Parks For All

Parks are for everyone! It is with that mindset that we are working to address needs for programming and elements of accessibility across the community in our Madison Parks.

Our efforts are focused on adding features of accessibility to more of our parks and park programming such as
wheelchair accessibility to beaches, fishing piers, nature trails, or dog parks; inclusive and adaptive programming; all-terrain wheelchairs to allow nature exploration; large print signs that include braille and guide ropes; more accessible playgrounds and splash pads that provide zero entry points to water — and so much more!

With 4.5 million visits to Madison Parks each year, this fund will make an impact for every park user and their families for years to come.

Accessible Parks & Playgrounds

We are fundraising for improvements that make our parks and playgrounds more welcoming for people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities. With funding for five new playgrounds, we will be providing 100,000 Madison households a more accessible playground within a two-mile radius.

KNOW – Kids Need Opportunities at Warner

This program at Warner Park Community Recreation Center includes events such as Teen Night, Family Fun Night, an Angler (fishing) program, a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Series and open gym, which provide meaningful opportunities for youth to feel connected and engaged with our community. We have committed to raising $150,000 to insure complimentary and engaging programming continues.

Learning Series

As sponsors of this program, we are able to offer fun activities in our parks such as bird watching, star gazing, disc golf and more at no cost, allowing people to use our parks and learn, regardless of income level. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to expand this program by purchasing additional equipment and supplies to allow more residents to participate, as well as sustain the programming for years to come.

Goodman Pool Access Scholarships

Since the Goodman Community Pool opened in 2006, the Madison Parks Foundation has worked 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 . The Madison Parks Foundation has provided financial support to the Goodman Waves, Madison’s only public swim & dive team, keeping fees affordable and by providing generous scholarships. We have also provided the funding for life jackets to be purchased and 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.

Goodman Pool is a place for everyone regardless of financial circumstances. Please consider supporting Goodman Pool Access scholarships to families and people in need of access to our community pool all summer long.

Dog Parks

We are incredibly proud to be helping the City of Madison Parks Division by fundraising to expand and enhance Madison’s dog parks. Currently, there are 9 off-leash dog parks within the city of Madison. These parks range in size from 1/3 of an acre to 37 acres. Our goal is to raise funds that would allow the Parks Division to create 3 additional off-leash dog parks. These new parks would be located on the east side, near-east, and southwest areas of Madison.