a service territory covering approximately 24 miles. At the time of this plan writing, SU operations are directed from the Utilities Administration Building located at 600 S. Fourth Street, however, Stoughton Utilities has outgrown this space and is in the process of designing a new utility operations facility to be potentially located on Williams Drive between Business Park Circle and CTH B. The construction of a new facility will provide the utility with the necessary space to accommodate future demands as the city grows. It will also enable the City to explore more effective uses for the current administration building located along the riverfront. The city and utility continue to collaborate on the replacement of infrastructure throughout the city. To meet all divisions’ needs, Stoughton Utilities has an aggressive water and sewer main replacement schedule in the coming years. Water Supply and Distribution Drinking water supply is provided to the City of Stoughton by Stoughton Utilities. The surrounding townships are served by private wells. City ordinance requires that all properties used for human habitation with access to Stoughton Utilities water mains be connected to Stoughton Utilities water and sewer service. Stoughton Utilities currently pumps groundwater from four wells located throughout the city. In addition to these wells, current water infrastructure includes two elevated storage tanks and one reservoir for a combined 1.3 million gallons of water storage. SU also maintains 75 miles of water mains (58% of which were installed within the last 35 years), 5,447 water meters, and 716 fire hydrants throughout the city. Hydrants are flushed twice a year and valves are operated annually, exceeding the state maintenance requirements. The City’s water supply comes from four groundwater wells, each capable of pumping 43 -45 million gallons per month. Wells are rehabilitated on a 6–8 -year cycle, which is more frequent than the 10 -year interval recommended by the Wisconsin DNR. Table 5. Active Well Facilities in the City of Stoughton Location Year Constructed Depth Pumping Capacity Well 4 – North Van Buren Street 1963 969 feet 1,220 gpm Well 5 – West South Street 1978 1,113 feet 950 gpm Well 6 – East Academy Street 1985 1,137 feet 1,050 gpm Well 7 – Roby Road 1997 1,040 feet 1,080 gpm Table 6. Active Water Storage Facilities in the City of Stoughton Location Year Constructed Storage Capacity Tower 2 – Furseth Road 1977 300,000 gallons Reservoir 2 – West South Street 1989 400,000 gallons Tower 3 – Racetrack Road 2010 600,000 gallons DRAFTDRAFT 118 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Stoughton Utilities submits water use data to the Public Service Commission (PSC), which was used to estimate water use by customer sector. Figure x illustrates the percentage of total pumpage by sector for 2024 and Figure x illustrates the total water sales by customer sector for the last 10 years. In general, water use has been fairly consistent over the past 10 years except for in the industrial category which has decreased moderately, largely due to enhanced efficiency practices. In 2024, the total pumpage was approximately 462 million gallons, while only 403 million gallons was accounted for. This nets approximately 8% of pumped water unaccounted for, which is the difference between the water pumped into the system and water SU can actually measure, bill, or otherwise account for. Often called “non -revenue water” or system losses, it includes pipe leaks or watermain breaks (usually the largest component), metering inaccuracies, unauthorized or unmetered use, or authorized but unbilled uses (firefighting, flushing hydrants and mains, street cleaning). System losses under 10% is considered low and an indication of an efficient, well -managed system. Source: Stoughton Utilities, 2025 Source: Stoughton Utilities, 2025 DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 119 The 10 largest water users in the City of Stoughton are summarized in Table 7 with the largest water user being Uniroyal Global, served by two separate meters. These 10 users make up just over a quarter of the city’s total water use. Source: Stoughton Utilities, 2025 Table 8 summarizes the projected water use for the city based on projected population. Stoughton has adequate water supply to provide water service to the city throughout the planning period, including for all population projections and fire protection needs. If additional water supply is needed in the future, SU’s most cost -effective option would be to drill additional wells. General areas for new well locations were determined in the 2015 Water System Study – see Map ___. Existing water sources and water storage facilities are expected to be sufficient to supply the city through the planning period. No significant water supply facilities or capital improvements are recommended outside of regular well and distribution system maintenance. There are no plans or anticipated need for additional well capacity in the next 20 years. More details are provided in Stoughton Utilities’ Water Supply Service Area Plan (2025). Table 7. Stoughton Top 10 Water Users, 2024: Largest Water Users in City of Stoughton Table 8. City of Stoughton Water Use Forecast DRAFTDRAFT 120 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Wastewater Collection and Treatment Stoughton Utilities maintains a wastewater collection and treatment system that safely transports and treats sewage from homes and businesses. First built in the 1940s, the City of Stoughton Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has undergone several expansions and upgrades to replace aging equipment, accommodate an increasing population, and remain compliant with discharge permit requirements. Wastewater collection and treatment consists of one treatment plant, three inverted siphons, six lift stations, over 69 miles of sanitary sewer mains, and over 1,600 manholes. All operations, including remote locations, are monitored and controlled by a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The collection system includes 65 miles of sanitary sewer mains and utility holes, with 58% of the system installed within the last 35 years. Each year, about one -third of the system is cleaned and 10% is viewed to ensure proper function and maintenance. Where gravity flow is not possible, wastewater is moved through lift stations. Stoughton Utilities operates several lift stations, including Eastwood, Nordic Ridge, Barberry, Stonecrest, and Vennevoll. The 8th Street Lift Station is