San Damiano Monona

Friends of San Damiano

Our organization—

About
Friends of San Damiano

The nonprofit Friends of San Damiano was organized with a mission to help transform this unique place into a public space — for recreation, education, and peaceful reflection. We envision a future in which people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can enjoy a natural lakeside destination that respects the environment, honors history, celebrates culture, invites recreation, and enriches the lives of everyone who visits.

The future of San Damiano depends on an essential public-private partnership between the City of Monona and Friends of San Damiano. This partnership will drive the success of the San Damiano Master Plan, a vision for sustainable development that balances preservation and progress. As we move forward, Friends of San Damiano will take on greater responsibility for raising and securing private funds to support the plan's implementation. While the City retains ownership and makes final decisions, our collaboration is crucial to conserving the property and bringing the master plan to life.

Driveway into San Damiano Monona with autumn leaves.
Driveway into San Damiano Monona.                                               
Photo credit: Greg Bleck
Sunset viewed from San Damiano against Madison skyline.
Sunset viewed from San Damiano. Photo credit: Greg Bleck
An extraordinary opportunity—

We are on the cusp of creating a one-of-a-kind lakeside destination that will serve the Dane County community for generations. This year is a pivotal year of transition and preparation, positioning us for future growth. Our mission is centered on transforming the San Damiano property into a vibrant, accessible public space that honors the environment, history, and cultural heritage of the land.

There is much work ahead, but with your support, we can achieve something truly significant. Together, we will bring the San Damiano Master Plan to life, creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant space that serves as a lasting legacy for all.

Board of Directors

Wes Mosman Block

President

Andy Kitslaar

Past President, Fundraising Committee Chair

Patricia Howell

Secretary, Community Engagement Committee Chair

Ted Gunderson

Treasurer

Lynn Laszewski

Board Member

Matt Tramel

Board Member, Communications Committee Chair

Melissa Badini

Board Member

Juliet Page

Board Member

Rafael Tudor

Board Member

Tony Gomez-Phillips

Board Member

Nancy Moore

Board Member, Monona Alderperson, ex officio

Early morning swan formation over San Damiano shore
Early morning swan formation over San Damiano. Photo credit: Greg Bleck
Hawk in flight against Lake Monona moon.
Hawk in flight against Lake Monona moon. Photo credit: Greg Bleck

Community Advisors

Julie Byrnes

Interim Managing Director

Jane Coleman

Former Executive Director, Madison Community Foundation

Peter McKeever

Attorney

Community Engagement Committee

Patricia Howell

Secretary, Community Engagement Committee Chair

Lynne Chase

Julie Byrnes

Interim Managing Director

Liz Dannenbaum

Meg Foley

Lynn Laszewski

Board Member

Nancy Moore

Board Member, Monona Alderperson, ex officio

Karen Turino

Tim Turino

Communications Committee

Matt Tramel

Board Member, Communications Committee Chair

Melissa Badini

Board Member

Julie Byrnes

Interim Managing Director

Sue Carr

Liz Dannenbaum

Karen Cross Durham

Marketing and Communications Specialist

Molly Grupe

Fundraising Committee

Andy Kitslaar

Past President, Fundraising Committee Chair

Wes Mosman Block

President

Julie Byrnes

Interim Managing Director

Nancy Moore

Board Member, Monona Alderperson, ex officio

Juliet Page

Board Member

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