The Madison Parks Foundation

Basketballs bouncing. Dogs barking as they play. Children giggling. When you listen to the sounds of our parks, you realize they serve an invaluable purpose in our communities. Parks can create and facilitate a sense of fellowship, a feeling of belonging, and a meaningful connection to the outdoors with our family and friends.

Learn more about our work

What makes a city?

Funding through your taxes provides less than $1 per park each year. But with continued support from people like you, the Madison Parks Foundation has spent more than 20 years bringing our parks to life. Watch “What makes a city?” narrated by John Stofflet and help us protect and improve our parks.



283

Madison Parks

6000+

Acres of park

4.5 million+

Visits each year

3600+

Foundation Supporters

95%

Of donations go directly into our parks & programs

283

Madison Parks

3600+

Foundation Supporters

6000+

Acres of park

95%

Of donations go directly into our parks & programs

4.5 million+

Visits each year

Initiative Spot Light

Goodman Pool Access Scholarships

Since the Goodman Community Pool opened in 2006, the Madison Parks Foundation has worked with the Goodman Foundation to provide scholarships for swimming lessons to children regardless of income. In addition, free admission passes have been provided for families and to local community centers across the city so that everyone has access to our one community swimming pool. The Madison Parks Foundation and the Goodman Foundation have provided financial support to the Goodman Waves, Madison’s only public swim & dive team, keeping fees affordable and by providing generous scholarships. In the past few years, the Madison Parks Foundation has provided the funding for life jackets to be purchased so that they are available to anyone who wants to use them without a fee. So, if you have not had swimming lessons, you can still use the pool and feel safe and included. The Madison Parks Foundation has also invested in the purchase of CPR equipment for lifeguard training and certification. Please consider supporting this important initiative!