currently in need of replacement or an alternative solution. All collected wastewater is conveyed to the Stoughton Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 700 Mandt Parkway, for processing. The facility was constructed in 1977 and has received numerous upgrades as necessary. It is a conventional activated sludge plant that provides advanced secondary treatment, including biological phosphorus removal. While not originally designed for nitrification of ammonia, significant nitrification occurs in the aeration tanks when operating conditions are favorable. The treated wastewater is discharged into the Yahara River and the anaerobic sludge, which settles out during the treatment process, is thickened and stored for land injection on area farmland. Stoughton’s wastewater treatment plant averages a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load of about 2,500 pounds per day and an annual average influent flow (the rate at which wastewater enters a treatment system) of about 1.12 million gallons per day (mgd). The plant is designed for an average flow of 1.65 mgd, a BOD load of 2,655 lbs/day, and a total suspended solids (TSS) load of 3,230 lbs/day. The treatment plant is expected to have adequate capacity for the city’s projected population of 16,759 in 2050. Efficient expansion areas are well -distributed around the City, with particularly large areas to the east and northeast. With the exception of most of the Southwest Planned Neighborhood and some additional small areas at the edges of the City, and infill and redevelopment/rehabilitation areas, most new development in the City will require service via lift stations and force mains to overcome low ridge lines to the southwest and southeast, flat topography to the northeast and east, and closed drainage basin rims to the west and northwest. Map x depicts the general pattern of sanitary sewer interceptor lines and lift stations needed to serve the areas designated for development on Map x. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 121 Electric Stoughton Utilities supplies electricity to approximately ____ customers in Stoughton and the surrounding townships, covering about 55 square miles. It purchases bulk electric power from WPPI Energy, a nonprofit regional power company that supplies electricity to 51 locally -owned municipal utilities. Stoughton Utilities has a long -range power contract with WPPI through 2055. SU has eight distribution transformers installed across its four substations, providing capacity to service a total system load of 92 megawatts (MW). Over the past five years, the average monthly demand across the distribution system has been 24.8 MW with a system peak of 38.1 MW, indicating existing capacity to serve future development. The system delivers power safely through a network of underground and overhead lines, protection devices, and transformers. Currently, about 44% of the system is underground and 56% is overhead, with 217 miles of primary distribution lines maintained. The four substations step down high voltage electricity from the transmission system (69 kilovolts (kV)) to the local distribution level (12.47 kV) for use in homes and businesses. Each substation is regularly inspected, with monthly checks by utility staff and comprehensive third -party testing every four years. The East Substation, located at 1200 East South Street, was built in 2003, expanded in 2005, and had new breakers installed in 2023. The West Substation, at 3221 McComb Road, was built in 2018. The North Substation, located at 302 CTH B, was built in 1989 and expanded in 1994. The South Substation, at 1069 Taylor Lane, was built in 1997 and expanded in 2000. DRAFTDRAFT 122 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Stoughton – Recognized for Sustainable Practices The City of Stoughton and Stoughton Utilities have both been recognized for their commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Stoughton was designated as a Green Tier Legacy Community by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after the adoption of the city’s Sustainability Plan. The Green Tier Legacy Communities program is for local governments, businesses, and organizations looking to work with the DNR to expand and enhance their sustainability practices. In 2019, the City was recognized by Focus on Energy for the energy efficiency measures incorporated into the new public works building, amounting to $38,115 in financial incentives for the project and saving the city over $44,000 annually in energy costs. Figure 34. Representatives from City of Stoughton, Stoughton Utilities, and Focus on Energy at the grand opening of Stoughton’s Public Works facility in 2019. Stoughton Utilities has been nationally recognized for its leadership in renewable energy participation. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) ranked Stoughton eighth in the nation for customer participation in green power programs, with a 5.15% participation rate. This marks the ninth time in over a decade that Stoughton has earned a top ten ranking. Much of this success is attributed to the Choose Renewable program, which allows customers to voluntarily add a small monthly charge to their utility bill to support renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biogas. This consistent recognition highlights the community’s strong commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, while reinforcing Stoughton’s position as a leader in renewable energy at the national level. Dane County leads Wisconsin in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with 25% of the state’s EVs and only 10% of its population. To support this growing demand and ensure equitable access to EV benefits, the Charge Up Dane County initiative is a $13.2 million effort aimed at expanding EV charging infrastructure across the county. The initiative focuses on making EVs a practical option for all residents by improving access to charging stations. As part of this work, the City of Stoughton has already installed two EV chargers at City Hall and has partnered with Dane County to apply for two additional grants targeting new charger installations at the South Municipal Lot on Division Street and Mandt Park. