As I write this, I can’t help but notice how bright the sun is shining today and realize that winter is on its way out and spring is right around the corner — especially considering we are hosting the 14th Annual Spring Fest in a few short weeks. Stop by Saturday, April 7, from 9 am‒3 pm to shop for locally made arts, crafts, personal products and crazy knick-knacks. Lunch and snacks will be for sale by the NESYB basketball program. You can support a local youth program and shop for that new jewelry set you’ve always wanted.

Warner Family Fun Nights continue April 13 and May 11. We will have pottery and art projects, bouncy houses, family bingo and more fun to kick off the spring season. We’ll “Swing into Spring” April 13 with help from the Madison Mallards and a visit from Maynard as they gear up for spring training. May 11 we will be celebrating moms and showing our appreciation with a Mother’s Day theme.

For the past four months, I have worked on creating a Racial Equity team for the Madison Parks Division to continue the good work of the citywide Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative (RESJI). The Parks Division is committed to ensuring every member of our community has access to the resources needed to enjoy our services. This team will focus on shifting departmental cultures to further racial equity in the workplace and in the community and establish racial equity and social justice as a core principal in all decisions, policies and functions. I am happy to announce we have launched this initiative and have started the work.

As we start to make our way outside to enjoy the spring season, don’t forget to visit your neighborhood park or stop into the WPCRC to say hello. See you at WPCRC, where everyone is welcome.