The Bayview Foundation was founded in 1966 by 15 residents who established the Bayview Townhouses and later the Bayview Community Center. The Lake Monona shoreline in this area, that now contains Brittingham Park, was once in such disrepair that it was called a “disease breeding hole” by a speaker at the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association in 1904. The speaker urged the city to renovate the area, pointing out that 90% of travelers in and out of Madison saw this bay as they traveled on the railroad. The city had worked on acquiring a small area of Monona Bay but was not yet ready to build a park on the site. In 1905, Thomas E. Brittingham, a prosperous Madison citizen, donated $8000 to the MPPDA to establish a 27 acre park. Brittingham was a Regent of the University of Wisconsin, and his former home was donated to the University. It is now the official home of the University of Wisconsin System President. Brittingham’s contributions for the Brittingham Park area continued through 1908 and totaled $24,500. In addition these donations, Brittingham's generosity can be seen throughout Madison, including Neighborhood House on South Mills Street, Madison General Hospital (now Meriter), and the statue of Abraham Lincoln on the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Bascom Hill.
After the Bayview Foundation's establishment in 1966, the residential population continued to grow. Today, the neighborhood is among the most diverse in Madison, representing areas of the world including Hmong, Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Cambodia, Columbia, China, many Africa nations, African-American and Native American nations. Over 20 different languages are spoken in this small area, and approximately 87% of the heads of household in the neighborhood were born outside the United States. In celebration of this diversity the foundation, along with neighbors, sponsors a number of programs, including Artsbridge and an annual Triangle Ethnic Festival. For children of lower and middle income families an after school program and Teen Nite program are available to supplement their educations. The Bayview Foundation website contains a great deal of information detailing available resources and activities for residents.
After the Bayview Foundation's establishment in 1966, the residential population continued to grow. Today, the neighborhood is among the most diverse in Madison, representing areas of the world including Hmong, Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Cambodia, Columbia, China, many Africa nations, African-American and Native American nations. Over 20 different languages are spoken in this small area, and approximately 87% of the heads of household in the neighborhood were born outside the United States. In celebration of this diversity the foundation, along with neighbors, sponsors a number of programs, including Artsbridge and an annual Triangle Ethnic Festival. For children of lower and middle income families an after school program and Teen Nite program are available to supplement their educations. The Bayview Foundation website contains a great deal of information detailing available resources and activities for residents.