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 123 Solar Energy Solar energy systems convert sunlight into usable energy and are allowed throughout the City of Stoughton. Rooftop, building -mounted, and free -standing systems are permitted in all zoning districts as accessory structures, provided they meet standard requirements for height, setbacks, and location. Free -standing systems must follow the same rules as other accessory structures, while rooftop systems must comply with the limits for primary buildings. All solar installations must also follow applicable Wisconsin state statutes. Stoughton Utilities supports the integration of distributed solar energy within the community through its Distributed Generation Interconnections Program. Net -metered solar arrays are already in place within the City, and the Utilities Department provides a dedicated webpage with resources to help customers navigate the process. The site offers a step - by -step guide for determining the most appropriate solar option for a project, along with information on available tax credits and incentives. Most residential solar installations do not require a formal commissioning process; however, larger systems including residential arrays over 20 kW, multi -phase systems, and non -residential projects may require utility commissioning, inspection, and anti -islanding testing to ensure safe operation. Table 9. City of Stoughton Historical Residential and Commercial Solar Permits Figure 35. Greenspire Apartments received the 2025 Project of the Year from RENEW Wisconsin and from the Wisconsin Council for Rural and Affordable Housing Did you know Stoughton is going solar? The Public Works Facility, Fire Station, and Senior Center already have solar panels, and more municipal buildings are joining in! Solar panels are planned for the Library in 2026, City Hall in 2027, and the Public Safety Building in 2028. Stoughton is shining bright with clean energy! DRAFTDRAFT 124 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Stormwater Management Stormwater refers to rain or melted snow that flows across the ground’s surface. In developed areas, where roofs, roads, and parking lots prevent water from soaking into the soil, this runoff travels quickly across these hard surfaces. Along the way, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, gasoline, paint, trash, and fertilizers, which are then carried into local storm sewers and ultimately to rivers, lakes, and other waterways. The city maintains a storm sewer system that is separate from its sanitary sewer system and drains into the Yahara River. The storm sewer system includes a series of greenways and detention basins throughout the city, such as in the Glen Oaks Additions on the north side, Industrial Park South, and the Village and Hills -Olson Additions on the west side. The city’s Streets Department maintains this storm sewer system. With the continuing evolution of stormwater management “best practices” and standards for quantity, quality and infiltration emerging over the last ten years, the city will need to devote continued attention to this key issue. Stoughton has implemented a stormwater management utility fee to help address the costs associated with improved stormwater management practices as the amount of impervious surface in the city increases. Stormwater Utility Credit Policy: In 2012, the City of Stoughton created a Stormwater Utility to fund maintenance and improvements to its drainage system, which includes streets, storm sewers, inlets, manholes, greenways, and detention basins. Fees are based on the amount of impervious surface on each property, as these areas generate more runoff and increase system costs. To recognize properties that reduce runoff through effective stormwater practices, the city also established a credit system allowing eligible property owners to apply for reduced fees. Pollution Prevention Plan 2017: In 2017, the City of Stoughton adopted a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for its Public Works and Parks Department facility to meet Wisconsin DNR permit requirements and outline daily operations and maintenance practices that prevent stormwater pollution. Stoughton is one of nine communities partnering with Dane County on the Adopt -A -Storm Drain program. The goal of the program is to build a network of volunteers committed to cleaning the area on and around local storm drains and report back results. Keeping storm drains clean and clear can prevent localized flooding and protect our waters. Click here to adopt your storm drain today DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 125 Natural Gas Alliant Energy provides the City of Stoughton with natural gas service for homes, businesses, and public facilities. The company operates a local office at 1521 Progress Way, Stoughton, WI 53589, offering in -person customer service alongside an online portal for account management, billing, outage reporting, and energy safety resources. Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling John’s Disposal, based in Whitewater, provides garbage and recycling collection for the City of Stoughton. Half of the city is collected on Tuesdays and the other half on Fridays with recycling collected every other week. Stoughton residents can schedule curbside collection of electronic waste (E -waste) as part of their bulky item collection service with John’s Disposal. Each household may schedule two electronic collections per year, with one item per pickup. Each E -waste collection replaces that month’s bulky collection. The City of Stoughton provides several convenient options for residents to properly dispose of and recycle various materials. The Public Works Facility accepts electronics during business hours, with a $15 fee applied to TVs, monitors, laptops, and iPads, while residents are encouraged to use the curbside program included in annual trash and recycling fees. Packing materials such as peanuts, foam bags, and air bags can be dropped off for recycling at the UPS Store in Stoughton, and many community members also reuse or share boxes and materials through local groups. The Stoughton Lions and Rotary Clubs maintain a plastic bag recycling program with convenient drop -off locations at the Library, Senior Center, Pick n’ Save, Stoughton Lumber, Jung’s Garden Center, and the Stoughton Wellness and Athletic Center (SWAC). For light bulb recycling, the city partners with Logistics Recycling to ensure safe disposal, offering residents the opportunity to recycle their first six bulbs free of charge at the Public Works Facility located at 2439 County Road A. Yard Waste Stoughton maintains a shared facility use and maintenance agreement for the Town of Dunkirk -owned brush and yard waste disposal site located at 1101 Collins Road. For a cost of $25/year (residents) and $30/year (non -residents), households can purchase permits to dispose of brush, logs, and yard waste at the site, and take finished yard waste compost, mulch, and logs for free. Public Works also maintains a spring and fall curbside leaf and brush collection schedule for City residents. Law Enforcement The Stoughton Police Department serves as the City’s 24 -hour municipal law enforcement agency, providing comprehensive police services to residents and businesses. Services include after -hours support to Stoughton Utilities, community outreach, vehicle registration, fingerprinting, and offering Salvation Army vouchers to those in need of emergency lodging, gas, and food. The department is organized into administrative, patrol, investigation, and dispatch/civilian service divisions, and is staffed by 24 sworn officers, seven dispatchers, one community service officer, and one K9 unit. The Department is located in the city’s Public Safety Building at 321 S. Fourth Street. In addition to traditional patrol duties, the department maintains a team of five trained bike officers who provide high -visibility patrols during community events such as Syttende Mai, as well as throughout the summer when staffing allows. These officers are also assigned to patrol local trails, neighborhoods, and the downtown area. DRAFTDRAFT 126 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Stoughton Fire Department The Stoughton Fire Department, located at 401 East Main Street, is a combination fire and rescue department consisting of three full -time staff and 39 professional volunteers. With coverage responsibilities for the City of Stoughton and portions of the Towns of Dunn, Dunkirk, Pleasant Springs, and Rutland, the Stoughton Fire Department responds to fires, vehicle accidents, storms, tornadoes, gas explosions, water rescue, industrial and farm accidents, and assists EMS and Police agencies when requested. The Fire Department’s call volume runs around 400 calls per year. The Stoughton Fire Department also operates a training/conference room that is available for use by other city departments or community groups. Stoughton EMS Stoughton Area EMS is a municipal pre -hospital emergency medical service providing 911 response for the City of Stoughton and surrounding areas. Owned by the City and located at 516 S. Fourth Street, the service covers a population of approximately 18,746 residents, including 100% of the City of Stoughton and Town of Dunkirk, 33.3% of the Town of Dunn, 59.5% of the Town of Pleasant Springs, and 30% of the Town of Rutland. In addition to its jurisdictional area, Stoughton Area EMS provides support through Dane County Mutual Aid Agreements and the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS 115). The department operates with a full -time EMS Director, a full -time EMS Operations Support Specialist, and 42 stipend volunteers, including 40 licensed Advanced and Basic EMTs and a limited number of driver -only members. Three ambulances Rescue 88, Rescue 87, and Rescue 86 make up the fleet, with Rescue 88 staffed 24/7 and the other two available for backup as needed. Annual call volumes have steadily increased, with 1,530 calls in 2019, 1,733 in 2020, and 1,757 in 2021. Beyond emergency response, Stoughton EMS contributes to public safety and community health by offering CPR/AED classes through certified American Heart Association instructors, collaborating with the Stoughton Police and Fire Departments during emergencies and special events, and working closely with the Stoughton Wellness Coalition, Stoughton School District, and Stoughton Hospital. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 127 Evaluating New Facilities and Shared Services As the city continues to grow, it will be prudent to continually assess the current capacities of existing facilities, such as the City Administration building, the Fire Department, Police Department, and EMS, and evaluate each department’s current and future space needs. This proactive approach can lead to siting and acquiring the most effective locations, and properly budgeting for them, if and when the need arises for new buildings. Additionally, many communities in the region are beginning to explore what shared public safety services might look like, as rising costs and staffing concerns hinder the quality and efficiency of services provided by individual municipalities. City Administration Building After 118 years in the historic City Hall building shared with the Stoughton Opera House, city administration offices relocated to the former McFarland State Bank building at 207 S. Forrest Street in April 2019. The move consolidated all city services and offices to one floor, and freed up space in the Opera House for expanded amenities and programming. City Hall houses the Mayor’s office, Clerk’s office, finance department, and planning department. DRAFTDRAFT 128 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Schools and Education Map x shows the boundary of the Stoughton Area School District (SASD). SASD serves approximately 114 square miles of Dane County and a small portion of Rock County, including the City of Stoughton, and parts of the towns of Albion, Christiana, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Dunkirk, Dunn, Pleasant Springs, Rutland, Porter, and Union. This public school district operates five schools, all located in the City of Stoughton, in addition to virtual learning options and a 4K program. Fox Prairie, Kegonsa, and Sandhill Elementary Schools serve grades K -5, while River Bluff Middle School serves grades 6 -8 and Stoughton High School includes grades 9 -12. SASD school enrollment has gradually declined over the past decade, shifting from 3,117 students in 2016–2017 to an estimated 2,735 students in 2024–2025. While the overall trend shows a modest decrease, year -to -year fluctuations such as slight increases between 2021–2022 and 2023–2024 are common and can be influenced by several factors, including birth rates, housing turnover, and local economic conditions. Changes in household and family size also play a direct role in future student enrollment: as more households are composed of singles, couples without children, or older adults, fewer school -aged children enter the district even when the number of housing units increases. Conversely, new family -oriented housing or shifts in migration patterns can temporarily boost enrollment. Understanding these dynamics helps the City and School District plan for long -term facility needs, staffing, and community services. Figure x below shows