Madison Parks Foundation

08/17/2026

Today we're celebrating the power of community — and saying thank you to everyone who believes that great parks don't happen by accident. They happen because people show up for them.

The Madison Parks Foundation is proud to be Madison's nonprofit partner in caring for all 297 of our city's parks — funding everything from accessible beaches to the K.N.O.W. program at Warner Park Community Recreation Center, where 300+ kids find a safe place to grow every week.

90 cents of every dollar you give goes straight to programs that make our parks — and our community — better.

This , consider a gift to keep Madison's parks thriving for generations to come. 💚

https://www.madisonparksfoundation.org/parks-for-all

08/14/2026

Have you gotten your tickets yet?! The 9th Annual Picnic in the Park is almost here!

Join us Saturday, October 10 at Warner Park Community Recreation Center for an 80s-inspired evening of fun, throwback style, and community spirit — all in support of Madison's parks.

This year's celebration brings the decade back in full force with an 80s Prom theme (yes, Footloose vibes encouraged) plus our can't-miss game show segment, "The Parks Is Right." 🎉

Every ticket helps fund programs like KNOW (Kids Need Opportunities at Warner), which serves 200-300 kids and teens each week — made possible entirely through community support like yours.

🎟️ Don't wait — get your tickets now and dust off your best 80s look. We'll see you on the dance floor!

https://mpf.auctionsnap.com/picnicinthepark2026/event

08/07/2026

Another great event in our Madison Parks sponsored by the Madison Parks Foundation thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Come to The Glen patio Friday, August 7 to listen to acoustic guitarist and singer, Vince Sweeney! Sweeney plays a great blend of cover songs that everyone will enjoy🎶

GolfMadisonParks.com

08/03/2026

Check out the new August newsletter and find out about events in our great Madison Parks.

Grab your leg warmers and cue the soundtrack — the 9th Annual Picnic in the Park is going full Footloose this year! Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center for an 80s prom night to remember, complete with live music from The Breakfast Club cover band, ...

07/30/2026

Big hair. Neon everything. Footloose moves. Madison, we're throwing an '80s Gym Prom you won't want to miss!

Join us for the 8th Annual Picnic in the Park, presented by Event Essentials, at the newly expanded Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Six of Madison's finest chefs — Lauren Montelbano, Kyle Julius, Evan Dannells, Patrick O'Halloran, Sean Pharr, and Mickey Walker — are cooking up a night as bold as the decade itself. Add a silent auction, live music, and dancing under the disco ball, and you've got Madison's can't-miss night of the year.

🎟️ Tickets: $250 | Tables of 8: $1,600
📍 Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Warner Park Community Recreation Center

Get your tickets: https://mpf.auctionsnap.com/picnicinthepark2026/event

Every ticket helps fund our Madison Parks — because a night of fun should also do some good.

07/22/2026

Hope to see you there supporting our Madison Parks !

Bring on the big hair and the bright colors. 🪩

This year’s Picnic in the Park 80s Prom theme is all about embracing the nostalgia, having fun, and celebrating a night that brings our community together.

Picnic in the Park is more than an unforgettable evening, it’s an event that helps support the and its mission to create vibrant, accessible parks and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

So whether you’re channeling your original prom look or creating a totally new one, we can’t wait to see you there!

Show us your throwback! Comment with a photo from your prom below. We have a feeling there are some incredible looks waiting to be rediscovered. 📸

07/20/2026

Accessible beaches are for everyone — and now, at three of Madison's most beloved spots, that's more true than ever.

Madison Parks Foundation is proud to announce that accessible beach pathways are now open at Tenney Beach, Warner Beach, and Esther Beach. Permanent paved pathways combined with seasonal beach matting create a seamless, barrier-free route from beach facilities all the way to the water's edge — welcoming people of all ages and abilities to fully experience Madison's beautiful shoreline.

This project is part of our Parks for All campaign, a $10 million initiative to ensure sustainability and accessibility across all 297 parks in Madison's park system — for generations to come.

None of this happens without the generosity of our donors. Thank you for believing that every resident deserves full access to the joy of Madison's parks and waterways.

Learn more at MadisonParksFoundation.org

07/14/2026

It's a scorcher out there ☀️ — with mid-to-upper 90s in the forecast all week, we've got the perfect excuse to duck into somewhere cool.

Head to Gibs Bar (1380 Williamson St) this month for Community Cocktails, their ongoing series supporting Madison Parks Foundation. July's feature is Going Green — tequila, yuzu, cucumber, and a hyssop salt rim.

Every Going Green you order this month helps support MPF's work across our 297 Madison Parks. Cool drink, warm cause — stop by and raise a glass with us.

📍 Gibs Bar, 1380 Williamson St
🍸 Going Green — available all July

07/08/2026

We were there and we think John's post summed up this great event best! John is our Master of Ceremonies for Picnic in the Park 2026 event and we can't wait for him to share the story of the great things that are happening at Warner Park Community Rec Center!

07/07/2026

Your support of the Madison Parks Foundation helps sponsor the Learning Series for Madison Parks! We love sponsoring events like this! Thank you Madison Mallards for partnering with this great event!