July 2025
Sustainability Fair
The City of Sun Prairie is thrilled to announce its upcoming inaugural sustainability fair scheduled for August 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wetmore Park (555 North St.). This free, family-friendly event provides the opportunity for attendees to engage with sustainable technologies, learn about key sustainability trends and connect with the overall theme of environmental stewardship.
The fair will highlight a variety of sustainability topics including energy efficiency, zero-waste practices, sustainable investing, native plantings and much more. Attendees will be able to connect with local organizations and resources to better understand everyday ways to pursue more environmentally conscious living.
The carbon-neutral and zero-waste event will feature interactive learning opportunities through activities such as an EV showcase and ride and drive in electric vehicles. A variety of vegan and vegetarian food options will be available from local vendors like JustVeggiez, Thailand in a Truck, and Jolly Frog. Attendees can expect to be entertained with a talented lineup of local artists including Sun Prairie Strummers, Quokka, Smart Cookie, and Kielyn Taylor.
A special unveiling of the new Wetmore Park mural will take place during the event. The mural, designed by Sun Prairie youth and painted by volunteers during Earth Month, will serve as a visual representation of the City’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the community. A brief ceremony will be held for the unveiling where city leadership and the artist will share public remarks.
Interview with Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator
Economic Development Chapter Update in the Comprehensive Plan
Here are some key areas of focus:
The Community Development Authority had the opportunity to review the draft of Tuesday, June 10. A public hearing with the Plan Commission is scheduled for July 8 at 7:00 p.m. The next step will be for City Council to consider the plan at a future meeting (details to be shared when confirmed).
To read the draft or share your feedback, please visit http://www.cityofsunprairie.com/.../Comprehensive-Plan... or contact planning@cityofsunprairie.com
Interview with Taylor Brown, Economic Development Director
New Agenda and Meeting Management Portal
Looking for meeting agendas, packets, or minutes? The best way to find them is still by visiting the City’s website and clicking the "Agendas & Minutes" tile from the homepage. Any previously saved shortcuts will need to be updated. The portal will look a bit different now, but the documents themselves will remain familiar.
We’re excited about this update and hope it makes accessing public information even easier for you! The City made the switch to OneMeeting, a cloud-based platform, which provides a more efficient and accessible user experience. For staff this will improve the process for generating meeting documents and running meetings.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@cityofsunprairie.com or call (608) 825-1148.
Interview with Megan Meyer, Deputy Clerk
Sun Prairie to become FUN Prairie in July
For the fifth year in a row, the City of Sun Prairie is officially becoming the City of Fun Prairie for the entire month of July! The name change will be made by Mayor Steve Stocker on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during the Common Council meeting through a formal proclamation.
“Fun Prairie” is all about shining a spotlight on the vast lineup of free and family-friendly activities offered by the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department (SPPRF) throughout the month. The campaign also coincides with Park and Recreation Month, which is nationally recognized, making July the perfect time to celebrate everything fun, local, and community driven.
To stay in the loop on everything Fun Prairie, visit www.funprairie.com for the full calendar and event updates. You can also follow SPPRF on social media for announcements, updates, and more.
Interview with Jade Pikol, Community Events/ Sponsorship Development Manager
City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department Announces 2025 Summer Schedule
Get ready for a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable memories! The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is thrilled to unveil its 2025 Summer Events Schedule, running from June through October.
This year’s lineup promises something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, music lover, movie buff, or just looking for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors. With many events featuring local food trucks, refreshing beverages, and family-friendly activities, all you need to bring is your appetite and your sense of adventure!
Stay updated on all dates, locations and event announcements by visiting www.cityofsunprairie.com/communityevents or by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunprairierec
Interview with Jade Pikol, Community Events/ Sponsorship Development Manager
Administration
Inaugural Sustainability Fair
The City of Sun Prairie is thrilled to host its inaugural Sustainability Fair on August 2nd, 2025 from 10am-4pm at Wetmore Park (555 North St). This free fair provides a space for community members of all ages to engage with sustainability, connect with local resources, interact with sustainable technologies, and learn how to make a difference in their own lives. Visit the fair to learn more about renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs), zero waste practices, sustainable investing, youth education, land conservancy support, native plantings, local agriculture, and more!
This carbon-neutral and zero-waste fair will feature an electric vehicle (EV) showcase and ride n’ drive, vegan and vegetarian food trucks, live music, raffle prizes, vendors with informational and interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend this free fair!
