From the neighborhood
The full Friends of Madison Park newsletter archive—now easier to read, browse, and return to.
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104 published updates
Parks and shoreline
Friends of Madison Park’s Art Walk on Friday September 18th was a delightful combination of perfect weather, 60+ artists from students to seasoned artists, music that filled the air from jazz to favorite tunes (and dancing), wine, appetizers and sooooo many smiling faces. A tradition to be continued in 2027. Thanks…
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Parks and shoreline
As Labor Day weekend ushers out the days of summer, we focus back on routines, to-do’s and a sense in the air of Fall weather. Fall brings celebrations in Madison Park too- with holidays and festive events in the neighborhood. Mark your calendars for the Art Walk, Party for the Park, Little Beats Concerts, Halloween…
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Community
In spite of a handful of smoky days, the draw to be outside and the energy in the neighborhood percolates along at such a sweet pace. The combo of the Farmer’s Market and warm days has created a Saturday morning ritual for so many neighbors to catch up, hang out and buy the market’s delicious products and browse our…
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Parks and shoreline
We are at the height of summer and picnics and the sun not setting until late- and can this please go on and on? Take advantage of a sweet summer in Madison Park. Don’t forget the Saturday morning farmer’s market from 10-2, and don’t miss our upcoming August events!
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Public safety
TUESDAY JULY 14TH AT 7 P.M. AT THE BATHHOUSE: LEARN UPDATES ON BATHHOUSE RENOVATION, EMERGENCY HUB, ONE SEATTLE PLAN, MUSIC IN THE PARK, MADISON PARK YARD SALE, PARTY FOR THE PARK AND MORE!
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Parks and shoreline
THE ART WALK IS SEPTEMBER 18TH BUT THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ARTIST’S APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IS JULY 15TH. DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF THE MADISON PARK ART WALK. SHARE WITH YOUR TALENTED FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
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Parks and shoreline
Tomorrow looks to be sunny and beautiful and the perfect day to take in 3 delights: The Madison Park Garden Tour, The Artisan Market and the Farmer’s Market. Just a reminder that you can register HERE for the Tour or simply show up tomorrow at the registration desk by Bank of America and buy tickets. $25 each gets y…
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Parks and shoreline
We are looking for avid planters tomorrow morning to help us plant 225 plants to spruce up the Bathhouse entrance planters. Bring gardening gloves, planting tools (or we will provide)and a willingness to dig in for a couple of hours!
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Parks and shoreline
The Third Annual Madison Park Garden Tour is quickly coming- SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH FROM 10-3. Only $25/ticket HERE, opens a world to 14 distinct gardens- packed with ideas for you to take home- from plant combos to whimsical uses of space to furnishings and the creation of a generational garden. Walk or drive the tour…
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Parks and shoreline
JOIN THE OPENING DAY OF THE MADISON PARK FARMER’S MARKET WITH RETURNING AND NEW VENDORS!!! WALK TO THE MARKET, VISIT WITH FRIENDS AND SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SHOPS ALONG THE WAY. MEET SFMA’S NEW MARKET MANAGER CLAIRE BUDGE AND ENJOY THE EARLY PRODUCE OF THE SEASON. FYI- EXTRA BERRY PRODUCERS WILL COME WHEN THE SEASON OF B…
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Parks and shoreline
You can’t walk outside without a smile coming on- with all the beauty of cherry, magnolia and dogwood blossoms, fresh green foliage dappled everywhere and colorful spring bulbs brightening so many planters and flower beds. Madison Park sparkles this time of year in so many gardens. We want to be sure that same spark…
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Parks and shoreline
**Summer Beach Closures- Seattle Public Utilities will answer your questions about and steps toward solutions.
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Parks and shoreline
Tools and gloves provided. Join your neighbors for 2-3 hours to weed, mulch and get the street end ready for summer visitors. Located on 41st Ave E behind the Seattle Tennis Club. Sign up at our volunteer page or just show up!
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Markets
You may have noticed some signs of spring heading our way with this past weekend’s glorious weather, bulbs opening up, magnolias budding out, pansies filling our business planters. We jump forward an hour this Sunday so reset your clocks and look forward to the increasing daylight hours and warmer days.
