WPCRC hosted Madison’s first ever Youth Police Initiative (YPI) Feb. 18‒23. Eleven WPCRC teens participated in the program and engaged in exchanges about personal experiences, made presentations about choices they have made, and practiced public speaking with the goal of building relationships and trust with officers as well as decreasing biases and stereotypes. Big thanks to Julie from the Zeidler Center, Lisa from the Center for Community Stewardship, YPI facilitators Hayward and Oliver, Northside officers Dexhemier, Reyes and Vang, and our 11 youth leaders for making the program a success.

WPCRC will be hosting the 15th Annual Spring Fest Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday, April 6, from 9 am‒3 pm. Over 80 crafters from the Midwest will be selling their handmade goods. You can expect to see a variety of jewelry, baskets, garden art, cards, pottery, woodwork, baby gifts, soaps, balms, lotions, knitwear, paintings, home décor and more. It is the perfect place to find a unique gift for someone special or for yourself. Lunch and snacks will be for sale by the Madison Starlings Volleyball program.

After March Madness the real tournament begins with the Spring Break-A-Way 3ON3 Basketball Tournament Series. Northside teens compete in a round-robin tournament while enjoying a free meal, free skills clinic, live music and prizes donated from local businesses. Self-officiated games emphasize conflict resolution, sportsmanship and respect. With on-site registration, players simply have to show up with two friends or we will find a team for drop-in players. The tournament series is held Friday nights, April 19‒May 31, from 5‒9 pm, and includes middle school and high school divisions. 

 Don’t forget to stop by the recreation center and say hello. Check out our programs and stay connected by liking our Facebook page @WarnerParkCRC.