As a department of MMSD, MSCR (Madison School & Community Recreation) is involved in many partnerships with businesses and community-based organizations in Madison.

Safety Town is an example of a productive partnership that has produced an important community program, thanks to the work of the MSCR, Madison Fire Department, Safe Community Coalition and many local businesses. MSCR offers the program through their program guide, and serves over 100 children during the summer.

Safety Town has become such a successful partnership due to the fact that all the involved parties see value in the program. Since the program uses hands-on presentations and experiences to convey safety principles, the Safe Community Coalition and Madison Fire Department feel children are getting the experience of learning needed to make an impression at an early age.

The program is located in MMSD elementary schools, so it is not only a wonderful experience in terms of the content that they are exposed to, but also the experience of being in a school setting and learning some of the "School 101 Basics" such as lining up, listening for instructions and taking turns. Local businesses see the value in teaching children at an early age about safety. This is a great example of why, on so many levels, community partnerships are valuable in reaching a number of program goals.

Safety Town has already begun plans for summer 2007. The hope is to expand the sessions and numbers of children reached with this important safety information.

The Safety Town program owes a huge thanks to the valued sponsors who make this program possible including; AAA Wisconsin, Dean/St. Mary's, Madison Gas & Electric, State Farm Insurance and UW Children's Hospital. Scholarships are made available by Anchor Bank and State Farm Insurance, to ensure that every child who wants to may attend Safety Town.