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Elver Park

Elver Park
Address: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type:> Community
Acres: 250.82
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes

Park History

Elver Park began in 1968. Its initial fifty-two acres were acquired by the City as the result of a deed in Mr. Charles Elver's will, stipulating that all of what remained of his estate following the passing of his wife and daughter be used to purchase a public park. From 1968 to 1988, subsequent land was acquired primarily through purchase, with the exception of a gift from the First Unitarian Society who contributed ten acres in 1979 to the expanding park. Consequently, Elver Park has grown to a respectable two hundred and twenty acres and currently remains one of the larger parks in the Madison district.

The recreational development of the park was accelerated thanks to financial contributions from independent, outside sources including the First Unitarian Society, and the Madison Metropolitan School District. In 1985, the funds provided by the Madison Metropolitan School District were invested specifically to create recreational softball facilities at Elver. In the same spirit, a generous donation by Mr. Clarence Duwe in 1997 allowed for the construction of a five thousand square foot shelter at Elver Park. It was intended that this building be, in part, erected as a memorial to Mr. Duwe's family, who began farming the northeast corner of Elver Park in 1911. Shortly after the new shelter had been completed, it was awarded the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association Excellence Award in the year 2000.

Elver Park At a Glance

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At this Park

  • Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations.

    View all Basketball Courts

    • Elver Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by tennis courts
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 1 full

    • Elver Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by woods
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2 full

  • Over 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers at 7 Madison Parks locations. Equipment rentals, concessions, and restrooms are available at three locations.

    Elver Park (daily)
    Odana Hills (weekends & holidays)
    Yahara Hills (weekends & holidays)

    PERMITS
    The 2018 cross-country ski permit is valid through December 31, 2018 and is required at Elver Park, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills golf courses and groomed Dane County Park trails. This permit is valid from date of issue through December 31 of the permit year.

    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • The ski trails are typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions at the time.
    • Fee-based trails will have a higher level of grooming (3-4 times a week, as conditions allow) and are groomed for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free ski trails are groomed weekly, as weather conditions allow for classic cross-country skiing. 
    • We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
    • Permit fees are non-refundable
    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS:
    • GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on individual page). Trail is rolled for both skate and classic skiing and when possible tracks are set for classic skiing
    • OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
    • CLOSED = skiing not permitted, please remain off trails

    To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account.  


    TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
    • Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
    • Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
    • Skiers stay on groomed trails only
    • No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
    • Slower skiers please stay to the right

    View all Cross-Country Skiing

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    4/16/18 Update: ALL TRAILS AND FIELDS REMAIN CLOSED. Please no cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing on park land, including ALL GOLF COURSES. Even after the recent snowfall, skiing or snowshoeing can and will damage fields and greens as we attempt to open these as soon a possible.

  • Madison Parks offers three disc golf courses seasonly. Hiestand and Elver are open late spring through early fall and Yahara Hills is open late fall through early spring. A daily or annual permit is required to play at each of the courses. Interested in trying out or learning the basics of the game - for free? Make plans for Saturday, May 26 - FREE DISC GOLF DAY!

    HOW TO PURCHASE A PERMIT
    • Online
    • Glide – Disc Golf Pro Shop, 4222 Milwaukee St, Suite 7
    • Play it Again Sports, 6674 Odana Rd
    • Madison Parks administration office, 210 MLK Jr. Blvd, Room 104
    • Course Kiosk
    COST OF A PERMIT: required for all players age 16 & older
    • Annual Pass: $40.00
      • Permits are valid for a full calendar year:
        • 2018 permit is valid January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
      • Permits for the following year are available after November 15 of the current year: 
        • 2019 permit will be available after November 15, 2018
    • Daily: $5.00 (available at the course kiosk)
    • Replacement (Annual Pass): $12.00

    SCORECARDS:
    Disc Golf Course Volunteer Days: Each spring volunteers assist with the course cleanup and setup. Typically this happens on a couple Saturdays in April and/or May, depending on the ground and course conditions. Please email for more information or to signup.

    View all Disc Golf Courses

    • Elver Park Disc Golf Course

      Location: 1250 McKenna Boulevard
      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

  • Take your pooch to a park: 26 locations


    Licensed and permitted dogs are allowed, on-leash & on path as posted in the following 26 parks.

