April 2026

Sun Prairie Joins NACTO

Last month, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) added five new cities to their network of more than 100 cities and agencies dedicated to building safe, sustainable and equitable transportation systems across North America. And Sun Prairie is proud to be one of those new members!

The City is systemically adding sidewalks to our neighborhoods, rapidly adding on-street bikeways and investing in transit, recently becoming the first community outside of Madison with stops on a Metro Transit bus rapid transit route!

“As a fast-growing suburban City, Sun Prairie is investing heavily in retrofitting a community designed around cars to be more affordable, more people-centered, and to achieve Vision Zero,” said David Salmon, Sun Prairie Transportation Coordinator. “Joining NACTO is an investment in our staff and our community to keep Sun Prairie close to the best city transportation innovation and practice. We are excited to contribute to the conversation around city transportation, especially managing snowy cities and retrofitting suburban places.”

Sun Prairie Public Library Expansion Complete

The Sun Prairie Public Library has recently completed a 21-month expansion and renovation project, adding 28,000 square feet to the existing library.

The renovation includes more accessible space for the adult collection, five study rooms, an updated holds and self-check-out space, a reconfigured Welcome Desk, a drive-up window and outdoor lockers holds pick up, technology upgrades throughout, an expanded Friends of the Library Read Before Bookstore, and accessibility, furniture, and flooring enhancements to the Sun Prairie Media Center.

“Library projects of this scale are a once in a generation project and reflect evolving public library services and response to community needs and growth,” said Svetha Hetzler, Sun Prairie Public Library Director. “We went into this project with community, service, and sustainability goals and aspirations in mind and those goals led to the architectural design and construction. Throughout the process we have remained committed to our mission – to serve as an accessible central hub by supporting lifelong learning and literacy. Our vision is to serve as a dynamic, positive community force connecting all to the world of ideas, information, and discovery in a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels they belong. This project reflects the library’s mission and vision today and for the next generation.”

The Sun Prairie Public Library and the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation invite the community to celebrate this milestone achievement on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:30-8:30pm at the Love Your Library Gala. This year’s Gala will be on site at the newly renovated and expanded Sun Prairie Public Library featuring cocktails, dinner, tours, and a special program by acclaimed author Quan Barry. Each ticket includes a copy of her latest novel, The Unveiling. For tickets and information visit www.sunlibfoundation.org/events.

Slow Mow-Let it Grow Registration is Open!

Slow Mow-Let It Grow is a pollinator conservation initiative that encourages reduced lawn mowing practices from the onset of Spring until temperatures are consistently above 50°F and the landscape is blooming.

The goal of this practice is to provide early-season food and habitat resources for pollinators emerging in the spring, while decreasing carbon emissions associated with lawn care machinery. This is especially important in urban landscapes where these resources are often limited.

The City originally launched this conservation initiative as No Mow May in 2022 and expanded the program to Slow Mow-Let it Grow in 2025. Last year, nearly 200 registrants committed to adjusting lawn care practices, helping to conserve 54 acres of habitat and avoid 1,170 lbs of CO₂ equivalents.

“We saw nearly a 50% increase in registration following this program’s expansion in 2025. We look forward to building on that success as we continue to grow this effort to support our local pollinators,” said Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the 5-week long Slow Mow-Let it Grow program from 4/20-5/31. Registered participants can pick up a free native plant and yard sign! To learn more and register, visit our webpage: https://cityofsunprairie.com/2037/Slow-Mow

Sun Prairie Receives Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The City of Sun Prairie was recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2024 Comprehensive Financial Annual Report.

This achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting given by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) and represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Additionally, GFOA recognized the City of Sun Prairie’s Finance Department with the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is a thorough and detailed report of the City’s financial condition, and reports on its activities and balances for the fiscal year. This recognition marks 10 years in a row the City has accomplished this level of recognition.

Administration: A referendum question will be on the April 2026 ballot. To learn more about the referendum and our funding challenges, visit our webpage. More information below.

Parks, Recreation & Forestry: Summer fun is on the way with our Parks, Rec & Forestry Department! Scroll down to learn more about what will come with sunny days ahead.

Sun Prairie Public Library: The Sun Prairie Public Library is abuzz with programming this month! See the full lineup below.

Sun Prairie Utilities: Sun Prairie Utilities is partnering with the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition again to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Month this May. Scroll down to learn more.

