Friday, May 8, 2026 at 6:15pm at Goodman Park Softball Field #1, 1402 Wingra Creek Pkwy
To learn more about MSCR’s Centennial year visit mscr/mscr-centennial
A Century of Play: Superintendent Steps Up to the Plate for MSCR’s Centennial
The crack of the bat isn’t the only sound that will be echoing through the Goodman Park softball diamonds this week; it is also the sound of a century-old relationship coming full circle.To kick off the summer softball season, Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Joe Gothard is taking to the mound for a commemorative first pitch. While the pitch was a strike, the real goal of the evening is to celebrate a massive milestone: MSCR Centennial, 100 years of Recreation.
Adult softball has been a cornerstone of Madison summers and MSCR since 1926. MSCR’s founders recognized the value of providing opportunities for connection and activity beyond the work and school day. The very first MSCR activities were adult softball and summer playground programs. One hundred years later MSCR has evolved into a powerhouse MMSD department offering a wide range of programs and annually serving 100,000 participants, and adult softball remains a summer staple.
More Than Just a Game
For many, MSCR is synonymous with afterschool programs, summer camps, fitness classes and adult sports leagues. However, the first pitch serves as a reminder of a unique organizational bond: MSCR is a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District.
“People often see MSCR and MMSD as separate entities, but they are truly two sides of the same coin — I know because my family has been participating in MSCR programs and attending MMSD since the 1940s,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent of MMSD. “I often share how my personal ties to MSCR have shaped me as an educator and community member. For more than 100 years, we’ve been able to support the whole child and the community by expanding our focus beyond the school day. We aren’t just educating students, we’re building a healthier, more connected Madison through every program and activity we offer.”
Why School-Community Recreation Matters
This “school community recreation” model—where the public recreation department is managed by the school district —is a rare gem that has allowed Madison to maximize public resources since 1926. By sharing facilities like gyms, fields and classrooms, MMSD and MSCR ensure that tax dollars work double-time delivering 100 years of Community Impact.
- Shared Spaces: School buildings serve as community hubs in the evenings and weekends. MSCR program sites are located throughout the city for community classes and programs.
- Seamless Transitions: Programs for students, including afterschool and camps, are integrated with their school environment.
- Lifelong Learning: MSCR serves more than 100,000 participants annually, offering programs for all ages at affordable prices.
100 Years of Recreation
MSCR’s Centennial is about celebrating 100 years of Recreation and Opportunity and recognizing the department’s role in Madison’s social fabric.
As the MSCR softball season gets underway, MSCR & MMSD encourage residents to join the celebration of 100 years of Fun. Whether you’re sliding into home or taking an art class, or your child or grandchild is participating in summer camp, you’re a part of a century-long legacy of enhancing the quality of life for the entire Madison community. Learn more at mscr.org or call 608-204-3000.
