Dane County Receives Generous Land Donation

January 11, 2008
Joshua Wescott Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

Beautiful Property Adjacent to Brigham County Park (Madison)…Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk is thanking a Madison woman for her generous donation of land to Dane County. The property, donated by Mrs. Anita Gurda of Madison, is adjacent to Brigham County Park in the town of Blue Mounds. Mrs. Gurda donated the 2.5 acre wooded site in honor of her deceased parents, Fred and Hazel Hanneman. A recent appraisal estimated the value of the land at $300,000. “With this generous donation, Mrs. Gurda is sharing her enjoyment of this property with everyone in Dane County,” Falk said. “Brigham County Park is loved for its scenic overlook and beautiful woods. This land means we’ll be able to preserve and protect more of this cherished rural landscape.” The land, which was platted for two home-sites, will become part of the park. It will be available for hiking and picnics and managed to benefit native wildlife in the area. Mrs. Gurda recalls spending many wonderful afternoons picnicking and enjoying the property with her family. She noted that when life got too hot in Madison, Brigham County Park was a perfect place to cool off and relax. Given the property’s proximity to the park and her lifelong devotion to conservation, including membership to The Nature Conservancy, donating the land to Dane County she said was a natural choice. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to Mrs. Gurda on behalf of all Dane County residents who enjoy Brigham County Park. Her very generous act will help ensure our county park system will continue to be a treasure appreciated and respected by many for generations to come,” Falk said. # # #