City of Sun Prairie to Launch Solar Tree Sponsorship Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 10, 2024
Jake King
Communications and Diversity Strategist
jking@cityofsunprairie.com
(608) 332-5397

City of Sun Prairie to Launch Solar Tree Sponsorship Program

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the Solar Tree Sponsorship Program, a sustainability initiative centered on offering local businesses, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to support the installation of innovative solar energy-producing trees at the Family Aquatic Center (FAC). These solar trees will play a key role in the FAC’s 2025/2026 renovation, which aims to enhance both the visitor experience and the facility’s energy efficiency.

Renovation plans include a full bathhouse remodel, enhancements to mechanical and electrical systems, and the addition of new amenities such as water slides, an aqua zip line, basketball hoops, and an obstacle course. Additionally, the renovation will also introduce solar energy trees—25-foot tall clean energy structures that will provide shade, generate power, and serve as Sun Prairie’s first public-facing solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The solar trees are designed to offset 35% of the FAC’s energy usage, offer over 700 square feet of shade, and enhance the pool environment with colorful LED lights, charging stations for mobile devices, and real-time solar energy production data via QR codes.

The City will be funding 60% of the solar tree installation costs and is seeking sponsorships to cover the remaining 40%. Lifetime sponsorship opportunities are available now through December 2025, with various levels ranging from $500 to $25,000. Recognition for sponsors includes naming rights to the solar tree forest, logos displayed on the trees or surrounding areas, season passes to the FAC, and prominent acknowledgment at key city events in 2026. Staff intend to work with youth for the design aspect of the solar trees.

Sun Prairie youth will be invited to participate in a design competition to create custom graphic wraps. The contest will open in summer 2025, with sponsors of $10,000 or more eligible to serve on the judging panel and help select the winning designs.

“I am excited for the opportunity to integrate solar energy technology into this major renovation project, establishing the Family Aquatic Center as another city facility with solar features,” said Rose Daily, Sustainability Coordinator. “The Solar Tree Sponsorship Program gives community members and organizations a chance to support clean energy and make a visible, long-lasting impact.”

For more information, including the official sponsorship guide, please visit the Solar Tree Sponsorship Program webpage at https://cityofsunprairie.com/1904/Solar-Tree-Sponsorship-Program. Learn more about the Family Aquatic Center renovation at https://cityofsunprairie.com/1858/FAC-Renovation-Project-Information.

About City of Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane county, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.