Sustainability: April is Earth Month! And we have tons of family-friendly events planned. See the full lineup below.

Administration

Stay in-the-know on all things referendum

As we approach the April 2026 election, the City of Sun Prairie will be working to educate our residents on the referendum. We know that the topic of levy limits and referendums aren't always easy to understand, so we are putting all of the relevant information in one place. To learn more about the referendum and what happens if it passes or fails, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/referendum. If you have questions, please reach out to staff by emailing refteam@cityofsunprairie.com.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Summer is right around the corner, and the 2026 Summer Rec Connection is now available! Browse all the exciting programs, camps, events and activities planned for the season by visiting rec.cityofsunprairie.com. From youth sports and enrichment programs to fitness classes and family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

Summer program registration opens April 7 for Sun Prairie residents and April 14 for non-residents, so be sure to mark your calendar and plan ahead for your favorite programs.

We’re also excited to announce the grand reopening of the Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center on Thursday, July 9! After a major renovation, the facility will reopen with improvements both inside and out, including a renovated bathhouse and brand-new amenities such as an aqua zipline, climbing wall, new slides, solar trees, lawn games, and more.

Planning to spend a lot of time at the pool this summer? Season passes go on sale April 21, with early bird pricing available for a limited time.

Start planning your summer now, we can’t wait to see you in our programs and at the pool!

Sun Prairie Public Library

CHILDREN'S & TEEN SERVICES

Little Gym: Read, Move, and Groove

Wednesday, April 8 from 10:30-11am, Youth Program Room

Join us for Read, Move and Groove with The Little Gym of Sun Prairie! We will READ some stories, MOVE our bodies with a small equipment group activity and get our creativity GROOVing with a craft!

Free to attend, pre-registration required. Space is limited. For ages 1 to 5. You do not need to register children under the age of 1. Program lasts about 30 minutes.

LEGO® Club

Thursday, April 9 from 2-3:30pm, Youth Program Room

Build with the library’s LEGO® collection! Bring your creativity, but leave your LEGO®s at home! Registration is required.

For school-age children only (Kindergarten - 5th grade). Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. We'll take photos of their creations and post it to our Facebook Page.

Young Explorers Club

Monday, April 13 from 4-4:45pm, Youth Program Room

Young Explorers Club is for ages 4-8. Explore different animal topics, ecosystems, and habitats every month! Ms. Sammy and Ms. Rhonda, a former Pro Zookeeper, lead kids through activities, videos, conversations, and books!

Registration is required. A new registration is required for each session. Space will be limited. Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered.

Ice Age Movie Screening

Tuesday, April 14 from 5:30-7:30pm, Community Room

Settle in with popcorn for a screening of the movie Ice Age, the tale of a woolly mammoth, sloth, and saber-toothed tiger who reluctantly team up to return a human baby to his tribe while facing a changing climate. Runtime: 1h 21m

Teen Creativity Club

Tuesday April 14, 4:00-6:00 Youth Program Room - Yarn Crafts

Tuesday April 28, 4:00-6:00 Youth Program Room – Origami

Join Melissa for Creativity Club. Projects we'll be doing: Paint Night, air-dry clay, knitting and crocheting, shrinky dinks, beading, mystery bag crafts, and more. Registration is recommended. When you register, you'll automatically be signed up for all sessions. It is okay if you cannot come to all sessions. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.

ADULT SERVICES

Medicare 101

Wednesday, April 8 from 6-7pm, Conference Room

Confused about Medicare? Independent insurance agent and retirement specialist Jake Zimmermann can help!

In this free, educational program, Mr. Zimmermann will discuss the different parts of Medicare (A, B, C and D) and how people can pay for health care after retirement. He will also cover:

Making the most of your rights, options and entitlements
How and when to enroll in Medicare
What Medicare does and doesn't cover
Medicare Advantage vs Medicare Supplement insurance
And much more!

To reserve a spot for this program, register on our events calendar at www.sunlib.org, or call 608-999-1000 to RSVP by phone.

Roots and Runoff: Native Rain Garden Workshop

Thursday, April 9 from 6-8pm, Community Room

Curious about adding a native rain garden to your property to help with water infiltration, support pollinators, and add beauty and interest to your yard?

This workshop will teach you all you need to know to prepare a site, select plant species, and maintain a rain garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to start a milkweed plant from seed and bring it home to grow and plant.

