News + Notes
In just its first 18 months, Friends of Madison Park has brought renewed joy and energy to our neighborhood- thanks to the help of volunteers and the generous contributions from our businesses and residents.
CELEBRATE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
PARTY FOR THE PARK is a celebration of our community and its future. Time is running out to register.
Please join us to ensure the continued Sparkle on our trees, Music in our park, and the Laughter of our children in the parks and at the beach with parades, stories, games, and so much more throughout 2025.
REGISTER HERE. Thanks to our generous sponsors, all contributions fund Madison Park events and projects. The evening promises an open bar, dancing, and the chance to win a $1,000 Dinner at Canlis, a Charming Ski-in Cabin in Winthrop for 6 guests, 10 personal training sessions at 1-on-1 Fitness, an Iron Springs getaway, sports tickets, and a romantic weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel plus a $500 gift package—to name a few.
NEXT STEPS
McGilvra Elementary School
As our community slowly absorbs the senseless loss of our neighbor, Ruth Dalton, we must now turn to deal with this week’s proposal by the Seattle School District to close our neighborhood school in the next school year. Madison Park opened its first public school in the neighborhood in 1899, and the present-day McGilvra Elementary School has been a landmark for the community since 1913. Friends of Madison Park will share plans as they develop and be a voice for the families and neighbors working to retain the school in our community.
Attend our neighborhood meeting on Monday, September 30th at 6:30 at the Bathhouse to learn more about the proposed school closure and to discuss public safety concerns with our City Council members Joy Hollingsworth, Tanya Woo, and Victoria Beach of the Seattle Police Department.
AUTUMN IN THE AIR
Fall and Winter events and long-range projects are in full swing. Just to name a few:
Don’t Miss Little Beats!
Musical and dance performances are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Saturday morning of each month from October to March. This is a fun, interactive way to spend time with your kids, friends, and neighbors in the fall and winter months. Make a morning of it: Grab breakfast, coffee, or lunch at one of Madison Park's fantastic bakeries or restaurants before or after the show!
Our $25 series package includes entry to all of our six shows. Packages are priced per person, child, or adult. Please note that this is not a drop-off event. All children require their own adult supervision. Reserve your spots by pre-purchasing your ticket packages today! Or buy at the door for $5/each person. Purchase HERE.
When: First Saturday of each month, October to March, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
Where: Washington Pioneer Museum Hall at 1642 43rd Ave E (just south of Madison Park Beach)
*****Attend our Emergency Hub’s Disaster Drill on Sunday September 22, from 2-4 p.m. at the Park.
Join our Neighborhood Work Party!
Supported by Seattle’s Adopt-A-Street Program, we will rake, weed, scrub, and beautify our neighborhood business area. We did our first clean-up in the Spring and look forward to a great turnout again to help us get ready for the holiday months ahead!
When: Saturday, November 16th, from 9 am - 12 pm
Sign up HERE.
Lace Up Your Sneakers!
Join us for the first Friends of Madison Park Running Club meet-up! This weekly meet-up will start on Thursday, Oct 3rd. Meet at Madison Park Starbucks at 7 am, go for a 3-mile loop, then grab coffee after.
Led by Brad Dober, reach him with questions at bradleydober@gmail.com
Save the Date: Madison Park
Trick-or-Treating
When: October 31, 4 pm - 6 pm
Where: Business District
Photos at the Bathhouse sponsored by the Madison Park Coop Preschool
BEAUTIFY MADISON PARK
Please become a partner with us in maintaining our vibrant, lush, and welcoming Business District. This Fall we hope to complete plantings of daffodils and grasses under our trees and add more containers in the spring, with low-plant fencing to protect all the new plants.
All donations will go toward plants and maintenance.
Join us in beautifying our Business District. Donate HERE. All amounts are welcome.
2025 Farmers Market In Madison Park
There is still time to share your thoughts on the proposed Farmers Market coming to our neighborhood! Representatives from the Seattle Farmers Market Association spoke at our neighborhood meeting that it has approved a plan to open a seasonal farmers market in Madison Park, beginning on Thursday afternoons in June 2025! We are also meeting with the businesses to address concerns and hopes.
This would bring farm-fresh goods within an easy walk or drive of Madison Park (over 50% of attendees at other local markets walk).
If you'd like to see the market come to fruition or have other feedback, please reply to their survey or scan the QR code below.
UPDATE ON BATHHOUSE AND BEACH RENOVATION SURVEY
Over 500 surveys were completed, and preliminary proposals are now being prepared in collaboration with the Seattle Parks Foundation and Seattle Parks Department. Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts to the survey! We will update everyone on next steps and plans.