    In February 2017 the Board of Park Commissioners and the Madison Common Council approved the on-leash dog parks pilot program. More information. In summary, under this ordinance, an additional 14 parks joined the existing 12 parks where dogs are permitted on-leash and on-path, where posted. It is the intent that within these new parks, dogs will be limited to the paved paths, or within six-feet thereof, which will be posted as such at the entrances, subject to the existing requirements that the dog be under the owner or handler's control, the dog is licensed and has a permit to use dog exercise areas.

    All other parks, with the exception of the 8 off-leash dog parks, dogs are not allowed, including children's play areas, beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks or in any park building.

    PERMIT FREE DAY: Madison Parks in partnership with Dane County Parks annually offer one "free day" per year when no permit is requied. This is typically in June and posted at least one month in advance.

    View all Dog On-Leash Areas

    • Elver Park - Dog On-Leash Area

      Location: 1240 McKenna Blvd., below sled hill

      Notes: Open March 15 - November 15
  • Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres in our parks offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering walks through woodsy trails and open fields. You can hike through many of our conservation parks that feature natural areas that focus on the restoration of native plant and animal communities. While our neighborhood parks provide a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features great for walking. View all Hiking

  • 2/21/18 CLOSED FOR THE SEASON: After the recent rain and warmer temps, staff have evaluated the ice conditions at rinks and lagoons across the city. Unfortunately, the ice has deteriorated significantly, and due to the predicted warmer temps and sunny skies, we will not be able to repair them. As of 2/21/18, all ice rinks and lagoons are closed for the season.

    Madison Parks offers ice skating at 12 locations. Elver, Tenney and Vilas parks offer a staffed warming shelter with ice skate rentals and concessions. During the winter season, the status of an ice rink or frozen lagoon can change from day-to-day -- before you step out, be sure to check below the status of your favorite rink. Select the individual location additional amenities, and open hours.

    IMPORTANT NOTE on the status: For the safety of everyone, ice rinks are only open with a consistent ice depth of greater than 5 inches and when cleared of snow. Please remain off the ice unless listed as OPEN below. 

    You may consider subscribing to our email updates through My Account.

    HOCKEY BOARDS: Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Vilas, Westmorland

    EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:


    ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
    Recognizing the value in year-round outdoor recreation, the Adopt Ice Partnership relies on dedicated volunteers to assist parks staff with flooding the rink, removing snow, and overall keeping the rink in good condition. Through this partnership we are able to offer additional ice skating rinks beyond those solely maintained by Parks staff. For more information or to volunteer at an Adopt Ice rink, please email.

    View all Ice Skating

    • Elver Park - Ice Skating

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
      Available: Skate Rental and Concessions
      Maintained By: City of Madison Parks Division
      Closed

      More Information: Skating at Elver Park
  • Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks.  Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed.  Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots

  • Madison Parks has 175 playgrounds to spark your imagination right in your neighborhood. In fact, the City of Madison has the most playgrounds per resident of any city in the nation, with almost 2 more playgrounds per 1,000 residents than the city that got second place!  From swing sets, to unique climbing features our playgrounds are perfect for your toddler to your teen. 

    View all Playgrounds

    • Elver Park - Playground

  • Restrooms are located throughout the parks system and in most cases in a park with a reservable shelter.  Most of the restrooms are available only during the summer months. Restrooms available during the winter months include those open for winter activities at the following parks:   Tenney, Vilas, Elver, Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks.

    No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

    View all Restrooms

    • Elver Park Shelter #1

      Location: 1260 McKenna Blvd
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

    • Elver Park Shelter #2 (Enclosed)

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

    • Elver Park Softball Restrooms

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No
  • Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing.  Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks

  • Reservations and checking availability of our larger shelters may be completed ONLINE or you may call the Madison Parks Office at (608) 266-4711 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:15 pm. More information and details on reserving a large shelter may be found in our Shelter Reservations Guide.


    Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October. There are a few exceptions:

    Please Note: We are continually improving our park system. Some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. Prior to making a reservation, please visit Parks Projects for more information on specific parks.

    FEES:
    Pricing varies depending on the shelter and may be viewed here. 

