Odana Golf Course Renovation Update

By Bill Tishler District 11 Alder, City of Madison

On September 24, the City of Madison Parks Division hosted a public open house at the Odana Hills Golf Course clubhouse to discuss the multimillion-dollar redesign of the 18-hole golf course and construction of a new community clubhouse. Despite the many proposed changes, the plan preserves the existing parking lot and the important pedestrian and bicycle connection between the Southwest Commuter Path and Odana Road while relocating the vehicle entrance farther west along Odana Road.

Parks Division staff have also been working with City Engineering and Traffic Engineering to design a new 10-foot-wide shared-use path with lighting along the south side of Odana Road between Wedgewood Way and Charles Lane. The new shared-use path would make it safer for people walking, biking, and rolling than the existing unprotected on-street bike lane. Other proposed improvements include new tree plantings, storm sewer upgrades, and pedestrian refuge medians with RRFBs at Hilltop Drive, Orchard Drive, and Charles Lane.

While attendees supported the proposed Odana Road improvements, one issue sparked considerable debate. Many expressed concerns about a proposed median that would prohibit left turns from Charles Lane onto Odana Road* and restrict eastbound traffic on Odana Road from turning left onto Charles Lane. Attendees generally favored retaining the existing median opening and continuing to allow traffic turns into and out of Charles Lane.

Based on public feedback, city staff are revising the proposed designs before presenting the project to the Transportation Commission later this year. No final decisions at this time have been made regarding left-turn access between Charles Lane and Odana Road. Given the level of public concern, I am advocating for additional public engagement and traffic studies before any decision is made to permanently restrict left-turn access for traffic to and from Charles Lane. Residents are encouraged to visit the city project website for updates and upcoming opportunities to provide input in the weeks and months ahead.

* MHCA note: The People First Streets committee has been working with city officials on this and other area projects. See an update on the Charles & Odana issue. If interested, they meet the 3rd Saturday most months at 9:15 at Sequoya Library for discussion and updates. All are welcome to attend. Watch the calendar to confirm meeting dates.