Category:Period Garden Park (Madison, Wisconsin)

Located at 110 East Gorham Street in Madison, Wisconsin, at the intersection with North Pinckney Street, the park is sited on what was originally the front yard of the historic Keyes House at 102 East Gorham Street which was parceled off circa 1973. The proposed construction of an apartment building on the newly created corner parcel sparked a public outcry, which prompted the neighbors Dick Wagner, Henry Lufler, and alder Dennis McGilligan to investigate. They found that the proposed building had not received proper noticing per city ordinance, and public pressure prevented the permit from being issued. Lufler and others lobbied for a park, formed a non-profit, bought the lot for $20,000, applied successfully for LAWCON funds, and launched the park. Navy Seabees carried out site improvements based on the landscape design of Philip Lewis, and the park was dedicated in 1977. In 2007, neighborhood resident Joe Bonardi (1958–2023) contacted the Parks Division and learned that the city had no budget for improvements or maintenance of the park beyond basic mowing. He sought donations from local property owners, businesses, foundations, and residents, and under his guidance, community volunteers carried out numerous site improvements, developing the park into a cherished garden space.

The park is a contributing property in the Mansion Hill Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. (See the Property Record online)