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Parks and shoreline
The Little Beats Concert Series has been a HUGE hit for families this Fall and Winter. Thanks so much to Meg Bartley, Pioneer Hall and Parkshore Residential Association for making this such a success. Our last concert features a crowd-favorite Harmonica Pocket on March 7th. Tickets are a bargain- $5/!
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Parks and shoreline
McGilvra Elementary continues to shine as one of Madison Park’s most treasured community institutions with a welcoming culture and more than 100 years of educational excellence.
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Parks and shoreline
2026 is underway and with the world swirling around us, Madison Park offers a microcosm of what community can be- providing connections, gatherings and the chance to make a difference here at home.
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Parks and shoreline
The magic and holiday joy of December is on full display in Madison Park. The shops are brimming with decorations and shoppers, the street trees lights have been replaced (most so far) and have a new sparkle to them, and in spite of a river of rain and shorter days, celebrations are buoying everyone’s spirits.
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Parks and shoreline
Sometimes hectic, sometimes reflective, but always sparkly and filled with traditions, December is the month of celebrations across the globe. Madison Park reflects that joy and celebratory feel in our events, our decked out local shops and sparkling trees. It is our communal month to share the joy of giving back, g…
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Volunteering
Halloween brought a deluge of rain that didn’t dampen enthusiasm of trick or treaters, volunteers (thank you all so much!), shop owners or dogs decked out in costumes. In case you missed it, a few memories….
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Families
This winter, the Wellspring annual Holiday Toy Drive will provide gifts for more than 1,200 children—family sign-ups filled in just one day. And Wellspring’s housing programs help parents pay rent, build budgets, and connect to the resources needed to create lasting stability for their children. The need for this su…
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Parks and shoreline
Agenda Change: we’d planned the upcoming meeting to explore next steps in the Bathhouse and Shoreline Renovation Project with the architecture team. FoMP is still awaiting decisions from the City’s Park and Recreational Office before we can come back to the neighborhood with what options are feasible going forward.…
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Civic life
A quick reminder that this coming Tuesday, September 30th at 7 p.m., our Neighborhood Meeting will host Seattle City Council member Joy Hollingsworth. The focus is on the impact of the One Seattle Plan in our community- what legislation has been passed and what is still pending. How high new buildings can be, change…
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Parks and shoreline
What an incredible evening celebrating our park and community! Thanks to our generous sponsors and guests, every dollar raised goes right back into making our neighborhood one that thrives for generations to come. See Lots more pics HERE.
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Families
Whoops- Got distracted with all the Labor Day chaos, school, work and summer fun? Meant to mark your calendar for these events but forgot?
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Parks and shoreline
ONLY DAYS LEFT TO BUY TICKETS FOR PARTY FOR THE PARK AND SUPPORT MADISON PARK!!!
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Parks and shoreline
We are now in countdown mode with the summer ending soon and the school year beginning- gone so fast with many good memories built during these beautiful long days. Whether you are returning from a vacation or just a normal work life with some outside time sprinkled in, time to plan ahead for September and the Fall.
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Parks and shoreline
Join us in the park this coming Thursday August 7th- 6:30 with Eden, featuring Savannah Woods, with music by the Music Factory underway at 6, . Bring your blanket, your picnic and lots of friends. Savannah Woods was a contestant on The Voice! Rain or shine (think shine, please). And all FREE!
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Volunteering
July 12th was a day of games, balloons, music, sno-cones, laughter and a heaping dose of delight. The sun was hot and the water balloons were plentiful. We ran out of hot dogs but not face paint and visors to be decorated. Thanks to all out sponsors and hard-working volunteers, and the sea of children and their fami…
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Parks and shoreline
We’ve made it through the Fourth of July and settling into summer routines of kids out of school, beach time, warm days and outdoor dining. Madison Park has a special rhythm to the summer- the new Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, Music in the Park coming each Thursday in August, Madison Books book club, shops bustling……
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Parks and shoreline
This past Saturday, the Madison Park Farmer’s Market opened with Joy Hollingsworth leading the official ribbon cutting, a wonderful crowd of neighbors mingling and checking out the vendors and a peek at what the Market will bring to the Community throughout the summer. 15 vendors lined the street with flats and flat…
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Parks and shoreline
Want to get some first peeks at the 14 gardens on the Garden Tour???? We’ve had some beautiful days and so much is in bloom. You’re not too late to buy your ticket for the Garden Tour. Just $20/each. June 7 from 10-3. Check in at the corner of 41st Ave E. and E Madison. Click HERE to purchase! Volunteer HERE for a 2…
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Parks and shoreline
A temporary Glitch on our part. If you tried to buy tickets for the Garden Tour, you may have been told the Tour is sold out. NOT TRUE!!!! We have added more $20 tickets to see the 14 Beautiful Gardens on the flats of Madison Park. Buy your tickets HERE before they really do sell out!! June 7th from 10-3.
