July 2026

Renovated Family Aquatic Center Opens July 11!

The Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center has been under construction since the close of the season last year. The new and improved facility will host a grand opening on Saturday, July 11! Significant renovations have been made - including an updated bathhouse, more modern amenities, enhanced shade and seating, and energy efficiency.

Listen in on this interview to learn more about the much-needed upgrades and get excited for the grand opening!

Interview with Chad Shelton, Recreation Director; and Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator

Sun Prairie Receives GFOA Triple Crown Award

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has named the City of Sun Prairie as a 2024 Triple Crown Winner. GFOA’s Triple Crown designation recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year. Sun Prairie is one of just 441 governments that received the Triple Crown for fiscal year 2024.

The Triple Crown designation represents a significant achievement. To qualify, each entity must meet the high standards of all three separate award programs. Each award program recognizes governments that produce reports which communicate their financial stories in a transparent manner and meet applicable standards.

To learn more about the award, visit https://www.gfoa.org/gfoa-triple-crown-winners or email coaprogram@gfoa.org.

City of Sun Prairie and Town of Sun Prairie Draft a Cooperative Plan

The City of Sun Prairie and Town of Sun Prairie have assembled a draft Cooperative Plan. Cooperative Plans allow municipalities to voluntarily coordinate land use and development, and plan for delivery of public services.

The plan includes several provisions intended to support cooperation, coordination, and communication regarding land use and infrastructure. These include sharing of public meeting agendas and development applications, and creating standards for how existing town infrastructure is handled or protected during development. The plan also reinforces City and Town commitment to protecting natural resources, including Koshkonong Creek, wetlands, and guiding growth away from prime farmlands.

A draft of the Cooperative Plan is available at: https://cityofsunprairie.com/3128/Sun-Prairie-Cooperative-Plan

The Sun Prairie City Council and Town of Sun Prairie Board will meet in a Joint Public Hearing on July 14^th at 6:00 p.m. to receive written and verbal comments. Written comments are welcome through August 3^rd to jclements@cityofsunprairie.com.

City staff are hosting open houses for community members to ask questions and learn more about the plan:

Tuesday, July 7^th, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Sun Prairie City Hall Community Room
Wednesday, July 8^th 11:00 – Noon | Virtual via Zoom (see project website for link)
Monday, July 13^th 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom

Join us for a Food, Farming and Community Event

Residents are invited to a free community event on Thursday, July 9 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Sun Prairie Library. Food, Farming and Community will host a panel of speakers, including Marly Owens from Sunshine Place, Sarah Wells our Sun Prairie Farmer's Market Manager, and Hannah Morth from Sun and Moon Farm. At this event, you will hear from these inspiring local leaders on topics including local food access, the role healthy soil and compost play in nutritious food, and how producers and suppliers work together to strengthen access to high-quality local food.

There will be snacks, socializing, and a tour of the community garden and orchard! For more information and to RSVP, visit the links below:

Find more information and RSVP here: https://sustaindane.org/eventbrite-event/sun-prairie-food-farms-and-community/
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GMhRENKSz/

Sun Prairie Utilities Honored for Safety, Employee Recognized

Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) recognized several of its public power members, including an employee of Sun Prairie Utilities and the utility itself, during its annual conference.

Andrew Hirvela was among the individuals recognized by MEUW at the association’s 96th Annual Conference in Sun Prairie on May 14. Hirvela was honored with the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to individuals to recognize outstanding service/achievement, or other recognizable acts while an employee of an MEUW member utility, or in service to MEUW.

Sun Prairie Utilities was recognized during the annual conference as well, with a gold category Safety Achievement Award for its safety performance in 2025. Municipal utilities are placed into gold, silver, or bronze categories based on the total number of hours worked, receiving recognition based on the most incident-free records. The incidence rate used to evaluate utilities is based on the number of work-related recordable injuries or illnesses, compared to the total number of worker-hours during 2025, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

To learn more, visit www.meuw.org or www.sunprairieutilities.com.

City Assessors Office: It is a revaluation year - the City Assessors office will be doing a citywide reassessment of property values to ensure property taxes are distributed fairly and equitably. Scroll down to learn more.

City Clerk's Office: In June, City Council approved changes to the City's polling places. Most voters will now have a new polling location beginning with the Partisan Primary Election on August 11th! More information below.

