MADISON, Wis. -- It's likely the landscape at Madison city parks is about to change and it could become something edible.

The city's Parks Commissioners voted to drop strict requirements after a late meeting on Wednesday night. For much of the evening, it appeared the commissioners would like to see the issue taken up citywide, which would have sent the issue to the fully Common Council, WISC-TV reported.

Testimony at the meeting finished just before 11 p.m. and was followed by another hour of debate by the commissioners. In the end, all voted in favor of dropping lease and insurance requirements except for Alder Paul Skidmore. The commissioners also accepted the memorandum of understanding put forth by the group Madison Fruits and Nuts, according to group member Jim Winkle.

Winkle said many alders were very interested in the idea of "edible landscaping" and believes Madison Fruits and Nuts will work with them to create a citywide policy.

Speakers at the meeting spoke about the need for community food in Madison.

"We have hungry birds in our park that love and need our fruit trees, but even more importantly, we have hungry people in our city who need food," said Trish O’Kane.

"This community is so lively and enthused about food issues and local buying and localization and food security, sovereignty. And this is really part of those bigger subjects," said Kate Hiber-Cobb, of Madison Fruits and Nuts.

The city's lease and liability requirements had been in place to avoid frivolous lawsuits.