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Community
***The first day of the Market will be Saturday June 14th from 10-2 p.m on 42nd Ave E between E Blaine and E Madison, just west of the tennis courts.
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Parks and shoreline
These are interactive Neighborhood Meetings. Meet the architectural team of Signal Architects and Anchor QEA who are helping to envision improvements for the Bathhouse, Dock and Beach. WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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Parks and shoreline
Safer, more comfortable areas for sunbathing and swimming
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Parks and shoreline
Our regular Neighborhood Meeting will focus this month on the Bathhouse and Beach Project.
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Parks and shoreline
THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMING BACK APRIL 5TH AT 10:00 AT THE PARK!!!!
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Parks and shoreline
Just a REMINDER that Seattle’s Department of Transportation (SDOT) is now deciding whether a pilot Farmers Market can move forward in Madison Park. The last day to submit comments is tomorrow- March 17, 2025. This is your chance to make your voice heard.
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Parks and shoreline
Seattle’s Department of Transportation (SDOT) is now deciding whether a pilot Farmers Market can move forward in Madison Park. Public comments are open until March 17, 2025. This is your chance to make your voice heard. In the coming days, you’ll see Public Notices posted around the neighborhood and residents and bu…
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Parks and shoreline
Friends of Madison Park is busy with Event plans for the spring and summer of 2025. Next steps for a renovation of the Bathhouse and Beach area are underway plus updates to share on the One Seattle Plan. Here is a “catch-up” mix of what is coming your way in Madison Park.
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Parks and shoreline
One Seattle Plan is pending before the Seattle City Council and if you have missed the zoning changes impact on Madison Park, please look back over our last few Newsletters to catch up. We are one of 30 neighborhoods earmarked for significant increased density.
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Parks and shoreline
In the coming year, Friends of Madison Park will be working with neighbors to better understand and respond to the One Seattle Plan. We will be exploring renovation of the Bathhouse and restoration of Madison Park Beach in partnership with Seattle Parks and Seattle Parks Foundation. Friends will be investing continu…
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Parks and shoreline
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or no specific holiday- December is the time of year to gather, to feast, to enjoy friends and family and deck ourselves out in whatever sparkle we choose..
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Parks and shoreline
This is a special Newsletter to remind the community that Madison Park is facing major zoning changes in 2025 under the mayor’s One Seattle Plan. Friends of Madison Park wants to be sure the community is aware of these significant changes and has an opportunity to comment on them by the Deadline of December 20th.
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Volunteering
On an overcast Thanksgiving Day, our local shops were quiet but their window displays were brimming with holiday decorations- reminding us that in the coming weeks, they are ready to welcome shoppers with gift ideas and celebration needs.
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Parks and shoreline
In the past two weeks you may have awoken to see a TALL, red vertical sign at Wells Fargo bank as you enter Madison Park. A bit hard to miss.
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Civic life
As we get closer to the end of a particularly stressful month of elections, storms, and global news, we can look forward to a pause with family, friends and neighbors. Thanksgiving may entail hectic travel or not, football marathons or not, too much food or not- but a common thread of giving thanks is in the air- in…
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Parks and shoreline
MADISON PARK’S FALL CLEAN-UP IS THIS NEXT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH FROM 9-12. CHECK IN AT OUR TABLE BY THE BANK OF AMERICA PARKING LOT. PLEASE PITCH IN TO HELP RAKE LEAVES, SWEEP AND PREPARE OUR BUSINESS AREA FOR THE 600 DAFFODIL BULBS THAT ARE BEING PLANTED SOON! VOLUNTEER HERE OR AT CHECK IN ON SATURDAY. MANY HANDS…
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Arts and culture
Seattle Public Schools leaders named four schools they plan to close next year as part of an effort to alleviate a $100 million budget shortfall. Thanks to the heroic and tireless work of so many , McGilvra Elementary School is no longer on the list of schools earmarked for closure in 2025!!
