Freedom Park was built so that the Bicentennial Barge would have a place to land in Schenectady County in 1976. The former dumping ground for unset concrete and discarded construction materials was transformed into a lovely amphitheater and stage on the banks of the Mohawk River; an idyllic setting for the production of "Ballad for Americans." After a wonderful summer of historical and patriotic festivities, soon to be Mayor Dennis Madden, realized that Scotia now had a fine performance venue - and no plans to use it in the future. Thus was born the Freedom Park Foundation.

When Dennis found employment out of state, the Foundation continued to present weekly Wednesday programs through the '80s and '90s under the leadership of new President, Nell Burrows. The small core of volunteers has expanded significantly the last few years. The summer program has expanded from 8 to 20 with shows presented each Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. A new stage was constructed in 1998 and named the "Dennis Madden Stage."