Repair Café

Wednesday, April 15 from 5-8 p.m., Library Atrium

Gather to repair broken items, reduce waste, and share skills!

Bring your small appliances, electronics, clothing, bicycles, or other household items that need a repair. Volunteer repairers will work with you to try to troubleshoot and repair them for free.

Bee Hydrated: Pollinator Water Station Workshop

Thursday, April 23 from 6-7:30pm, The Mixer

Learn about native pollinators and how we can support them. Make a pollinator water station to place outdoors!

One-on-One Tech Help!

Are you looking to learn basic computer/internet skills? Do you need help with your smartphone or tablet?

Sign up for a one-hour one-on-one with a library staff member! Sessions are held on the first or third Tuesday of the month at 10AM. Register on our events calendar at www.sunlib.org.

We can assist with:

Smartphones, tablets, and eReaders
Basic computer and internet skills
Resumes and job applications
Digital library resources

If these dates or times do not work for you, please contact the library to explore other options.

Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation

SPPLF Love Your Library Gala - Ticketed Event

Saturday, April 18 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The Love Your Library Gala is a celebration of stories, community, and the belief that libraries change lives at every age. We’re so grateful to have you here supporting the programs, resources, and connections that make our library a vibrant place for learning, creativity, and belonging!

We’re especially honored to feature acclaimed author Quan Barry, whose powerful storytelling continues to captivate readers around the world. Attendees will receive a copy of Quan’s newest book, The Unveiling, a thought-provoking and thrilling work that we’re excited to share with you.

As you enjoy dinner by Salvatore’s, take advantage of the cash bar, and prepare for our power-hour of fundraising, we invite you to celebrate generously. Every contribution tonight directly supports library programs for children, teens, adults, and families throughout our community.

Buy your tickets here.

Sun Prairie Utilities

Sun Prairie Utilities is partnering with the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition again to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Month this May.

You can pick up a free green LED light bulb at the utility's office (510 Linnerud Drive) during open hours in April and May, while supplies last. Organizers ask participants to please place them where someone can see them shining from the street at night.

You can also enter to win a prize by sharing a photo of your green light bulb on social media with the hashtag #stigmafreesp

The coalition is also selling 'Mental Health Matters' t-shirts for $10. The design was created by a local high school student, and helps to build awareness around mental wellness. If you would like to purchase a shirt, use the order form here: https://sunprairiewellnesscoalition.com/pages/stigma-free-sp.asp. Pickup dates are scheduled for April 27-30, 2026.

You can also schedule a time and pick up a free yard sign that says, 'Mental Health Matters.' Email spwellnesscoalition@gmail.com and let them know you're interested.

Join your community and shine a light on mental health!

Sustainability

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce all the ways community members can celebrate Earth Month with events and activities throughout April. While Earth Day is observed annually on April 22, Sun Prairie extends the celebration to inspire action all month long. This year’s theme, "Our Actions Create Ripples," focuses on water systems and the actions we can take to preserve and restore the health of our shared waterways.

Featured events include a Rain Garden Workshop, a Repair Café, a Pollinator Water Station Workshop, a Seedling Giveaway, a Parks Clean Up, and screenings of the movie Ice Age and the film The American Southwest, a story about the effects on communities and ecosystems that infrastructure had along the Colorado River.

All events are free and open to the public. For full event details, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/EarthMonth.

Want to stay up to date with sustainability events, programs, and initiatives? Click here to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter!

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole, consisting of all 8 seated City Council members, addresses multi-committee issues, reviews the annual budget, manages real estate transactions, engages in long-term planning, has the authority to sanction Council members and officials, and handles matters not assigned to specific committees. Chaired by the Council President, it convenes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, with meeting times occasionally subject to change (refer to the events calendar for specific times).

Check out the latest Committee of the Whole meeting (03/17/2026)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (03/17/2026)

Sun Prairie Media Center

Sun Prairie Media Center consists of three main entities, each with its own individual mission:

KSUN: The mission of KSUN is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original video programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. KSUN programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

KIDS-4: The mission of KIDS-4 is to promote media literacy to the youth population of Sun Prairie as well as to teach students all aspects of producing original video and audio content. Students enrolled in KIDS-4 become more discriminating consumers of media, better communicators, better collaborators, and receive vital hands-on experience on a wide range of media-making tools.

103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio: The mission of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original radio and podcast programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

Check out the abundance of quality community programming at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/