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Parks and shoreline
Over 200 people gathered last Saturday night, October 12th, to celebrate Madison Park, bid on silent and live auction items, meet new neighbors, learn more about Friends of Madison Park and bottom line, have a fun evening. The generosity of our sponsors, our auction donors, and our guests made this celebration of ou…
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Families
Because we have many parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends of families with students at McGilvra Elementary School, AND decisions are imminent on the fate of McGilvra AND a rally will be held tomorrow - here is a REMINDER: if you want your voice to be heard in person or with an email to the school board, plea…
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Civic life
Feeling bombarded by the flood of emails and texts for the upcoming elections, for the endless spiral of shopping choices, celebrities and latest news coverage of the world?
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Community
Yesterday our biweekly newsletter went out and we realized we needed to share a few time-sensitive updates:
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Parks and shoreline
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.
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Parks and shoreline
As Summer Comes to a Close, Madison Park has been witness to many days of picnics and music, beach time and sunshine. We have also been witness to a loss in our community that has touched so many.
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The July 29th Neighborhood Meeting had a full roster of events, news and projects for the community to consider. Below are a few of the topics covered; you can watch the full meeting HERE. A quick reminder that the next meeting will be September 30th- NO MEETING IN AUGUST, due to Labor Day weekend.
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Families
The Children’s Parade and Picnic on July 13th hit a record high number of happy faces and fun! Based on the total number of hot dogs eaten (and that doesn't include popcorn, snow cones, or the watermelon eating contest) , we had well over 250 attendees.
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Parks and shoreline
With our Madison Park Beach closed these last two weeks and soaring temps these last few days, it makes us all realize how important our beach, our park, our business district is to the vitality of our neighborhood. Fingers crossed that the next King County assessment will give us the all clear to swim again. You ca…
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Parks and shoreline
Schools are letting out; summer gear is being unearthed and Madison Park is planning a summer of events. Keep a lookout on our Instagram and Facebook pages for weekly postings on Madison Park shops, environs, events, photos and more.
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Parks and shoreline
The weather doesn’t quite think so but we are close and Madison Park will soon be bustling at the beach and kids will be roaming free for a few months. Here’s what to expect for the summer from Friends of Madison Park.
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Parks and shoreline
On May 18th, in spite of some downpours, intermittent sun and sprinkles- the Madison Park Garden Tour was attended by over 300 people!!! Thank goodness for Seattle hardy stock. The 15 gardens on the tour offered a variety of gardening styles, inventive use of outdoor spaces, and beautiful plantings. Thanks so much t…
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Parks and shoreline
The Madison Park Garden Tour is coming soon- Saturday May 18th from 10-3. Tickets are only $20/each to view 12 Gardens and all within walking distance in lower Madison Park. Buy tickets HERE.
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Community
We will have information on a number of projects, events, issues and needs that impact us all.
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Parks and shoreline
Here is a tiny nudge to remind us all that Earth Day is on Monday April 22, 2024. This time of year, you cannot miss the joys that our Earth unfolds each spring- the fresh green of leaves, the cacophony of colors in bloom, the reassuring return of warm air and longer days. You may not be a gardener or an environment…
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Parks and shoreline
This past Saturday, March 30th, Friends of Madison Park hosted an Easter Egg Hunt that surely broke some kind of record for how many children and families could gather at one time in our park and playground! On a beautiful sunny morning, hundreds of children rushed for Easter eggs, played games, made bunny ears, got…
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Parks and shoreline
WHAT A MOOD CHANGER! For the past several days, Spring seems to have arrived in Madison Park: daffodils blooming, tree buds emerging, everyone out for walks, greeting neighbors and enjoying the sunshine. Friends of Madison Park is feeling that same energy boost. So many fun events are planned for the next several mo…
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Civic life
My apologies: The Block Watch Informational Meeting mentioned in yesterday’s Newsletter is NOT March 4th but at the following time and location-
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Public safety
February closes with a month of upheaval in Madison Park. The audacious break-ins at Madison Park Jewelers and The Refind Closet, causing major destruction to both stores, have stunned us all.