the historical enrollment numbers from 2016 to 2025. In 2020, the Stoughton Area School District commissioned a study entitled Gaining and Maintaining Young Adults and Young Families in Stoughton, Wisconsin. The study identified inclusion and equity issues, increasingly unaffordable housing and limited housing options, and limited career pathways and social opportunities, among other factors, as key barriers to attracting the young families needed to sustain our community. Source: WISEdash Public Portal Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction accessed November 19, 2025 Other schools in the planning area include St. Ann Catholic Elementary and Middle School (serving students from 4K through 8th grade). DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 129 Library Residents of Stoughton and the surrounding area are served by the Stoughton Public Library, a designated Local Landmark located at 304 S. Fourth Street. The library offers more than 75,000 print and audiovisual materials, access to 175,000 eBooks, public computers, high -speed wireless internet, and a variety of programs for all ages, from Storytime and teen activities to concerts, craft groups, and book discussions. Stoughton’s library service began in 1882 in a small reading room operated by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and moved through several locations before finding a permanent home in 1908 as a Carnegie Library, designed by Louis Claude and Edward Starck. Over the decades, it has remained a hub for learning, culture, and community connection, with expansions and renovations, including a major update in 2015, ensuring that the historic building continues to meet the needs of future generations. The Stoughton Public Library’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan outlines priorities to meet the needs of a growing and diversifying community. Building on prior plans and informed by community surveys, focus groups, and staff input, it emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration with the Stoughton Area School District to enhance literacy and educational opportunities. The Stoughton Public Library will monitor community growth and development to ensure its services and facilities meet evolving needs. The Library Board of Trustees will regularly review the Strategic Plan, report on progress, and keep community stakeholders informed through meetings, reports, and various communication channels. This ongoing process will help the library adapt to change and remain a vital resource for residents. Key goals include increasing access to diverse information resources, offering in -person and virtual programming, enhancing the library’s physical space, ensuring financial stability, and investing in staff retention and growth. Initiatives address expanding digital services, improving facilities, increasing program budgets, securing sustainable funding, and conducting space and diversity audits. Community input during the comprehensive planning process emphasized the importance of Stoughton’s public library as the heart of the community and expressed a desire for expanded library space, staff, and services. Senior Center The Stoughton Area Senior Center, located along the Yahara River in downtown Stoughton at 248 W. Main Street, is a key community resource committed to enriching the lives of older adults and their families through a diverse array of programs, services, and volunteer opportunities. Accredited by the Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers (WASC), the Stoughton Area Senior Center supports wellness, social connection, and independence through case management, congregate meals, home delivered meals, equipment loans, classes, recreational programs, and essential publications. In 2023, the Center expanded its facility to add two new multi -purpose program spaces. The Senior Center provides services to almost 700 individuals each year in the City of Stoughton and Towns of Albion, Dunn, Dunkirk, Pleasant Springs, and Rutland. The continued aging of the Baby Boomer generation and desirability of Stoughton as a place to live for seniors will likely increase the demand for senior center services, facilities, and programming during the planning period. DRAFTDRAFT 130 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Youth Center Located at 567 East Main Street, just a few blocks from River Bluff Middle School, the Stoughton Area Youth Center offers a safe, supportive environment and engaging programming for local youth in grades 5 through 8. Centered around its mission to support youth in academics, career exploration, and leadership development while encouraging respect for self, others, and space, SAYC staff emphasize positive behavior through role modeling, structured routines, and reflective learning. The community has expressed a desire for additional youth programs that serve children and teens across a wider range of ages beyond grades 5–8. As Stoughton’s population continues to grow, expanding youth services will be essential to meet demand and ensure that families have access to diverse, high -quality opportunities. Strengthening and broadening programming will also help the city remain competitive with neighboring municipalities, where expanded youth facilities and services are often a key factor in attracting and retaining young families. Health and Medical Facilities Local healthcare facilities in Stoughton include Stoughton Health, an independent, nonprofit healthcare system founded in 1904 whose main facility, Stoughton Hospital (located at 900 Ridge Street), provides 24/7 emergency care, general surgery and outpatient procedures, cardiology and heart care, orthopedics and sports medicine, medical imaging, and rehabilitation and physical therapy. Stoughton Health also has a community wellness center with associated programs and education, in addition to urgent care clinics in nearby communities. Stoughton’s Neighborhood Free Health Clinic, located at 1520 Vernon St., provides free care for uninsured or underinsured adults in the community, including primary care, chronic disease management, and blood pressure and diabetes care. Other healthcare facilities in Stoughton: ◊ UW Health Stoughton Clinic – 1001 Nygaard St. • Part of the University of Wisconsin health system providing internal medicine, pediatric and adolescent care, and lab and x -ray services. ◊ UnityPoint Health – Meriter Stoughton Clinic – 100 Silverado Dr. • Provides primary care for all ages and includes lab and diagnostic services and care coordination with the larger Meriter hospital in Madison. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 131 Childcare Facilities There are a diverse mix of childcare options in Stoughton that support early childhood development and meet the needs of working families. These facilities include licensed childcare centers, family -based providers, preschools, and publicly supported early education programs. Collectively, they form an important component of the community’s social infrastructure and contribute to workforce participation and family stability. Stoughton has an estimated 19 licensed childcare providers with a combined capacity of approximately 930 children. These include about 13 center -based programs and 6 family home providers, reflecting a mix of larger institutional settings and smaller, home -based care environments. Childcare services in the community generally fall into the following categories: • Childcare centers serving infants through school -age children • Family/home -based daycare providers offering smaller, more flexible care settings • Preschool and 4K programs focused on school readiness • Head Start and subsidized programs serving low -income families • Before - and after -school care programs for school -age children Like many communities across Wisconsin and the United States, Stoughton’s childcare system operates within a broader childcare crisis characterized by staffing shortages, rising costs, and limited availability, which constrain providers’ capacity and make it difficult for families to access affordable care. Additionally, recent reductions in childcare subsidies and the expiration of pandemic -era stabilization funding are expected to have significant impacts on childcare availability and affordability in Wisconsin and nationwide, with analyses indicating that up to 25% of childcare providers in the state may close or significantly reduce services without continued funding, while many others are expected to reduce capacity, operating hours, or significantly increase tuition, further burdening working families. Continued attention to capacity, affordability, quality, and the need for sustained public investment will be essential to ensure that childcare remains accessible and aligned with future population growth and workforce demands in Stoughton. DRAFTDRAFT 132 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Telecommunications and Media Telecommunications Reliable telecommunications and media services are essential to supporting Stoughton’s residents, businesses, and institutions. The community is served by a mix of private telecommunications providers offering broadband internet, mobile wireless service, and traditional telephone connectivity. High -speed internet access is widely available in most developed areas, with ongoing upgrades to fiber and hybrid fiber -coaxial systems improving reliability and download speeds. Cellular coverage is generally strong throughout the city, though gaps in signal strength may occur in outlying or low - lying areas. Telecommunication towers are a key component of Stoughton’s communications infrastructure, supporting wireless voice, data, and broadcast services throughout the community. These facilities include traditional freestanding towers (such as monopoles and lattice towers), antennas mounted on utility poles or water towers, and smaller -scale equipment installed on buildings or existing structures. Within the Stoughton area, there is a relatively dense network of cellular infrastructure. Publicly available data indicates there are dozens of registered tower and antenna locations—potentially more than 50 sites when including all cellular, radio, and broadcast facilities—serving the community and surrounding areas. These sites are used by major national carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T -Mobile, along with regional and infrastructure providers that lease space on towers to multiple carriers. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 133 Media Media access in Stoughton includes regional television and radio broadcasting, digital media platforms, and local information channels. The City benefits from proximity to the Madison media market, providing residents with a wide range of news, entertainment, and public information. Local communication is further supported through municipal channels such as the City’s website, social media, newsletters, and community access television, which play an important role in public engagement and emergency communications. WSTO TV is Stoughton’s local public, educational, and government (PEG) access channel and serves as the community’s primary public broadcast outlet. Operated by the City of Stoughton’s Information Technology and Media Services Department, WSTO functions as both a television station and community media center, providing residents with access to locally produced programming and government information. Established in 1969, WSTO is currently the oldest continually operating community cable channel in the United States, covering a wide range of programming including coverage of Stoughton City Council, Planning Commission, and Municipal Court, Stoughton Area School District events, local events and parades, and more. As technology continues to evolve, Stoughton will prioritize maintaining and upgrading telecommunications infrastructure to meet increasing demand, support smart -city applications, and enhance community resilience. Ensuring reliable, affordable, and widespread access to telecommunications services will remain a key component of the City’s Utilities and Community Facilities planning efforts. Figure 36. