Image og the Rock River running through Riverside Park in Watertown, WI

(Watertown, WI, December 26, 2025) The Watertown Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 sponsorship program, inviting local businesses and organizations to partner in supporting youth, family, and senior programming throughout the year. Each year, the department serves thousands of residents through sports leagues, enrichment classes, senior services, camps, and community-wide events. Sponsorships play a vital role in keeping these programs affordable, accessible, and enriching for all.

With rising costs affecting everything from youth t-shirts ($9.50 each) to bussing fees for summer camp field trips (averaging $400) to senior program expenses ($250–$1,500), community sponsorships ensure participation fees remain low while maintaining high-quality offerings. “These contributions do more than cover costs—they create opportunities, build connections, and foster a strong sense of community pride,” said Stephanie Juhl of the Watertown Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department.

A wide range of sponsorship levels is available for 2026, allowing businesses of all sizes to support meaningful experiences for children, families, and seniors. Sponsors receive recognition through press releases, social media, event signage, print and digital advertising, and on-site visibility. Many opportunities also include logo placement or the ability to provide promotional materials.

Available 2026 sponsorship opportunities include:

Youth Sports Programs

  • Youth Sport Leagues – $100 per team (58 total teams across soccer, baseball, and flag football)

  • Instructional Youth Programs – $200 per program (10 instructional programs serving about 20 participants each)

Rock River Day Camp

  • Field Trip Sponsors – $200 per trip (8 available), covering half of bussing costs

Senior Center Programs

  • Monthly Bingo Sponsors – approx. $100 value for prizes & refreshments

Special Events

  • $1,750 Holiday Party

  • $1,750 Veteran’s Day Event

  • $1,500 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

  • $750 Senior Citizen Day Celebration (or in-kind pizza or ice cream)

  • $500 Quarterly Birthday Parties

  • $500 Fundraiser Supplies

Enrichment Events

  • $1,250 Senior Center Program & Activity Supplies

  • $1,000 Senior Center Refreshment Supplies

  • $2,000 Intergenerational/Family Fun Nights

  • $1,250 Movie & Streaming Services

  • $750 Taxi Vouchers

  • $500 Membership Scholarships

  • $250 Newspaper Subscription

One-Time Building Improvements

  • Options include interior furniture upgrades, art and design enhancements, and accessibility improvements such as flooring, front desk, and restroom updates.

Entertainment & Community Events

  • Concert Sponsorships – $5,000–$10,000 (5 available)

  • Boo Bash – $1,000 (1 available)

  • Kids Fest – $2,500 (1 available)

  • Individual Activity Sponsorships – starting at $100

  • Make Your Business Sparkle Tree Sponsorship – $200 (18 available)

  • Holiday Decorations – any amount appreciated

Opportunities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses looking to maximize visibility throughout the year are encouraged to secure their sponsorship early.

For more information or to reserve a sponsorship opportunity, contact:
Kristine Butteris
Watertown Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department
kbutteris@watertownwi.gov | 920-262-8080

Watertown Parks, Recreation, and Forestry looks forward to partnering with local businesses to continue building a stronger, more connected Watertown community in 2026.