Jessica Benitez

here's something that might surprise you: If you own an average Madison home valued at $410,000, only $275 of your annual property taxes goes to parks. That's less than one dollar per park, per household.

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 is the story of how a determined group of citizens, led by two remarkable men, created the foundation of Madison's beloved park system in just 46 years—all through private donations, volunteer effort, and an unwavering belief that beautiful public spaces belonged to everyone.