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sarah Ebert and guest announce the annual Syttende Mai Parade, produced and broadcasted by WSTO DRAFTDRAFT 134 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Parks and Recreation Stoughton’s Park system includes 25 parks covering more than 280 acres, offering a variety of spaces such as mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, special use areas, conservancy lands, and natural areas. The city updates its Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) every five years to guide park planning and maintain an up -to -date inventory. The 2024-2028 CORP shows that the majority of Stoughton residents are able to access parkland within a roughly 10 -minute walk of their residence (a standard for assessing how equitably parkland is distributed geographically throughout a community). The two most notable exceptions are found at the western edge of the city near Jackson St. and a small area on the eastern edge of the city (east of County Rd N). The future Tee Nasaak Park will serve residents located along Jackson St that currently do not have walkable access to a city owned park. Any platting of new subdivisions requires setting aside a portion of land for parkland or paying a fee in -lieu of. All new residential developments are evaluated to ensure their residents’ parks and recreation needs are met. Using a level of service standard of 10.5 acres per 1,000 residents, Stoughton currently maintains a surplus of 148.4 acres of parkland that is expected to remain through 2040 even with projected population growth. In 2050, with an anticipated population of 16,759, the demand for parkland would be 176 acres. If the city’s current amount of parkland remained at 286.7 acres, there would still be a surplus of 110.7 acres in 2050. Planned Parks in Development: ◊ Standard Legacy Park (2026) • The second proposed neighborhood park within the 51 West Subdivision • Will be located on former farmland west of 51 on a five -acre lot • Incorporates both active and passive recreation opportunities, including an accessible playground, basketball and pickleball courts, multi -use paved paths, and three multi - purpose athletic fields. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 135 ◊ Racetrack Park Expansion (2028 -2031) • Master Plan for the expansion was approved in 2021 • Plans include the addition of two baseball parks, a second concession stand, and a park shelter. • Other improvements will be the expansion of the south parking lot, covered dugouts, improved seating with wheelchair -accessible spaces, additional restrooms, a loop trail, new lighting, replacement of the current concession stand, and additional parking lot expansion. ◊ Tee Naasak Park • Proposed neighborhood park within the Kettle Park West Subdivision • Will be located on a ten -acre site on the western side of Stoughton, just north of Highway 138. • Will include a playground area, multi -sport court, open green space, a bike pump track, a bike skills area, a woodland bike path, a sledding hill, a paved multi -use path, mown prairie walking paths, and a parking lot. ◊ Yahara River Park • Intended to repurpose the Yahara River Dam site into the first free, public river recreation park in Wisconsin. • Proposed elements include a series of five drop pools for tubers and kayakers, a natural “surf wave” feature for kayakers, open green space for fishing and picnicking on the site of the current millpond, and a riverside pedestrian trail. • Currently, there are limited opportunities for river access in the project area; there are no launch points for watercraft, no pedestrian trails, and the existing site conditions do not encourage visitors to spend much time near the river. With the construction of this park, the city seeks to transform this site into an active, thriving, regional recreation destination for paddlers, anglers, bikers, and pedestrians. Figure 37. Photo space for Racetrack Park Figure 38. Photo space for Tee Naasak Park DRAFTDRAFT 136 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft ◊ Teigen Farm Park • Proposed neighborhood park within the Magnolia Springs Subdivision • Will be located on former farmland, west of South 4th Street on a four -acre site • Will include walking trails around a delineated wetland area, a multi -use trail, an open -air shelter, a natural play area, open green space, stormwater management pond, and native prairie plantings. ◊ Stoughton Trailers Community Park (Master Plan approved May 2026) • The park will include open green space and outdoor amphitheater seating, shelters, walking paths and seating areas, three U15 -18 soccer fields, four U12 -14 soccer fields, a multi -use pavilion with restroom and concessions, eight pickleball courts, a basketball court, a kayak launch, a “destination playground,” a challenge course, and a possible future park path and aquatic center. ◊ “To Be Named” Park at the RDA Riverfront Development Site • Currently in the early stages of planning DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 137 Planned Trails in Development: ◊ South Loop Trail: off -road gravel path between Isham St. and the Magnolia Springs Subdivision (completed as of 2026) ◊ Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge replacement (planned for 2026) ◊ Highway 51 Underpass: construction of a pedestrian underpass on 51 at Rutland -Dunn Townline Road has begun (2026) ◊ North Loop Trail: off -road paved path along Lincoln Ave to the STI Development/Stoughton Trailers Community Park (engineering planned for 2027 with construction in 2028) ◊ Ridge St. to Cooper’s Causeway: off -road paved path connecting Ridge St. to Cooper’s Causeway (no timeline) This Comprehensive Plan calls for the provision of neighborhood park facilities in carefully considered locations within each of the Future Neighborhood areas. Map __ depicts the six locations recommended in the CORP for future parks. These include the following locations: ◊ The northwest corner of the city - west of USH 51, just south of the CTH B intersection and north of Rutland -Dunn Townline Road. ◊ Ehle property on the northeast side ◊ Racetrack Park expansion (planned for 2028) ◊ At the Jefferson Street pedestrian bridge on the east side of the river near Water Street ◊ Along the river between Water Street and Fourth Street (Uniroyal property) ◊ At the old powerhouse on the river at Fourth Street (RDA property) Additionally, Map x depicts recommended general locations for other parks based on the Future Neighborhood areas defined in this Plan. Refinement of these general location recommendations should be considered during the next update of the CORP . Such decisions will be finalized during the actual subdivision platting process. Trails are an important part of the system, with the Yahara River Trail serving as the City’s longest trail, spanning three miles along both sides of the river and connected by on -street bike routes. Plans are in place to extend the trail to create a complete recreational loop and eventually link with a county trail system that will connect Stoughton to Lake Kegonsa State Park, Fish Camp County Park, McFarland, and the Capital City Trail in Madison. Additional trail opportunities include the Virgin Lake Trail on the west side of the city, which runs 0.8 miles between Jackson Street and Heggestad Park. Viking County Park, the only Dane County -owned park in Stoughton, offers a dog