The fair will spotlight an alternative fuel vehicle showcase featuring an array of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Vehicles ranging in size from cars to trucks and in price range from budget to luxury, as well as electric motorcycles and bicycles will be on display. Get the insider EV experience by taking a ride in an EV as part of the ride n’ drive. We have limited spots available for community members to join our EV Showcase – please email hbest@cityofsunprairie.com if you want to showcase your EV/PHEV at our fair!
Enjoy vegan and vegetarian food from Justveggiez, Thailand in a Truck, and Jolly Frog with live music from Sun Prairie Strummers, Quokka, Smart Cookie, and Kielyn Taylor. As a bonus, the Wetmore Park mural designed by a local youth and painted by community members during Earth Month will be unveiled at the fair. Mark your calendars for 8/2/25 and attend!
The Sustainability Fair is proud to recognize Pellitteri Waste Systems as its Zero-Waste sponsor and Carbon Day EV Charging as its Electrification sponsor.
The planning committee is actively seeking sponsors, vendors, and exhibitors for the 2025 Sustainability Fair. Local businesses, non-profits, organizations, and clubs that uphold sustainable values are encouraged to register. The city also welcomes community-based clubs and committees to register for a free educational/demonstrative booth! Please view this guide to learn more and register by 7/3/25 for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Check the webpage for updates and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Clerk's Office
New Meeting Management Portal Now Live!
Looking for meeting agendas, packets, or minutes? The best way to find them is still by visiting the City’s website and clicking the "Agendas & Minutes" tile from the homepage. Any previously saved shortcuts will need to be updated. The portal will look a bit different now, but the documents themselves will remain familiar.
Need documents from meetings that occurred before June 1, 2025?
No problem! Just click the "Legacy Agenda Online" link at the top of the new portal page.
We’re excited about this update and hope it makes accessing public information even easier for you! The City made the switch to OneMeeting, a cloud-based platform, which provides a more efficient and accessible user experience. For staff this will improve the process for generating meeting documents and running meetings.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@cityofsunprairie.com or call (608) 825-1148.
Community Development
Downtown Night Market
Experience the magic of summer evenings at the Downtown Sun Prairie Night Market!
Stroll through a vibrant open-air market filled with handmade goods, unique finds, and delicious food under the glow of string lights. Enjoy live entertainment, local shopping, and family-friendly fun as Downtown comes alive after dark.
Perfect for date night, a night out with friends, or a relaxed evening with the family!
Artisan Vendors
Food Trucks
Live Music
Outdoor Shopping Under the Stars
Free to attend
Thursday, July 24th
5 – 9 pm
Cannery Square
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Fun Prairie July Calendar of Events
For the fifth year in a row, the City of Sun Prairie is officially becoming the City of Fun Prairie for the entire month of July! The name change will be made by Mayor Steve Stocker on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during the Common Council meeting through a formal proclamation.
“Fun Prairie” is all about shining a spotlight on the vast lineup of free and family-friendly activities offered by the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department (SPPRF) throughout the month. The campaign also coincides with Park and Recreation Month, which is nationally recognized, making July the perfect time to celebrate everything fun, local, and community driven.
While the name change is more symbolic than anything, it serves as a reminder that Sun Prairie is a hub for fun and that all are welcome. The month-long celebration is made possible in party by the generous support of our presenting sponsor, Nowlan Law, and our supporting sponsors, KidStrong Sun Prairie, Moncia Patrick Orthodontics, the Sun Prairie YMCA, and Rex Owens.
“This is one of my favorite traditions of the year,” said Mayor Stocker. “When we say Sun Prairie becomes Fun Prairie, we mean it. We have an amazing lineup of free activities that showcase the creativity, inclusivity, and fun spirit of our city. From concerts and food trucks to dinosaur birthday parties and pickleball tournament, there is truly something for everyone.” To stay in the loop on everything Fun Prairie, visit www.funprairie.com for the full calendar and event updates. You can also follow SPPRF on social media for announcements, updates, and more.
More Fun Prairie Events Throughout July
From pickleball tournaments to concerts, beer yoga, and a sustainability fair, the month of July is packed with fun-filled activities designed for all ages. Thanks again to Nowlan Law for helping us bring the fun to life all month long!
Highlights include:
· July 8: Free Concert at Wetmore Park featuring Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets
· July 11–13: Madtown Pickleball Open at Wyndham Hills
· July 16: Pop-Up Beer Garden with Beer Yoga
· July 18: Splash n’ Sizzle Pool Party
· Week of July 20: Slide Quest – Vote for Fun Prairie’s best slide!
