Parks highlights youth programs, Parks Alive events and a new Goodman Pool youth coordinator

Madison Parks told the Common Council how recreation and place-based programming feed into violence-prevention efforts at the neighborhood level.

Terrence Thompson, Parks community services manager, highlighted Parks Alive — a neighborhood-focused summer event series now in its fourth year — which the division says has held 105 events since 2022 with more than 10,000 participants. Parks described partners (Madison Parks Foundation, Madison School and Community Recreation and others) and programming that includes free events, sporting activities and youth‑led opportunities.

Parks also showcased NO, the "Kids Need Opportunity at Warner" youth development program (piloted and scaled at Warner Park), including a youth-led basketball league, referee apprenticeship and a youth leadership team. A short video from program participants underscored transportation barriers and the value of a program van the initiative secured by a grant.

The department announced a new youth-engagement coordinator position (Comp Group 18‑4) approved in the 2026 operating budget. The role will be based at Goodman Pool and will focus on summer programming, outreach to South Side youth and creating pool- and park-based activities modeled after NO/Warner Park success. Parks expects to post the position with an April start.

Councilmembers asked how the coordinator will work with neighborhood organizations and suggested outreach to major local youth groups; Parks staff said community partnerships and pre‑summer relationship-building are central to the plan.

Next steps: Parks will post the youth-engagement coordinator role and continue building partnerships to pilot summer programs and extend youth engagement beyond pool hours to reduce conflicts and increase welcoming spaces.