I think the school is a good idea. They have playground equipment also I assume, thats good for the kiddos who aren't too hot on the idea of walking. I know in Beaver Dam at the elementary school they were willing to open up one set of doors for restroom use as long as we had someone to 'police' the area so that might be something to look into.

Ok, so here is another idea. If we have the wat at a school or church we probably wouldn't need any permits. I have an elementary school 2 blocks away, and of course I could volunteer my church (and we could use their bathroom facilities as well). I might even be able to convince the parish nurse to be around for BP checks and the like. The high school youth group has already volunteered to "work" the event. I, of course, wouldn't want to put any one out because it is at a church. It would merely be our site -no overtly religious tones about it. What do you guys think?

I don't know my way around Madison but my mom works there so I always ask her if I need to go somewhere there. I was worried about the permits you might need there. Hope we can figure something out. If we can't we can always move the walk right?

I really have no clue on Madison. I know how to get to the mall and that's about it. What do you southerner's think?

Either works for me. Is parking a concern on the weekends?

Well I checked out the City of Madison's website and it looks like Capitol Square is booked with the Farmer's Market from 6am-2pm on May 12. The Capitol was my first choice, just because it is the capitol and I thought we'd get a lot of spectators. So, unless we want to have a late walk (which isn't out of the question for me, as May weather in WI is unpredictable, and is usually warmer after noon), we can move to one of the city parks. Elver park would be my first park choice.

***UPDATE*** Ok, nix those. The permit fees are ridiculous at the City parks. We'd need a permit just to do a bake sale. Ok, the next idea would be to hold the WAT at a location like a church or school (like the Beaver Dam walk). We MAY have to get a street use permit...but that is a minor charge I'm sure I could find a sponsor to cover. There is a school just down the street from my house (walking distance), and my church has pretty large grounds and we could use their bathroom facilities. It is bordered by a busy street (maybe not super safe for the little ones, but good advertisement), so we could plan the "route" with or without using the busy street. Any opinions from the Wisconsinites?

When I looked on the MOD website, the Madison walk is scheduled for May 5th, our local walk is the 12th.

Go Badgers!!!

I will be there Kara!! The WAT does seem daunting at first doesn't it? When I was feeling overwhelmed I would tell myself even if 10 people come and we only raise $100 we are out there, getting the message out and getting the foundation 'seen'. It all works out in the end and you are right, it will go off without a hitch. I don't know when Madison has it's MOD walk but in Beaver Dam it has been the weekend of the PF walk. I believe it is this year as well.

I'm planning on being at the WAT and Alissa is as well. We will be sure to pump the event up with our WI folks!!!

I heard there was a ton of snow in the north country, Denise!! We had a snow-free Christmas here, wether in the high 30's to 40's. Weird, really. We stayed at home instead of going north-east like usual. It was nice not having to pack up Avery's one-gillion necessities for a trip.

We should have a call about the Madison WAT. I can't believe I volunteered for this. I feel a little overwhelmed lately, especially dealing with Avery's sensory issues. But, it's important, and it will be fun, and go off without a hitch. Anyone in WI think they will be able to physically attend?? I have to check with the MOD to see when their walk is...don't want to do it the same day, as our attendance will be shot. K