    SPECIAL NOTES: 
    • Picnic shelters are also reservable or available on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group.  Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other facilities within the park. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
    • Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. There are a handful of parks that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing your reservation.
    • Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation.  The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible, however this is not a guarantee.  Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continues throughout the year.  Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
    • Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
    • The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation. 
    • 2019 RESERVATIONS: Available beginning on Lottery Day - Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

    ANNUAL LOTTERY DAY


    WHAT IS LOTTERY DAY?  This is the first day you may make a shelter reservation for the following year. Held typically on the 2nd Tuesday in November, the day begins with in-person reservations (see below), and follows with phone-in and online reservations.
     
    WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

    • Beginning at 7:30am on and ending promptly at 7:59am, each party wishing to reserve a park shelter is given a numbered lottery ticket. The distribution takes place in the lobby of the City-County Building, outside the Parks Administrative Office (210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Rm. 104)
      • Due to the random drawing process, arriving prior to 7:30am is not recommended or necessary. The building is locked until 7:30am.
      • Only ONE lottery ticket is given to each party reserving a shelter. Failure to abide by this rule may forfeit your eligibility in the Lottery Day process.
    • Beginning at 8:00am, random lottery tickets are drawn. This order establishes when reservations are processed.
      • If you arrive after the drawing begins, you will need to wait until the Lottery Day process is complete before you may place your reservation. 
    • Cash, checks or credit cards (MasterCard or Visa) are accepted for your full payment, which is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits. 
    • Dates NOT available due to long-standing annual Special Events listed HERE.
    • Cancellation Policy: Reservations made during the Lottery Day process will receive only a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the reservation. Within 10 days, no refunds are provided.

    View all Large Shelters

    • Elver Park Shelter #1

      Address: 1260 McKenna Blvd
      Capacity: Seats 100 people
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details

    • Elver Park Shelter #2 (Enclosed)

      Address: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      Capacity: Seats 60 people inside, 80 people outside
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details
  • Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontaslacklininglly between two anchor points. Slacklining and hammocking, under policy are allowed at specific times and on specific park trees. In December 2017, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a policy and guidelines for slacklining and hammocking on park trees. The policy provides inforomation on when, where and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees.  View all Slacklining and Hammocking

  • Madison Parks offers many hills perfect for winter sledding. The locations listed  below are few suggestions for ideal sledding with a good snow base. Sledding hills are not maintained by parks staff.

    PLEASE NOTE: For your safety, and to uphold the quality of our landscapes, please do not use the sledding hills without a significant snow base.

    View all Sledding

    • Elver Park - Sledding

      Warming House: Yes
      Concessions: Yes

  • Many of the soccer fields are programmed with youth and adult league play.  If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.
     

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.
     

    View all Soccer Fields

    • Elver Park - Soccer #1

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Youth
      Type: Game

    • Elver Park - Soccer #2

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Elver Park - Soccer #3

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Elver Park - Soccer #4

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

  • Many of the softball diamonds are programmed with youth and adult league play.  If you are looking to join a league contact Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR).  If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.

    View all Softball Fields

    • Elver Park Softball #1

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

      Notes: Frequently reserved by various recreational organizations.

    • Elver Park Softball #2

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

      Notes: Frequently reserved by various recreational organizations.

    • Elver Park Softball #3

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

      Notes: Frequently reserved by various recreational organizations.

    • Elver Park Softball #4

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

      Notes: Frequently reserved by various recreational organizations.

  • Cool Off This Summer at a Splash Park!

    Madison Parks offers three splash parks featuring spray toys and fountains for children of all ages. They are free to use! Our goal is to be open daily 10:00am - 7:00pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend - weather permitting.

    Please report mechanical or operating issues: (608) 228-1298.              

    View all Splash Parks

    • Elver Park Splash Park

      # of Water Features:
      Surface:

      Notes: Madison Parks offers three splash parks featuring spray toys and fountains for children of all ages. They are free to use and open daily 10:00am - 7:00pm typically Memorial Day Weekend and continuing, weather permitting through Labor Day weekend.

  • Madison Parks has 92 tennis courts.  Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When courts are reserved, at least one must be left available for pick-up play. Please note that all tennis leagues and all tennis instructors must pay for a reservation, no matter the location.

    Go to: Athletic Field Reservations.

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Elver Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

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