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Parks and shoreline
“Promoting a resilient and civically-engaged community by connecting neighbors. Creating a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood through cultural and multi-generational engagement and outreach. Fostering neighborhood pride by promoting a beautiful, vibrant, and respectful community.”
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Parks and shoreline
Monday, January 29th at 6:30, our next Neighborhood Meeting at the Madison Park Bathhouse, will cover a number of topics important to the community. See the Agenda here.
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Parks and shoreline
In 2023, in a matter of 6 months from its inception- 210 Neighbors, 50 Businesses, and 37 Board and Committee Chairs donated their time, their money and in-kind support to help Friends of Madison Park become a sustainable, vibrant neighborhood association.
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Parks and shoreline
We’ve had some great responses and requests for more details regarding Volunteer Opportunities in Madison Park. (Sorry for the broken link in the previous email!)
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Parks and shoreline
The last few weeks may feel like a blur of food, gifts, football games and rainy days. Madison Park brought its best to the Fall with Halloween fun, our Warmth and Wine evening, and December festivities.
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Families
School is out and attention has turned to family, feasts and festivities. We leave 2023 with a reminder of upcoming events and updates.
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Parks and shoreline
In spite of our week of monsoon rains, our Saturday festivities created many wonderful memories and firsts in Madison Park.
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Community
Our Wreath class is officially full and we have closed registration. Thanks to all who signed up.
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Volunteering
Let the Seasons of Giving and Celebrations Begin In our Neighborhood….
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Parks and shoreline
Don’t Miss Our next Neighborhood Meeting! Fall Events Coming to Madison Park
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Community
Warmth and Wine- Join your neighbors for an evening of fine wines and fun
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Parks and shoreline
WHERE TO BEGIN…..There is a lot coming up in October and November in Madison Park so Mark your Calendars:
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Families
The Seattle Public Schools deficit has grown to $105 million and SPS is facing a significant budget deficit for the next school year (2024-25). The deficit is the result of several factors, including persistent gaps in basic education funding from the state and declining enrollment. Recent budget gaps have been clos…
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Parks and shoreline
Art Walk success. Halloween Events on the horizon and the Lighting of our Trees.
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Parks and shoreline
Tree Lighting Update!!!
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Parks and shoreline
HELP US BRING BACK HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING TO MADISON PARK.
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Parks and shoreline
Erik Wicklund (Wicklund Real Estate) and Brendan Casey (Parlour Wines) our sponsors for the last Music Music in the Park concert. Thank you!
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Markets
ART WALK- coming September 8, from 5-8 opening night reception. Sip wine and enjoy artists works in our local shops.
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Parks and shoreline
Neighbors danced to the salsa beat of Buena Vibra band, friends gathered for picnics and children delighted in our first Music in the Park evening.
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Parks and shoreline
July 31 Neighborhood Meeting- Lots of smiles and support for all that is happening with Friends of Madison Park.
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Parks and shoreline
July has begun with a fantastic turn out of the community for 2 significant events for Madison Park- LOVE HAPPENS HERE on July 11 and the CHILDREN’S PARADE AND PICNIC on July 15.
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Parks and shoreline
FRIENDS OF MADISON PARK has officially merged with Madison Park Community Council as of June 26th. Thanks so much for the tremendous turnout of our neighbors to vote on the merger. We are now officially a non-profit and can accept tax deductible donations.
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Parks and shoreline
Friends of Madison Park (FOMP) is pleased to announce that it is merging with the Madison Park Community Council (MPCC) to continue our common mission to enhance and support our neighborhood with events, programs and representation.
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Parks and shoreline
Attention Artists Check out our events Page. 2nd Neighborhood Meeting. Children’s Parade. Our Speaker Series beginning. Our Instagram page. Kids’ Concert Series? Madison Park Dance Party? Board Meeting. Bylaws.
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Parks and shoreline
A lot has happened in the past 2 weeks! Friends of Madison Park has been approved as a Non Profit. Next step is the IRS approval as a 501(c)(3) but we are moving along quickly and hoping to raise funds soon for the many events and programs being planned.
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News
Thanks so much to all who attended the neighborhood gathering at McGilvra’s Pub last week. Over 80 people signed in and more have signed up for updates and interest in volunteering on our website.
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