County Of Dane : COUNTY TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF EQUITY AND ACCESS AT DANE COUNTY PARKS AND HENRY VILAS ZOO

Press release from the County of Dane:

January 10, 2022

(608) 571-6823

The Dane County Board of Supervisors recently launched a project to conduct an independent evaluation of equity and access at Dane County Parks and the Henry Vilas Zoo.

The contract with Keen Independent Research, a national equity consulting firm, is in the amount of $99,990. Principals David Keen and Annette Humm Keen are leading the evaluation. Mr. Keen has led more than 100 equity studies and has served as an expert witness on the subject of equity programs.

The process will include in-depth qualitative and quantitative research to form a better understanding, particularly in relation to issues of equity and access, of the demographics of who is and is not utilizing Dane County’s public spaces. Keen Independent will ask local community members and stakeholders for input through interviews, surveys, onsite visits, focus groups, and other means.

Goals of the assessment include:

Keen has developed several opportunities for community members to provide input on equity and inclusion at Dane County Parks and Henry Vilas Zoo facilities and programming, including an advisory group, virtual and onsite surveys, focus groups, and a dedicated project website, hotline, and email for people and organizations to access and offer feedback at their convenience. The project website, hotline, and email can be found here:

• Website: https:/keenindependent.com/danecoparksandzooequity/
• Hotline: 608-205-8444
• Email: danecoparksandzooequity@keenindependent.com

"We know that Dane County’s parks, trails, and recreational spaces and the Henry Vilas Zoo are treasured resources in the county and we are excited to explore additional ways to ensure the joys and benefits of these natural, cultural, and educational resources are accessible to all members of the Dane County community in ways that are positive and meaningful," said County Board Chair Analiese Eicher.

The assessment and outreach will take place over the first half of 2022 with final recommendations anticipated in late summer of 2022.

This press release was produced by the County of Dane. The views expressed here are the author’s own.