park, multi -use trails, fishing areas, and a reservable shelter. Map x depicts existing and future trails. DRAFTDRAFT 138 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Parkland Dedication and Impact Fees Impact fees are one -time charges imposed on new development to offset the cost of expanding public facilities and infrastructure necessitated by that development. These fees are typically paid at the time of permit issuance and are non -refundable. The City of Stoughton’s impact fees play a crucial role in supporting public amenities, especially parks and trails. By charging developers based on unit type, the city ensures that the costs of growth are shared fairly and that community spaces grow in tandem with population increases. The purpose of park -related impact fees is to ensure that as the City of Stoughton grows, residents continue to have adequate access to parks and trails, and that existing recreational facilities are not overburdened by new development. These fees provide the city with the resources needed to plan for future park expansions and recreational services without placing the financial burden solely on existing taxpayers. Additionally, the system offers flexibility to developers by allowing them to either dedicate land for park use or pay a fee in lieu of dedication, helping maintain the city’s long -term commitment to preserving and enhancing green space. The city’s fee schedule can be found online at https://www.cityofstoughton.com/259/Licenses-Permits-Forms-Applications. Cemeteries The City of Stoughton owns and maintains two cemeteries: Riverside Cemetery and Wheeler Prairie Cemetery. Riverside Cemetery, located along the Yahara River at the intersection of Milwaukee Street and South Page Street, serves as a centrally located and historic resting place within the community. Wheeler Prairie Cemetery, situated about seven miles southeast of Stoughton in the Town of Dunkirk, offers a serene rural setting. The city is responsible for both the upkeep of these cemeteries and the management of burial records, which have been fully digitized to allow efficient searches and improved record keeping. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 139 UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TIMETABLE Table 10. Timetable to Expand, Rehabilitate, or Create New Community Utilities or Facilities City Utilities and Community Facilities Timeframe Initiatives Water Supply Ongoing Ongoing distribution system upgrades; aligning water main replacements with USH 51 reconstruction from 2025-2029. 2045 (sooner if needed) Update Water Supply Service Area Plan. Every 3-5 years Conduct Operational Study. 2050 Potential fifth production well and potential fourth storage facility. Sanitary Sewer Service Ongoing Ongoing collection system upgrades; aligning sewer main replacements with USH 51 reconstruction from 2025-2029. Every 3-5 years Conduct Operational Study. 2041 Wastewater Treatment Facility participation in Yahara WINS Adaptive Management Program; Potential activated sludge modifications. Electric Service Ongoing Ongoing distribution system upgrades. Every 3-5 years Conduct Operational Study. New/upgraded substations? Stormwater Management Ongoing Participate in the Yahara WINS Adaptive Management Program. Collect stormwater management utility fees and offer credits for improved practices. Participate in Dane County’s Adopt-A-Storm-Drain program. Participate in the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership. Update Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Update Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for Total Phosphorus and Total Suspended Solids Compliance Plan. Senior Center There are no planned upgrades or expansions for the Senior Center at this time. Youth Center There are no planned upgrades or expansions for the Youth Center at this time. Public Library 2027 Planned Space Needs Study. DRAFTDRAFT 140 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft City Administration Ongoing Consider a Space Needs Study as City population approaches 15,000 – a typical tipping point for expanded staff and meeting needs. 2027 Upgrades to current building including solar panels, roof replacement, new HVAC system, and other renovations. Utilities Administration 2027-2028 Construction planned for a new Stoughton Utilities administration building. Public Safety Ongoing Evaluate space needs, feasibility, and potential location of new, shared public safety building. 2028 Upgrades to current building including roof replacement and solar panels. Fire & EMS Departments Ongoing Evaluate space needs, feasibility, and potential location of new, shared public safety building. DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 141 Parks & Recreation 2026-2040 • Standard Legacy Park - complete second neighborhood park in 51 West Subdivision. • Tee Naasak Park – develop neighborhood park within the Kettle Park West subdivision. • Expand Racetrack Park. • Develop Yahara River Park. • Teigen Farm Park – develop neighborhood park within the Magnolia Springs Subdivision. • Develop Stoughton Trailers Community Park. • Develop “To Be Named” Park at the RDA Riverfront Development Site. • Assess the feasibility of and potentially develop an aquatic center as part of Stoughton Trailers Community Park. • Replace the Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge. • Complete construction of a pedestrian underpass on USH 51 at Rutland-Dunn Towline Road. • Complete North Loop Trail connecting Lincoln Ave to Stoughton Trailers Community Park. • Complete Ridge St. to Cooper’s Causeway off-road path. • Complete the Yahara River Trail connection. Ongoing Complete maintenance and upgrades to existing park and trail facilities. Implement the recommendations of the CORP . Update the CORP in 2029, 2034, 2039, 2044, and 2049. Cemeteries Consider additional long-term site as part of a needs study in conjunction with area congregations and surrounding towns. Schools Highly dependent on pace and quantity of housing types and student yield factors. The City will continue to work with the school district as new development occurs. Recycling and Trash Services Ongoing Continue to contract with a private waste disposal company for collection service. Sustainability Ongoing Implement the City’s Sustainability Plan and update as needed. Other 2030 Building repairs for the RDA-owned old Powerhouse on the river. DRAFTDRAFT 142 | Stoughton Comp Plan_Draft Figure 39. Space for full -page map DRAFTDRAFT Utilities & Community Facilities | 143