A Time for Generosity
Toy and Warm Clothes Drive
Join Friends of Madison Park and Wellspring Family Services through December 7 to collect warm clothing and toys for families in need.
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 support is greater than ever amid recent state and federal funding cuts.
Bins will be at Red Wagon Toys, Bert’s Red Apple and Parkshore Senior Living Community beginning Tuesday- December 7. Can’t bring toys or clothes to a bin? Want to do more? Make a gift at wellspringfs.org.
***There are so many worthy organizations, Wellspring among them. This organization has been in service to the Seattle community over 100 years. Wellspring Family Services recently announced the closure of its Early Learning Center- affecting 37 children- after losing more than $500,000 due to state budget cuts. For nearly four decades, the center provided free, high-quality, trauma-informed care that helped parents remain employed and work toward stability while overcoming homelessness and financial hardship. To learn more and to help, visit www.wellspringfs.org.
MADISON PARK THIS COMING FRIDAY!!
Music, Candy, Glow Sticks, Costumes, oh my…..Photo Ops for the kids at the Bathhouse!!
$5 at the door. at Pioneer Hall. Come see Eli Rosenblatt. Check him out HERE.
VOTE NOVEMBER 4TH!!!
Friends of Madison Park, along with partner community groups, is sharing short, candidate-submitted videos on our Facebook and Instagram as a strictly nonpartisan voter resource.
You can also check out the City of Seattle Video Voter’s Guide and the King County Elections page for more information including how to register to vote and how to return your ballot by mail or dropbox.
Happenings at McGilvra:
MCGilvra Fall Ball: Saturday, November 8th, 3-6 p.m.
The McGilvra PTA invites the whole community to join on the school grounds for a fall festival! Dance Party, Carnival Games, Face Painting, Food Truck, Cake Walk, Photo Booth, And other surprises! This event is free and open to the community, so bring your whole family and your neighbors for an afternoon of fun.
Visit McGilvra Elementary:
November 11 Meeting Canceled
Our November 11th Neighborhood Meeting- focused on the Bathhouse and Shoreline Restoration Project- must be postponed as we await decisions from Seattle Parks and Recreation on possible options for this project.
Neighborhood meetings in 2026 will take place quarterly. We strive to keep the community well-informed through our website/newsletters/social media and bulletin board and plan quarterly meetings to allow for deeper dives and discussions in the coming year. You can also stream meetings HERE.
Mark these Tuesday dates for 2026 Neighborhood Meetings:
January 13, April 14, July 14 and October 13. 7 pm Bathhouse.
Fall Clean-Up
Saturday November 15th/ 9-12.
Bring the kids! Get those Community Service Hours! There are no paid crews who sweep, rake and keep our business area clean- it’s up to us. Another way to give back to your community in just a couple of hours! And get some exercise! Join Us!
Check in at the corner of 41st Ave E at the Bank of America lot. Part of the City’s Adopt-A-Street program, the city provides tools and gloves and composting fall those sweet gum tree leaves! Sign up day-of or write to volunteer@friendsofmadisonpark.com.
Holiday Festivities in the works!
SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
No need to get in a car and fight the crowds at the mall. Or abandon all creativity and buy from Amazon. Grab that perfect one-of-a-kind gift right here in Madison Park, Arboretum Court and Madison Valley and support our wonderful local businesses!
Saturday, December 13th
A day packed with events from wreath making to tree lighting and singing in the park. Check out below!
*******Wreath Making Class at the Bathhouse- 10-12.
All skill levels welcome! Time has come to get your wintry spirit blooming. Join us for our third year of wreath making classes- a magical morning of crafting with guidance from Nicole Morgan who will show you how to weave your own unique, wild holiday wreath. Please gather a few fresh cuts from your own backyard and bring to class for a personal touch. Nicole will be bringing in evergreen, holly, rosemary, rose hips, ivy, and other winter bounty from the northwest to round out your backyard forage.
Complimentary pastries and tea will be available. Two kiddos are welcome to work with an adult. Price per person: $100. No refunds as foliage will be harvested the prior day. Register: https://givebutter.com/fomp-wreath-making-2025
*******Artisan Market at Pioneer Hall 10-4. Second Market Day, December 14th at Parlour Wines 12-4. 14 vendors and so many gift choices.
******Madison Park Coop Preschool Winter Event 3-4:30- Winter Wonderland party at the bathhouse! Bring your kiddos to make arts, crafts, and take holiday picture at their winter Photo Booth.
*******Light the Holiday Tree in the Park- 5-6 p.m.
December 21st
Santa photos at the Bathhouse at 6-9 p.m.- The Madison Park Co-op Preschool and Windermere host the festivities and Parkshore provides the cookies; Madison Park Hardware provides the hot cocoa.
Christmas Ships and Bonfire- 8:40-9:00 pm at Madison Park Beach. Christmas Ships are back again this year! Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition.
Notice Anything New In Madison Park?????
Our year+ long request for new crosswalks (plus stop sign on 43rd E and E Howe) to the Beach and Bathhouse have arrived! FoMP continues to seek improvements in our neighborhood- from sidewalk repairs to better crosswalks to parking stall lines and park upkeep. Join us, volunteer HERE.
