× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

A contentious plan that would create a privately run German-style beer garden in Olbrich Park passed the Madison Park Commission meeting Wednesday while dividing community members, as some hailed the idea and others criticized its potential impact.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a draft agreement between the city and BKM Group, the developer hoping to open the Olbrich Biergarten. Under the agreement, BKM would run the beer garden along the Lake Monona shoreline from 2017 to 2019 with the option for two two-year extensions.

“It’s a beautiful spot with enormous potential,” said Michael Bare, a BKM co-owner. “We’re passionate about community building and facilitating community gathering.”

Those in support touted the idea as a benefit to the park, surrounding neighbors and the city as a whole.

“For me, I see this as an advantage. I’m used to driving all the way to Downtown to go out, and now I could just walk,” said neighborhood resident Breanna Dahl.

The beer garden would take over part of the Olbrich Park Beach House and create an outdoor seating area near the lake.