About the study
UW-Madison and the State of Wisconsin completed a study of a portion of the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path — a busy, regionally significant pedestrian and bicycle route. This popular path draws thousands of users each day, both from our campus community and beyond, including commuters, students and recreational users.
This study focused on lighting and paving the study area (Howard Temin Lakeshore Path from Willow Creek to the Limnology Building). The analysis studied path usage, safety issues, accessibility, environmental concerns, stakeholder impact, and many more factors. It is important to note there is not currently a project or design in progress to pave and light the path. Therefore, there is no timeline or budget available at this time. Instead, this study focuses on the feasibility and impacts of lighting and paving the path, as well as possible next steps.
The study area comprised the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path from Willow Creek to the Limnology Building. Many portions of the path have been studied over the years. Past studies have looked at erosion, path width, and path safety. Additionally, master or framework plans on landscape, stormwater management, and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve have been completed. The findings of the past plans and studies informed this study.
Stakeholder feedback was a critical piece of this study. Public engagement meetings, open to all, were held in July and November 2024 on campus. Additional engagement, including listening sessions with key stakeholders, a public survey, and meetings with Joint Campus Area Committee and the Design Review Board were conducted.
This feasibility study marks the next step in a multi-year process initiated in 2022 when a task force was established to assess potential improvements for this segment of the campus. Over the past two years, the task force has engaged a diverse cross-section of stakeholders. To build on this work, the university conducted a feasibility study to help any inform next steps.
(Note the study document is stored on box.com and can be read online or downloaded as a 116 MB PDF.)
Next steps
Now that the final report has been received, it is being reviewed. This study is not a directive for action, but the results will be considered when determining what decisions are ultimately made about the Lakeshore Path.
No decisions or plans have been made and there is not a timeline for decisions or actions at this time. Similar to other campus projects, many factors will inform any next steps.
We look forward to updating our partners on future actions or decisions.
How do I share my input?
You can share feedback on the study by emailing communications@fpm.wisc.edu.
Timeline
The study began in April 2024 with data collection completed in December 2024, and study completion and distribution in February 2025.
Public and partner engagement took place in July 2024 and November 2024.
Public engagement
Hearing from the public and stakeholders was a critical part of this study and included:
Online survey
This survey was open July 2-26, 2024, and received 1,912 responses and 1,325 comments.
Public Information Meeting #1
5:30-7:30 pm, Tuesday, July 16, Memorial Union
Damon Farber, the consultant completing this feasibility study, gave a presentation, asked questions, facilitated discussion, and asked participants to give feedback via post-its on a map, notes and comments.
Joint Campus Area Committee Meeting
4:45 pm, Thursday, October 24, online
Damon Farber, the study consultant, gave an informational presentation to the JCAC at their regularly scheduled meeting.
Public Information Meeting #2
5:30-7:30 pm, Wednesday, November 6 Holt Center, Kronshage Hall
View the slide deck or watch the presentation (opens video in YouTube).
Damon Farber, the consultant completing this feasibility study, reviewed research findings, share engagement summary to-date, reviewed preliminary lighting and paving options, and gathered input and feedback to inform formal recommendations.
Stakeholder engagement meetings
Summer and Fall 2024
The consultant, Damon Farber, have engaged key stakeholders, such as campus partners, Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and student representatives.
Design Review Board meeting
December 17
FAQs
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How did this study come about and why?
Over the years, the university has heard of concerns about safety on the path, due to cyclist/pedestrian conflicts, uneven surfaces during winter (e.g., rutting forming from freeze and melt cycles), and the variability of surfaces, markings and lighting along the path.
In 2022, the university brought together a task force to assess potential improvements for this segment of the campus. The task force was an ad hoc committee convened at the request of Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Rob Cramer. It included a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including representatives from Associated Students of Madison (ASM), University Police Department (UWPD), University Housing and Student Affairs.
The task force was charged with reviewing the safety of and providing recommendations for the East Temin Lakeshore Path from Limnology Building to Elm Drive. Their suggested next steps were to engage a consultant to perform a feasibility study on the unpaved and unlit portion of the path to determine if paving and lighting is possible, while maintaining the integrity of Lake Mendota and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve habitat.
To build on this work, the university conducted a feasibility study, working with the State of Wisconsin, as well as consultants Damon Farber and Ring and Duchateau. This study is not a directive for action, but UW-Madison leadership will take the feasibility study results into consideration when considering what actions, if any, to take on the East Temin Lakeshore Path.
An important facet of this study was ensuring the campus and broader community had the opportunity to weigh in on this effort. This included a survey open to the public, public engagement meetings, stakeholder listening sessions, as well as presentations with conversations at meetings of the Joint Campus Area Committee and the Design Review Board.
What was included in this study?
The document does not recommend a specific course of action. Instead, it looked at the feasibility and impacts of paving, lighting, and safety improvements along the east portion of the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path. The study’s scope included assessing existing conditions, identifying potential solutions, and conducting community engagement. Three paving and three lighting options were presented, including an option that improves current conditions but does not add lighting.
When was this study completed?
The study began in April 2024 and the study was complete and distributed in February 2025. Public and partner engagement took place July through December 2024.
Can I read the study?
The study is available on box.com as a 126 MB PDF file that you can read online or download at uwmadison.app.box.com/folder/305800444766?s=w22y2hild690sl0p42mki52lh9w8yigf.
What will happen now that the study is complete?
UW-Madison leadership will take the feasibility study results into consideration when considering what actions, if any, to take on the East Temin Lakeshore Path. No decisions or plans have been made, and similar to other campus projects, many factors will inform any next steps.
How can I provide my opinion?
We hope you were able to participate in the public involvement opportunities. If you have feedback on the study, you can email communications@fpm.wisc.edu.
Please note no decisions or plans have been made, and there is not a timeline for decisions or actions at this time. Similar to other campus projects, many factors will inform any next steps.
Questions about this study? Please email communications@fpm.wisc.edu.