Goodman Community Center Madison Wisconsin: Visitor Guide

Goodman Community Center: Quick Visitor Facts

Ironworks vs. Brassworks: Which Address Should You Use?

Both buildings are on Waubesa Street in the Atwood neighborhood, but they have different entrances and program spaces.

Goodman Community Center Opening Hours

Holidays and Center Closures

The center lists closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the following day, and December 24 through January 1.

Next major seasonal closure: December 24, 2026–January 1, 2027. This affects the buildings, food pantry and regular programming.

When Madison schools close because of snow, Goodman closes its facilities and cancels food and youth/senior programming. Other severe weather situations can cause different restrictions, so check the website or phone system before traveling.

Fritz Food Pantry: Free Groceries, Hours & How to Shop

The Fritz Food Pantry provides groceries to households who need food assistance. You do not need to be a Goodman Community Center fitness member or participate in another paid program to shop there.

Food Pantry Hours

Location: Ironworks Building, 149 Waubesa Street. Enter through the separate pantry door at the north end of the building, near the basketball courts and railroad tracks.

What Food Is Available?

Depending on donations and supply, groceries may include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy products, dry goods and other staples. Staff attempt to accommodate dietary needs including low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free and culturally familiar foods when possible.

How to Visit the Pantry for the First Time

1. Choose a pantry day: Tuesday morning, Wednesday evening or Thursday midday.
2. Plan one household visit per week: Goodman defines a household as people who live and eat together.
3. Go to Ironworks: Navigate to 149 Waubesa Street, not the Brassworks mailing address.
4. Find the pantry entrance: Look beside the basketball courts on the north end of the Ironworks building.
5. Arrive within the shopping window: Goodman recommends arriving no earlier than around 10 minutes before opening and no later than 15 minutes before closing.
6. Follow the line procedure: Shoppers present shortly before opening are assigned a randomized position rather than being rewarded for lining up very early.
7. Shop for groceries: Follow volunteer instructions and bring bags or a cart if possible.

Delivery is not available through the pantry, but a trusted family member or friend may shop on your behalf. On-site parking is free, with street parking as an alternative when the lot is full.

Lussier Fitness Center: Hours, Equipment & Membership Prices

The Lussier Fitness Center is a self-service fitness facility with cardio equipment, free weights and strength-training machines. Goodman does not provide an on-site personal trainer to instruct users on every machine.

Fitness Center Hours

The fitness center opens earlier than the general center on weekdays. Members use their access card or key fob; purchases and front-desk assistance take place during staffed center hours.

Fitness Membership Price Comparison

What Equipment Is Available?

• Cardiovascular machines, including rowing equipment.
• Free weights, dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells.
• Weightlifting and cable machines.
• Squat and bench racks.
• Resistance bands, TRX equipment and medicine balls.
• Yoga mats, foam rollers and related fitness accessories.
• Locker rooms and showers.

How to Get Access

1. Select a single visit or membership term from the price table.
2. Visit the Ironworks front desk during regular center hours.
3. Purchase the membership or valid drop-in pass.
4. For a membership, receive your entry card or key fob.
5. Use the key card to enter and check into the fitness area.
6. Bring a water bottle and suitable workout shoes.

Age rule: Users must be 18 or older. Youth ages 17 and under are not allowed inside the fitness center.

Lost card: The published replacement charge is $5.

Preschool, 4K, Elementary Programs & Teen Activities

Goodman offers state-licensed and city-accredited childcare, preschool and elementary after-school programming, plus middle school and high school enrichment through Lussier LOFT.

Childcare and School Programs

Goodman’s childcare programs have a 5-star Wisconsin YoungStar rating. Tuition, enrollment availability and scholarship assistance vary by program. The published elementary after-school program for the 2026–27 school year is full, so a program description does not guarantee an available space.

Who Can Attend the Elementary After-School Program?

The school-year program is specifically for kindergarten through fifth-grade children attending Lowell or Emerson elementary schools. Transportation from those schools is arranged as part of the program. This is not a general citywide drop-in after-school service.

Teen Programs Through Lussier LOFT

Middle school programming includes homework support, creative activities, social-emotional learning, food, fitness and community involvement. Goodman describes eligible middle-school LOFT programming as free.

High school participants may access clubs, academic assistance, leadership activities, career readiness and TEENworks employment-related experiences.

How to Ask About Youth Enrollment

1. Choose preschool, 4K, elementary after-school, middle school or high school programming.
2. Verify the child’s age, school and grade eligibility.
3. Check whether applications are currently open or the program is full.
4. Ask for the current fee schedule and available childcare assistance.
5. Complete the authorized enrollment and consent process.
6. Confirm school transportation, pickup rules, meals and program start dates.

Childcare enrollment contact: Ashley Rounds, ashley@goodmancenter.org, 608-279-2808.

Older Adult Programs: Lunch, Activities & Transportation

Goodman’s Older Adult Program provides activities and support for people age 50+, while its in-person weekday lunch program is specifically available to people age 60 and older.

Weekday Lunch Program

Meal reservations: 608-204-8027.

Transportation through Transit Solutions may be available when requested while making a meal reservation. The suggested contribution is $0.50 each way.

