The city's Downtown Construction Projects meeting Monday outlined the city's plans for improvements and road construction in several campus and downtown areas.
The first of these projects is expected to begin within the next few weeks, according to city engineer Chris Petykowski. The project is focused on the reconstruction of Lisa Link Peace Park near State and Broom Streets.
The new design will feature more green space, a small amphitheater, increased seating and a visitor center with public restrooms. The renovation is expected to be completed by Sept. 3.
""It's going to look entirely different,"" Petykowski said.
The Capitol Square will also face reconstruction and street improvements on five of its eight blocks this summer.
""The last few years we've been doing one or two blocks at a time,"" Petykowski said. ""This is going to be the big project this year.""
Between May 17 and Sept. 1, the city will install new sidewalks and curbs in addition to replacing old benches and flower beds.
Construction is not expected to interfere with Capitol Square events such as the Art Fair on the Square or the Dane County Farmers' Market, according to Petykowski.
""We're going to have internal deadlines,"" he said. ""I'm not going to let the whole square turn to dust for the whole summer.""
The city has also scheduled road construction projects at the intersections of University Avenue and Park Street and University Avenue and Campus Drive, which were left out of last year's large renovation project. Set to begin May 17, the road work will shut down the section of Park between University and West Johnson Street.
