“I think the neighborhood is proud that the city of Madison has added a nice green space to its portfolio of parks,” Kallas said. “It essentially is set up and established to be what the neighborhood spent years and years planning for, and now it’s come to fruition.”

The city has approved two other events for 2014: The YumYum Fest, featuring food from local chefs, on Sept. 7, and an Oktoberfest event. Because of scheduled construction, those are likely the only events that will be scheduled for the year. There is space available for the Eastside Farmers’ Market to relocate to the park if it chooses to do so in the future.

I t has been a long ride, both for the skateboarders and for those invested in Central Park in general. The Marquette Neighborhood Association’s Jacob has been involved with the association since the idea for the park was hatched. It seems like “forever,” he said.

“I think probably the biggest sentiment right now, and has been for a while, is raw anticipation,” Jacob said. “I think people are really excited that this idea that has been out there forever is finally going to be in our neighborhood this summer.”