Activities for Older Adults

Examples include yoga, walking groups, foot care clinics, community gatherings, learning activities and other social and health-related programs. Some activities have registration limits or fees.

How to Attend Lunch for the First Time

1. Confirm you meet the age requirement of 60 or older.
2. Call 608-204-8027 to reserve your first lunch.
3. Ask about dietary needs and available transportation.
4. Arrive at Ironworks, 149 Waubesa Street.
5. Find the Bolz Rooms and speak to the lunch host.
6. Review the current menu and future meal participation arrangements.

Room Rentals, Weddings & Meeting Spaces

Goodman has a range of rental rooms for small meetings, celebrations, presentations, classes and weddings. The biggest spaces are in Brassworks, while many meeting rooms and the gymnasium are in Ironworks.

Room Capacity Comparison

Capacity depends on seating arrangement, tables, dance space, accessibility needs and the type of event. The largest combined Christensen rooms offer historic industrial architecture, built-in presentation equipment and event facilities.

How Much Does Renting a Room Cost?

Goodman’s rates vary by room, day and time of use. Room rental is charged for the full access period, including setup and cleanup. The center publishes a separate room-rate schedule and wedding packages.

Additional published charges: Events other than wedding packages that continue after normal closing time may incur a $15-per-hour security charge. Tablecloth rental is listed at $8 each, and 25 linen napkins at $25 per pack. Certain audiovisual equipment, service kitchens and other amenities may cost extra.

Because hourly room prices vary substantially and can be updated, compare the exact selected room on the center’s current rate page rather than assuming a single community-center rental rate.

Booking Timeline and Deposit Rules

• Small events: inquire at least two weeks before the event.
• Larger events: allow at least one month.
• Weddings: often planned around a year in advance.
• Full payment is due within two weeks of receiving the contract and includes the applicable security/damage deposit.
• For most non-wedding events, cancellations at least 14 days ahead may qualify for a refund less a $25 administration fee; later cancellations may be nonrefundable.

Step-by-Step Rental Inquiry

1. Compare rooms by capacity, building and accessible features.
2. Choose a date plus alternative dates if possible.
3. Estimate guests, room arrangement and equipment needs.
4. Include setup, event and cleanup times.
5. Open Goodman’s Room Reservation Inquiry form.
6. Enter contact information, event name, preferred date, guest count, service requirements and nonprofit/tax-exempt details where applicable.
7. Complete the required verification and submit.
8. Goodman says its hospitality team generally responds within 3–5 days regarding availability.
9. Review the Room Use Contract, prices, cancellation provisions and final payment requirements before confirming.

Important Event Rules

Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted; beverages served on the premises must follow the center’s licensed service arrangements. Weddings use Goodman’s exclusive caterer. Avoid balloons, glitter, confetti, sequins and decorations that can damage the property. Ask before arranging DJs or amplified music, because some spaces have restrictions.

Activities, Classes & Community Events

Goodman’s calendar includes recurring fitness sessions, community gatherings, workshops and special events. Unlike childcare or food pantry services, many are individual drop-in activities.

Goodman’s 2026 Thanksgiving Basket Drive is also underway, with a goal of helping 4,000 families obtain Thanksgiving groceries. Participation details for donors and recipients differ from the regular food pantry program.

Goodman Community Center Map, Parking & Directions

Map displays Ironworks at 149 Waubesa Street. Brassworks is a separate nearby building.

Parking & Public Transportation

Goodman provides free on-site parking, but the parking lots are limited. Neighborhood street parking may be available, subject to posted restrictions. The center is near the Capital City Bike Trail, and visitors can plan Madison Metro Transit trips using the destination address.

For a large event, accessible drop-off or special transportation needs, confirm the event building and arrival arrangements with your organizer.

Before You Go: 7 Practical Reminders

1. Use the correct building: Ironworks and Brassworks have different addresses.
2. Check the department schedule: Fitness, pantry and lunch hours are different from general campus hours.
3. For pantry shopping: Use the north-side entrance by the basketball courts.
4. For older-adult lunch: First-time guests need a reservation; regular 50+ program eligibility is not the same as the 60+ lunch age requirement.
5. For childcare: Check school and enrollment eligibility before submitting an application.
6. For rental events: Include setup/cleanup time and confirm the exact room.
7. In bad weather: Check closure announcements before leaving home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More Community Center Guides

For comparison with other centers offering recreation, programs and community facilities, explore these related guides on our website.

• Olathe Community Center — Fitness admission, aquatic facilities and event rentals.
• Issaquah Community Center — Recreation programs, fitness activities and facility information.
• Lubber Run Community Center — Sports schedules, memberships and room reservations.

Official Goodman Resources

• Contact, Both Building Addresses, Hours & Closures
• Fritz Food Pantry Hours & Services
• Food Pantry First-Visit Instructions
• Fitness Center Pricing & Rules
• Preschool, 4K & Childcare Information
• Elementary After-School Program Eligibility
• Older-Adult Meal Information
• Room Types, Capacities & Features
• Room Rental Rates
• Official Room Booking Inquiry
• Upcoming Community Activities