Parks, Recreation & Forestry: The Family Aquatic Center Grand Opening is set for Saturday, July 11! Mark your calendars and learn more about the festivities here!

Sun Prairie Public Library: Summer programming is heating up at the library! Learn more below and mark your calendars to head over to our fully renovated space this month!

Sun Prairie Utilities: Sun Prairie Utilities is participating in Sunshine Place's Summer Food Fight Challenge! Learn how you can get involved.

City Assessors Office

2026 is a revaluation year for all properties in the City of Sun Prairie and the Assessors Office will be changing all assessments to reflect market value on all properties as of January 1. Market value is determined using the arms-length sales that have occurred in Sun Prairie.

The Assessors Office will be reviewing descriptions on all properties. We will NOT be doing interior inspections on all properties. Instead, staff will verify/validate the current interior descriptions of properties. Staff will use digital imaging, when possible, for the exterior reviews. Some exterior reviews in the filed may be necessary.

We anticipate the 2026 values to be sent out in late July. Please note that increasing the assessed values does not mean everyone will have higher taxes.

Visit https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/155/City-of-Sun-Prairie-Revaluation to learn more.

City ClerK's Office

On June 2, City Council approved changes to the City’s polling places. As a result, most voters will have a new polling location beginning with the Partisan Primary Election on August 11th.

The new polling place model will improve election operations by simplifying absentee ballot transportation, streamlining communication with election officials, and allowing staff to provide more direct support at each location throughout Election Day. Each polling place will be staffed and equipped based on expected voter turnout to help ensure an efficient voting experience while maintaining the accuracy, security, and integrity of the election process.

To avoid surprises on Election Day, voters are encouraged to verify their polling place by visiting https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Find-My-Polling-Place.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Aquatic Center Season Passes

Season passes for the Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center are now on sale! All rates have been prorated to reflect the shortened 2026 season, which runs from July 9 through August 30 following this year’s facility renovation.

Season passes remain the best value for families and frequent visitors. The Family Pass covers up to two adults and six children (ages 17 and under) living in the same household, making it an easy and cost-effective option for summer fun.

Season Pass Pricing:
Residents: $60 Individual / $110 Family
Non-Residents: $80 Individual / $140 Family

Beginning on opening day, July 11, all season passes must be purchased in person at the Family Aquatic Center or the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department office. Proof of residency is required for all pass purchases.

Sun Prairie Public Library

Children’s & Teen Services

2026 Summer Reading Program

June 8 - August 8

There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! (And adults, too!) Register for the Summer Reading Program in person or online anytime between June 8 and August 8.

Starting June 8, use the Beanstack app to record your reading! Prefer paper? Track by books (titles) or by minutes (time) – your choice! There’s even a program just for babies that also includes songs, rhymes, and activities!

The more you read, the more prizes you earn! Complete 75 books, 12 hours, or 15 hours to earn all the prizes, a pass to the exclusive Library Pool Party in August, and your “Library Champion” sign!

Summer Storytime Sessions

Itsy Bitsy Lapsit

Session: June 22 - July 27
When: Mondays at 10:00 and 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Program Room
Geared For: Ages 0-2 but all ages are welcome at any Storytime.

Little Kid

Session: June 23 - July 28
When: Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
Where: Youth Program Room
Geared For: Ages 1-3 but all ages are welcome at any Storytime.

Big Kid

Session: June 23 - July 28
When: Tuesdays at 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Program Room
Geared For: Ages 3-5 but all ages are welcome at any Storytime.

Cuentos Infantiles (Spanish Storytime)

Session: June 23 - July 28
When: Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
Cuándo: Martes a las 5:00 PM
Where: Youth Program Room
Orientado para las: Edades 3-5. Pero todas las edades son bienvenidos para todos los cuentos infantiles.
Geared For: Ages 3-5 but all ages are welcome at any Storytime

For more information on storytimes, visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo

Teen Creativity Club

Meet up with Melissa for Teen Creativity Club. Projects we'll be doing: painting, zine making, air-dry clay, collage and more. Registration is recommended. When you register, you'll automatically be signed up for all sessions. It is okay if you are not able to come to all sessions. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.

