More Than Just Basketball: How K.N.O.W. is Changing Lives at Warner Park

Every weekday afternoon, Warner Park Community Recreation Center comes alive with the sound of squeaking sneakers, bouncing basketballs, and young voices calling out to teammates. But for the 200+ kids who show up each week for K.N.O.W. (Kids Need Opportunities at Warner), what happens inside these walls goes far beyond learning how to sink a free throw.

A Safe Space Where Kids Can Just Be Kids

K.N.O.W. started with a simple idea: every child deserves access to quality programming, regardless of their family's income or circumstances. Through sports-based youth development, the program creates a welcoming environment where kids can build skills, confidence, and connections that will serve them long after they leave the court.

"Sports are the hook, but character development is what we're really about," explains one of the program's longtime coaches. "We're teaching teamwork, perseverance, and how to bounce back from setbacks—lessons that matter just as much in the classroom and in life."

Breaking Down Barriers

The magic of K.N.O.W. lies in its commitment to accessibility. There are no tryouts, no fees, and no barriers to participation. Kids simply show up, and they're welcomed. For families in our community facing financial challenges, this open-door approach means their children have the same opportunities as everyone else—to play, grow, and thrive.

Building Community, One Game at a Time

The impact ripples outward. Parents connect with other families. Volunteers from across Madison show up to coach and mentor. Local teens who grew up in the program return as role models for the next generation. Warner Park becomes more than a recreation center—it becomes a community hub where relationships are built and neighbors become friends.

Your Support Makes It Happen

Programs like K.N.O.W. exist because of generous community members who believe in the power of opportunity. When you support Madison Parks Foundation, you're not just funding a basketball program—you're investing in the potential of every child who walks through those doors.

You're saying: "You belong here. You matter. You have what it takes."

And that message changes everything.

Please visit here to support this amazing program!