Northside Festival 2026
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A Free Community Newspaper Published Bimonthly by the Northside Planning Council

Elected Officials

Satya Rhodes-Conway - Mayor
By Satya Rhodes-Conway
Mayor
Published: July 21, 2026

July is Parks and Recreation Month and it’s a great reason to check out something new that our fabulous City Parks Division has to offer. Madison has 296 parks, big and small, each with its own amenities and charm. There are also more than a dozen conservation parks that bring nature to the doorstep of our vibrant urban spaces.

All this summer, Madison Parks is partnering with Madison School & Community Recreation to offer free community events, including the very popular Parks Alive series. Parks Alive is a chance to listen to music, participate in fun family-friendly activities, enjoy free food and get to know your neighbors. This is in addition to Madison Parks hosting movie nights, bird and nature adventure events, fitness workshops, and youth sports classes. With the hot weather, please remember the City also has four splash parks and, of course, the Goodman Pool.

Whether it’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, our four municipal golf courses, or the Warner Park Community Recreation Center, your parks system exists for your enjoyment. I’m very proud that 98% of Madison residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Whether it’s Parks and Recreation month, or any other month of the year, I encourage you and your family to explore our city’s green oases.

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