All library programs are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, July 1, 2:00-4:00 in the Mixer - Painting

Tuesday July 7, 2:00-4:00 in the Mixer - More zines with guest teacher Kokie and laminated bookmarks

Monday July 13, 2:00-4:00 in the Mixer - Air-dry clay and paper flowers

Monday, July 20, 2:00-4:00 in the Mixer - Shrinky dinks and collage crafts

Thursday, July 30, 2:00-4:00 in the Mixer - Craft supply buffet

Visit our events calendar at www.sunlib.org to register

Adult Services

Adult Summer Reading Program

June 8 – August 31

*Preregistration begins June 1. On June 8 you can begin logging your reading time and start completing activities!

Track your reading and other activities via Beanstack.

How the Adult Summer Reading Program works:

1. Read! Do activities to earn badges!

2. Log your reading time and record your completed activities to earn tickets! Enter your tickets into the drawing by August 30.

5. Complete the Summer Reading Program by logging 30 hours of reading over the summer AND attending a library program. ("Completing" the program is not necessary to win prizes... but it does increase your chances of winning!)

You can also earn small prizes when you hit reading goals of 30, 60, and 100 hours! When you complete a reading goal, stop by the Welcome Desk to collect a prize.

Sun Prairie: Food, Farms, and Community

Thursday, July 9 from 5-8pm

Kind Stage & Amphitheater

Join Sustain Dane at the Sun Prairie Public Library to learn more about our local food system and sustainable farming techniques!

From healthy soil to healthy communities, local food systems depend on sustainable growing practices and strong community partnerships. Have you ever wondered how food pantries get their food, or how compost is used to improve soil quality?

Sustain Dane is hosting a community event at Sun Prairie Public Library focused on sustainable farming techniques, benefits of compost, and strategies for distributing local food to underserved communities. Through a series of mini presentations from local partners and community leaders, attendees will learn how growing and distribution practices can strengthen our food system, reduce waste, and improve food access.

Monday Night Music - Soggy Prairie and Bloodroots

Monday, July 13 from 6-8pm, Kind Stage & Amphitheater

FREE! All Ages event!

Soggy Prairie headlines with a 60-minute set. Soggy Prairie has the five-piece instrumentation of a traditional bluegrass band, but don’t call them traditional. With a mix of bluegrass standards, modern takes on country and Americana, and original music, Soggy Prairie puts on a show that demonstrates the versatility and broad appeal of string music.

Bloodroots opens with a 30-minute set. A Madison-based trio of acoustic folk/roots musicians playing pure and hard-edged songwriter music.

Presenting sponsor: One Community Bank

Dinosaur Terrariums

Thursday, July 16 from 6:30-8pm, The Mixer

In this program, participants will create dinosaur-themed terrariums using plants, rocks, dinosaur figurines, and other materials! All supplies will be provided but participants are also welcome to bring additional materials or vessels they would like to use. No prior experience is need.

This program is for adults 18+. Space is limited. Registration required.

Cinema Craft Club: Jumanji & Paint-By-Number

Wednesday, July 29 from 6-8pm

The Mixer

Join us this summer for nostalgic movie and craft nights in The Mixer!

Each month, we'll show a different throwback film paired with a hands-on craft inspired by the movie. Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering a classic for the first time, you'll enjoy a cozy, social atmosphere while creating something new!

In July, we'll watch Jumanji while painting by number. Attendees will get started on the painting project while watching the movie but may need to take it home to finish. Popcorn will be provided. Craft supplies will be limited to the first 30 participants; however, feel free to bring your own work-in-progress as well!

This program is intended for adults. No registration is required.

Sun Prairie Utilities

Sun Prairie Utilities is participating in a Sunshine Place and Sunshine Pantry food drive competition in 2026! Donations to food pantries are the slowest between June and August, so the School's Out Summer (S.O.S.) Food Fight was created to help, since hunger doesn't take a summer vacation. Below are the rules for the competition:

Businesses will collect in-kind (physical) donations between June 11 and July 9, 2026.
Donations must:
- Be in good condition (no open packaging, no cans with dents wider or deeper than a finger, and no smushed edges on cans).
- Have good dates (any best buy date from June 2026 forward).
Challengers will deliver donations to the Sunshine Pantry at Sunshine Place. All donations will be weighed at that time.
Total pounds donated will be divided by employees to get a pound per employee figure.
Cash donations will be counted as $3.00 per pound.
The highest number of pounds per employee will win.

Compete with your neighbors and help SPU win by donating today!

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 (06/16/2026)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (06/16/2026)

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/