· July 22: Family Concert Night featuring The Handphibians & Sun Prairie Area Community Band
· July 26: Slide-A-Mile Challenge at the Family Aquatic Center
· July 28: Food Truck Night
· August 2: Sustainability Fair & Adult Swim Night
Parker N. Rec Sticker Hunt – All Month Long!
For all ages (yes - adults, too!)
Throughout the month, visit participating businesses, community events, and other locations to snag exclusive stickers featuring Parker N. Rex! Collect the full set and you’ll be entered to win a year long family membership to the Sun Prairie YMCA!
Visit www.funprairie.com for full details, Sticker Hunt information, event information, and updates. Let the fun begin!
Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum
Summer Historical Speaker Series
The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum.
Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.
The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.
The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum invites you to three public talks by experts in their fields. All talks are free to the public and require advanced registration due to limited seating. Please reserve your seat(s) at: https://form.jotform.com/SPPRF/sphlm2025speakers
- Saturday, June 14th at 10:00am “Georgia O’Keeffe’s Final Paintings” by Dr. Ann Daly (Virtual)
- Thursday, July 10th at 6:00pm “The 1924 Presidential Election” by Dr. Mike Jacobs (In-Person)
- Friday, August 22nd at 6:00pm “Sun Prairie Scandals” by Museum Staff & Volunteers (In-Person)
Preserving Pieces of Your Past
Learn from local Museum professionals about methods of preservation you can use at home for your family artifacts. Courses will guide participants through best practices for cleaning, digitizing, displaying, and preserving items commonly found in family collections and how to avoid deterioration. Courses can be registered for individually. Cost is $45 per session for residents, $65 for non-residents.
*The cost of this program includes sample preservation materials provided for participant use during the program that can be taken home. Materials vary between courses.
Photographs and Negatives: Tuesday, June 10 from 5:30-6:30pm
Books and Documents: Tuesday, July 8 from 5:30-6:30pm
Clothing and Textiles: Tuesday, August 12 from 5:30-6:30pm
Missing at the Museum!
A mystery is unfolding at the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum and we need your young detective’s help to solve it: one of the Museum’s prized artifacts has gone MISSING! Youth should bring their sleuthing skills to this interactive mystery where detectives ages 8-12 will find clues, unravel riddles and explore local landmarks to piece together this thrilling whodunit adventure.
Missing at the Museum will be held on Saturday, July 12 from 9:30-10:30am at the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum, located at 115 East Main Street and includes travel on sidewalks to historic landmarks within 0.5 miles of the Museum. Registration is $15 for residents, $25 for non-residents. Registration is through the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Jill Weiss Named As General Manager of Sun Prairie Utilities
On June 3, the Sun Prairie City Council unanimously approved Jill Weiss to serve as Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) general manager, following the unanimous recommendation from the SPU Commission at a special meeting held on May 22. Weiss has a strong background with over 15 years of public utility experience.
Weiss currently serves as the utilities director for Stoughton Utilities and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing an annual budget of approximately $25 million and spearheading efforts to improve operational efficiency. During her time at Stoughton, she led high-impact initiatives, including developing and executing a Strategic Alignment Plan and establishing strong community relations with a robust customer engagement strategy to ensure transparent and responsive communication.
Prior to serving in this role, Weiss served as distribution system operations supervisor with Alliant Energy and has held key leadership roles in Jefferson as utility manager and city engineer/director of public works. During her time with Alliant Energy, she supervised the operations of the distribution system, mitigated electric and gas emergencies, as well as outages and restoration and led the restructuring of the Distribution Dispatch Center into the Distribution System Operations.
Weiss will officially step into the role on July 21 and spend her time becoming integrated in the community by building relationships with elected officials, SPU commissioners, city staff and community members.
“As I begin this new opportunity with Sun Prairie Utilities, I’m looking forward to being part of an organization so deeply rooted in serving our community and our customers,” said Weiss. “My immediate focus is on strengthening the trusted service our customers rely on, investing in the infrastructure that provides high-quality drinking water and reliable electrical service that powers our city.”
Weiss is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and Biological Systems Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering and has a Professional Engineering License. She currently serves on the WPPI Energy Executive Committee, WPPI Energy Board of Directors, WPPI Energy Rates Services Advisory Group, and the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin Board of Directors.
“We are excited to welcome Jill to the Sun Prairie Utilities team,” said Jeff Christenson, chair of the SPU Commission. “Her history of strong leadership, talent development and industry influence will position the utility well in our efforts to be a leader amongst municipal utilities.”
