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NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SUCCESS STORIES
As the project was large for a grass roots neighborhood effort, we decided to make it a two year commitment. This allowed time to raise the $30,000 needed and to set realistic goals. Matching grants from the Parks Division made the project achievable. A great example is how the children love the merry-go-round. This is an outlet for energy and a gathering place for many children of all ages to make new friendships. Another benefit was to make the play structure safer, which we feel we have achieved by adding an additional platform and exit ladder. What moved us from idea, to plan of action, was our enthusiasm for our neighborhood and the love of our children. Sue Hunt
Rennebohm Park The Hill Farms Neighborhood Association formed a committee to assess what equipment was desired, and then a fundraising goal of approximately $7,000 was set. A fundraising committee was formed of neighborhood volunteers, and we quickly got to work as we had less than two months to raise the money to meet our goal of installing the equipment in 2005. The fundraising committee canvassed the neighborhood’s residents, apartment building owners and local businesses with a letter asking for contributions. We also wrote letters to several charitable foundations. Surrounding residents (many of whom no longer have young children), foundations, and business people came to the call quickly and generously, and we met our fundraising goal in less than one month.
Since the playground equipment was installed, the number of families at the park has increased dramatically and kids play for hours rather than minutes. Kids love the stepping pods, climbing wall and the improved monkey bars. The webbed dome climber is great in bringing together kids of all ages. What moved us was a sense of community and the fact that this park serves a diverse population. We wanted all kids in this area to have a great place to play, and now they do. Jerome Buhman |
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The effort to make playground improvements at Wexford Park began when several moms with young children were discussing the shortfalls of the playground and realized all shared our concerns. We banded together, enrolled the project with the Madison Parks Foundation and drew on our collective talents in playground design, horticulture and grant writing and sought the help of the Madison Parks Division.
Since making the improvements, we see many more families are using the playground area. The greatest benefit of this is bringing parents and children together more often and strengthening the social bonds of our neighborhood.
In 2004, Rennebohm Park, just west of Hilldale Mall, was in dire need of updated playground equipment. A major boost to getting new equipment occurred when a nearby real estate development contributed seed money for the park improvements. 
The Madison Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization and source of tax-deductible contribution documentation, was incredibly helpful to the fundraising effort. In addition, the Madison Parks Division staff was wonderfully supportive and informative in guiding us!