MADISON PARKS AND RECREATION, BETHANY LEGACY FOUNDATION, AND JANE’S KIDS CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP TO KEEP CRYSTAL BEACH ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Partnership that helps ensure every family and child has the opportunity to enjoy summer at Crystal Beach

Madison, Indiana  – The City of Madison Parks and Recreation is pleased to continue a meaningful partnership that helps ensure every family and child in Jefferson County, Indiana has the opportunity to enjoy summer at Crystal Beach Aquatic Park.

Now entering its third year, this initiative remains possible through the support of Jane’s Kids and Bethany Legacy Foundation.

Through this partnership, families and individuals facing financial hardship can receive free day passes to Crystal Beach Aquatic Park, removing cost as a barrier to summer fun. The shared goal is simple: every family deserves the chance to cool off, connect, and create lasting memories at Crystal Beach.

Families experiencing financial hardship with at least one child in the household will first be directed to apply through Jane’s Kids, which provides free day passes for children. Enrollment in SNAP or WIC is not required for this portion of the program.

Families and individuals who qualify for SNAP or WIC may apply for passes funded by Bethany Legacy Foundation. Applicants do not need to have a child in the household to qualify. These passes allow for up to 20 visits to Crystal Beach throughout the summer. Additional benefits may also be available for qualifying participants, including concession stand snacks and drinks, swimming lessons, water fitness classes, and other aquatic programming. This portion of the program is available to the first 400 qualifying individuals.

Dora Anim, President & CEO of Bethany Legacy Foundation, shared, “When individuals and families have the opportunity to gather, play, and recharge, it strengthens the entire community. We are grateful to partner with Madison Parks and Recreation and Jane’s Kids to remove barriers to recreation, support mental health, and create space for connection and well-being.”

Mayor Bob Courtney added, “Recreation is important for everyone, especially children.  Our community partnerships are removing barriers so that all children and families in our community can experience Crystal Beach.  When community partners come together with a shared mission, we can make a real difference.”

To begin the application process, families and individuals must visit River Valley Resources at 100 E. 2nd Street in Madison between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, to complete a brief application. Applications open April 6 and will be awarded in the order they are received while funding remains available.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Proof of address is required, and applicants must reside in Jefferson County, Indiana.

This first step allows staff to determine which program the applicant qualifies for. Once eligibility is confirmed, the information will be shared with the Parks Department team to complete the process.

Individuals seeking to apply for passes funded by Bethany Legacy Foundation should bring proof of SNAP or WIC enrollment with them at the time of application.

For questions, please contact the City of Madison Parks and Recreation Athletic Director, Brett Cahall at bcahall@madison-in.gov.