“I look forward to working with Jill as our new general manager and would like to extend my gratitude to the Sun Prairie Utilities Commission for their support throughout this process,” said Aaron Oppenheimer, city administrator. “Jill has demonstrated her commitment to delivering reliable utility services, prioritizing safety and building community relations.”
SPU provides electricity to over 18,000 customers and water to over 12,000 customers, primarily within city limits. As the utility’s general manager, Weiss will be responsible for the overall operations, regulatory compliance, future planning and financial management of SPU. She joins at a pivotal time as the organization is set to complete its new operations facility at the end of the year.
“I am excited to support the talented staff that makes it all possible,” said Weiss. “Together, we’ll continue building a utility that’s not only reliable but also responsive and deeply connected to the people of Sun Prairie.”
To learn more about SPU, please visit https://www.sunprairieutilities.com/.
City of Sun Prairie residents can view the special May 22 Utilities Commission meeting and the June 3 City Council meeting on the Sun Prairie Media Center's website, found under KSUN On Demand in Playlists at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-on-demand/;
About City of Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane County, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.
About Sun Prairie Utilities
Serving the community since 1910, Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) is a not-for-profit, locally-owned municipal electric and water utility that provides safe, reliable, and cost-competitive services to residents and businesses, mostly within the city limits of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Local representation and control allow all citizens to have a voice in how our utility can best meet the community’s needs. As a co-owner of WPPI Energy, a nonprofit, Sun Prairie-based power company, we purchase cost-competitive electricity for our community and take advantage of the latest technologies to better serve our customers.
Sun Prairie Utilities Offers New Mobile App
Customers of Sun Prairie Utilities can now pay their bill and manage their utility account through a NEW branded mobile app. The new app can be easily found through Google Play or the Apple App Store by searching ‘Sun Prairie Utilities.’
“This upgraded tool can help everyone better understand, manage, and control their household electricity and water use,” highlighted Andy Hirvela, Sun Prairie Utilities' interim utility manager and supervisory engineer. “When customers have data that is easy to read right in front of them, it creates an opportunity to impact and modify their electric and water usage.”
The new customized app is a tool for SPU customers who have already set up a 2 personal online MyAccount or want to transition to a new method for managing their energy and water use. Utility customers can visit myaccount.sunprairieutilities.com to read additional details, create an account, or log in via MyAccount if they already have a utility account set up. Customers already using a mobile app, such as MyMeter, will need to download the Sun Prairie Utilities app.
Users of the new branded mobile app can create energy and water alerts to avoid exceeding average daily usage and track current trends to compare against data from previous years. By using the app, customers can more effectively view how their usage changes over time and feel better informed to adjust for their budgetary needs.
“Our community-focused utility wants to ensure customers feel empowered to reach their electric and water usage goals, and this new app helps to achieve that,” explained Hirvela.
Alders Seek Community Input on Funding Request from Sunshine Place
At the May 20 Committee of the Whole Meeting, the City Council received a funding request from Sunshine Place to support their building and renovation project.
Sunshine Place is looking to upgrade their existing facilities to address rising community needs and challenges with their current three-building campus. The project will replace two buildings with a new building along Main Street and combine their properties into one cohesive, accessible campus. The project cost is approximately $13 million. Sunshine Place is requesting a $2 million commitment from the city to support their campus redevelopment project.
Following discussion, the City Council postponed the agenda item until September 20 to provide time to engage and hear from residents. Listening sessions will be held for Council members to listen to community feedback on the funding request form Sunshine Place.
The listening sessions have been scheduled for the following dates and times:
· District 1
July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Community Room at City Hall, 300 E. Main Street
· District 2
July 23 at 6 p.m. at Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Road
· District 3
July 9 at 6 p.m. at Creekside Elementary School, 1251 O’Keeffe Avenue
July 17 at 1 p.m. at Westside Community Services Building, 2598 W. Main Street
· District 4
July 10 at 7 p.m. at Westside Community Services Building, 2598 W. Main Street
Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and to provide input to their elected officials. Sunshine Place representatives will be available to answer questions. For more information on Sunshine Place and their capital campaign, visit: https://sunshineplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SunshinePlace-Campaign.Flyer-V4.pdf.
The May 20 Committee of the Whole meeting can be viewed online via KSUN On Demand at: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/O1KDXxYafTFWNyJDAq7WcuvJ9u9YH6tS/playlists/7486/media/953367?autostart=false&showtabssearch=true&fullscreen=false.
City Services Guide
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the City's departments and the services they provide? Check out the new city services guide that will get you connected! Print copies will be made available in city buildings such as City Hall and the Westside Community Services Building. Click the graphic below to access the online version.
Streets of Sun Prairie
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