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Parks

Friends of Madison Parks

adult seated at a picnic table in a park
Image credit: Friends of Cherokee Marsh 2024 Board Members

Friends groups are community-based organizations that support Madison Parks through advocacy, volunteerism, and sometimes fundraising. Ideally, a Madison Parks-recognized friends group:

  • Advocates for the park – promoting awareness, stewardship, and engagement with the park.
  • Organizes and leads volunteer workdays – consistently engaging in structured volunteer activities that are coordinated with Madison Parks operations and staff to ensure the work aligns with park plans on file.
  • May fundraise for park projects – supporting improvements or special initiatives.

Official Friends Groups are recognized by the Madison Parks Commission and receive placement on the Madison Parks Website. While many groups do currently exist and focus on advocacy, to be formally recognized as a Madison Parks partner, a friends group should consistently engage in volunteer work in partnership with Parks staff.

The Friends of Madison Parks Rules and Guidelines, approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in April 2025, serve as a comprehensive resource for establishing and maintaining Friends of Madison Parks groups. 

Approved Friends of Madison Parks 

If you are interested in working with an existing volunteer group or have a group of volunteers not listed, please email parksvolunteer@cityofmadison.com.

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