How Goodman Pool Scholarships Are Opening Doors to Summer Fun

When the Goodman Community Pool opened its doors in 2006, it became more than just a place to cool off on hot summer days—it became a vital community hub. But the Madison Parks Foundation understood from day one that a community pool is only truly successful if everyone in the community can access it.

That's why for nearly two decades, we've been committed to ensuring that financial barriers never keep families away from the water.

More Than Just Swimming

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.

We offer free admission passes for families facing financial challenges and partner with local community centers to bring groups to the pool. We support the Goodman Waves—Madison's only public swim and dive team—by keeping fees affordable and providing scholarships so every child who dreams of being on a team has that opportunity.

Creating True Accessibility

We believe accessibility means something different for everyone. That's why we've invested in three water wheelchairs, ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the pool. We provide life jackets for free use, removing another barrier to water enjoyment and safety. And we've equipped lifeguards with CPR training equipment and certification support, because safety is everyone's responsibility.

Impact in 2025 Alone

The numbers tell a powerful story of community access:

• 107 family passes gave entire households the freedom to visit the pool throughout the season

• 36 individual passes ensured that anyone who needed access got it

• 5,600+ visits from community groups brought neighbors together for shared experiences

Behind each of these numbers is a child learning to swim, a family beating the summer heat together, or a young athlete discovering their potential on the Goodman Waves team.

How You Can Make a Difference

Here's something remarkable: with the generous support of our donors, just $5 a month—or $60 for the year—covers the full cost of a summer pass for a child. That's less than a cup of coffee each month, but it means an entire summer of swimming, learning, and joy for a young person in our community.

Monthly giving makes supporting this program easy and sustainable. You can set it up once and know that every month, you're helping open the pool gates wider. Plus, your contribution is tax-deductible, so your generosity to the community benefits you as well.

When you give $5 monthly or $60 annually, you're providing a complete season of access—countless afternoons of fun, swimming skills that last a lifetime, and the message that our community cares.

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A Pool for Everyone

The Goodman Community Pool belongs to all of us, and the Madison Parks Foundation is proud to help keep it that way. Because every kid deserves the chance to learn to swim, every family should be able to enjoy a summer day at the pool, and no one should miss out on the joy and safety that comes from being comfortable in the water.

That's what community looks like—and we're grateful to support it, one splash at a time.