Foundation for Dane County Parks

Our Impact in Dane County Parks

The Foundation is proud to be the philanthropic partner of the Dane County Parks, providing over two million dollars to date. Funds raised support accessibility improvements, youth education, land restoration, and much more.

With more than 19,000 acres, Dane County Parks is the largest county parks system in Wisconsin and is a leader in providing accessible outdoor recreation, environmental education, and wildlife habitat. From paddling and hiking in summer to cross country skiing and ice fishing in winter, Dane County Parks offers opportunities to connect with nature in every season.

Learn more about the Foundation Learn more about Dane County Parks

Our three focus areas

The Foundation helps keep Dane County Parks healthy through three branches of funding and involvement.

Special Projects

The Foundation has a variety of ongoing projects, like the Accessible Piers, aimed at keeping the Parks healthy and accessible to all.

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Partnerships

The Foundation has built various community partnerships that allow for expanded programming, such as the 'Healthy Parks, Healthy You' initiative.

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The Endowment

The Endowment, a program of the Foundation, provides permanent, non-supplanting funds for interpretation, education and volunteerism in the Parks.

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Supporting Our Parks

How to Support Dane County Parks

Our Impact

The Foundation is proud to be the philanthropic partner of the Dane County Parks, providing over two million dollars to date. Funds raised support accessibility improvements, youth education, land restoration, and much more.

Our impact over the years

Land Acknowledgement

The Foundation for Dane County Parks acknowledges and honors the inherent sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk Nation and all eleven American Indian Nations of Wisconsin. The land we are on is ancestral Ho-Chunk land from which they were forcefully removed. We are committed to cultivating and maintaining an ongoing collaboration and partnership with the Ho-Chunk people. Moreover, we recognize and acknowledge that we merely occupy the land as stewards, holding it in sacred trust so that we can pass it on to future generations.

$800,000+

raised for the Endowment

900+

Foundation supporters

4,200+

Parks' volunteers supported

$52,000+

awarded towards volunteer efforts

Featured Partnership

Healthy Parks, Healthy You

In a three-year partnership with Dean Health Plan by Medica, SSM Health, and Dane County Parks the Foundation is working to promote the connection between exploring our local Dane County Parks system and staying healthy. In 2021-2023, programming will focus on:

Raising awareness for the parks

Getting youth engaged in nature

Encouraging seniors to stay active

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Health Benefits

The latest from our blog

News

The Lower Yahara River Trail

William G. Lunney writes about the Lower Yahara River Trail - The Eighth Wonder of Dane County.

Healthy Parks, Healthy You Passport

Visit at least five recreation parks and submit your passport by December 31, 2024. Winners will be selected quarterly to win a $50 gift card.

Dedication at Salmo Pond County Park

The Foundation for Dane Parks had the honor of helping dedicate the new accessible fishing pier at Salmo Pond County Park on Black Earth Creek in memory of our colleague Dan Wisniewski.

Welcome to the Foundation for Dane County Parks

_{The Foundation supports and enhances the Dane County Parks through philanthropic community engagement.}

Welcome

Our Impact in Dane County Parks

Our three focus areas

Special Projects

Partnerships

The Endowment

Supporting Our Parks

How to Support Dane County Parks

Featured project

Healthy Parks, Healthy You

Our Impact

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

raised for the Endowment

Foundation supporters

Parks' volunteers supported

awarded towards volunteer efforts

Featured Partnership

Healthy Parks, Healthy You

Health Benefits

The latest from our blog

The Lower Yahara River Trail

Healthy Parks, Healthy You Passport

Dedication at Salmo Pond County Park

Recent Posts

About the Foundation

Support Dane County Parks

Welcome to the Foundation for Dane County Parks

The Foundation supports and enhances the Dane County Parks through philanthropic community engagement.

Welcome

Our Impact in Dane County Parks

Our three focus areas

Special Projects

Partnerships

The Endowment

Supporting Our Parks

How to Support Dane County Parks

Featured project

Healthy Parks, Healthy You

Our Impact

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

raised for the Endowment

Foundation supporters

Parks' volunteers supported

awarded towards volunteer efforts

Featured Partnership

Healthy Parks, Healthy You

Health Benefits

The latest from our blog

The Lower Yahara River Trail

Healthy Parks, Healthy You Passport

Dedication at Salmo Pond County Park

Recent Posts

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About the Foundation

Support Dane County Parks

_{The Foundation supports and enhances the Dane County Parks through philanthropic community engagement.}