Parks for All Initiatives

Basketball Referee Apprenticeship Program, launched through Kids Need Opportunities at Warner (KNOW) at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Designed for teens and young adults ages 14-21, the program creates a clear, structured pathway from sports fan to certified official. 

The installation marks a first for the city—a public space dedicated to commemorating the four-legged family members who have touched so many lives. "This is the first of its kind in the city," said Pierce Sullivan, a board member of the Madison Parks Foundation, the organization that donated the custom sculpture. 

This wasn't just another ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensure that all 295+ parks in Madison's system are welcoming and accessible to everyone in our community. 

Our Goodman Pool Access Scholarships program reaches far beyond simply opening the gate. Since 2006, we've provided scholarships for swimming lessons, helping kids develop crucial water safety skills while building confidence and making memories. But our commitment doesn't stop there.

This summer, that magic became accessible to even more families in Madison with the opening of a brand new water sprayground at the Jeff Erlanger Playground at Rennebohm Park.

Inspired by the Frautschi’s gift, and by Jeff Erlanger’s legacy, the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation has also now stepped up with $100,000 to help build an accessible playground at Oscar Rennebohm Park on Madison’s West Side in 2022. That accessible playground will be named after Jeff Erlanger.

Madison’s dog parks continue to be some of our most loved and well-used spaces. This year, the Foundation has been working closely with community partners and city staff to improve amenities and make sure these parks remain welcoming for both pets and their humans.

the Madison Parks Foundation has been awarded a $94,000 grant from 100 Men of Dane County to support the “Kids Need Opportunities at Warner (K.N.O.W.)” program at Warner Park Community Recreation Center.