The K.N.O.W. Program
The Warner Park Community Recreation Center’s K.N.O.W. program provides free, safe, and welcoming activities for about 150 northside teens each week, offering basketball, mentorship, and afterschool programs that build skills, foster belonging, and improve lives.
At the heart of Madison’s Northside, the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC) is more than a gym—it’s a safe haven and a hub for opportunity. Home to a 7,400-square-foot gymnasium, WPCRC is the only park facility of its kind in the city, offering free, high-quality programming through the K.N.O.W. (Kids Need Opportunities at Warner) initiative.
The K.N.O.W. program serves teens from the Brentwood, Packers, Northport, Vera Court, Kennedy Heights, Park Crest, Ridgecrest, and Darbo-Worthington neighborhoods—communities where opportunities for structured recreation can be limited. According to WPCRC staff, 90% of participants come from one-parent, female-led households, 90% are youth of color, 95% live in subsidized housing, and nearly 100% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. For many, this is the one place where they feel safe, seen, and supported.
Each week, K.N.O.W. welcomes more than 150 kids and teens for after-school and evening programming that combines fun with growth and learning. The center provides open gym time, free snacks, video games, pool tables, and other social activities—but also opportunities to learn life skills, teamwork, and leadership.
Through community partnerships and donor support, K.N.O.W. offers a growing list of experiences and certifications designed to inspire confidence and independence, including:
3-on-3 basketball tournaments and intramural leagues that build camaraderie and discipline
Referee certification programs that teach responsibility and open pathways to employment
Youth-led evaluation and storytelling teams that empower teens to shape the future of the program
Outdoor recreation and fishing outings that connect youth to Madison’s parks and nature
Arts, music, and creative workshops that nurture self-expression and new skills
Free access to sports and recreation equipment rentals, removing barriers to participation
Career exploration and mentorship opportunities with local professionals and role models
The impact is visible every day: teens who once struggled to find belonging now take ownership of the space, look out for one another, and model leadership for younger kids. The goal is simple but transformative—to improve the lives of Madison’s youth by giving them safe spaces, supportive mentors, and meaningful opportunities to grow.
By supporting K.N.O.W., donors help build a stronger, more connected community—one where every child has the chance to play, lead, and thrive.