The largest community park in Madison Parks, Elver Park spans an impressive 250 acres in the southwest corner of the city. Here, you'll find a variety of recreational features offered throughout the year: hiking trails, accessible playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, splash park, disc golf course (permit required), reservable softball diamonds, soccer fields, and shelters. Winter sports include ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing (permit required)– all have lighting for evening recreation during the open season.
Splash Park: Madison Parks offers three splash parks - at Cypress, Reindahl and Elver 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 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.
Over 22 miles of signed and groomed trails await cross-country skiers at 7 Madison Parks locations. A PERMIT is required at three of the locations: Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills. All other trails are free to use.
2019 FEES
Daily
$7
Annual
$30
Senior (65+) & Disabled
$15
Replacement
$12
2019 permit valid through December 31, 2019
2020 permit available online beginning November 15 & valid for use in 2019
GROOMED = trail is open and recently groomed (date listed on the individual page)
OPEN = trail is snow covered, skiable but not recently groomed
CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
** To stay updated on the ski trail conditions, subscribe to email updates in My Account **
TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed 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 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
Madison Parks offers three disc golf courses seasonally. 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 for anyone age 16 years or older.
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.View all Dog On-Leash Areas
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks
Turville Point Conservation ParkView all Hiking
Madison Parks offers ice skating at 12 locations, plus the addition of a volunteer-maintained rink at Sunset Park. 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 below for additional amenities and open hours.
CLOSED ICE RINKS/LAGOONS
IF AN ICE RINK IS LISTED AS CLOSED, DO NOT SKATE!
Ice rinks are open once there is a consistent ice depth of 5 inches or greater.
In order to prevent extended closures due to damaged ice, rinks will also close if snow or meltwater are visible on the surface.
After a snowfall, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE SNOW FROM RINKS. Parks staff will perform this task after priority service areas (roads, bus stops, bike trails, etc.).
HOCKEY BOARDS: Olbrich, Tenney, Vilas, and Westmorland.
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.
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.
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.
Reservations and checking the 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: Tuesday, November 13, 2018
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 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.
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.
Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontally 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.
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.
The Elver Park sledding hill is one of the most popular and is lit for nighttime sledding during the open season. Sleds are available to purchase or to rent from the Elver Park winter shelter (see websitefor schedule).
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.
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
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.
Open daily 10am to 8pm!
Saturday, May 25 - Monday, September 2, 2019
Cool off this summer with a visit to a splash park! Madison Parks offers three splash parks that are always free to use and typically open daily the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend. New extended hours for 2019: 10:00am to 8:00pm!
Please report mechanical or operating issues: (608) 228-1298
Notes: Splash parks are free to use for children of all ages and open daily 10:00am - 8:00pm typically Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend.
Madison Parks has nearly 100 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
Practice Wall Locations:
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland Westhaven Trails
Basketball Court
Cross-Country Skiing
Disc Golf Course
Dog On-Leash Area
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get out and explore Madison Parks. Thousands of acres offer everything from easy strolls to hilltop climbs, meandering woodsy trails and open fields. Hike on a path through a conservation park where we focus on native plant restoration and animal communities. Or take a walk in one of our many neighborhood parks providing a series of paths and trails of varying lengths and features. Post your photos on social media using #madisonparks.JPG)
Ice Skating
Parking Lot
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
Playground
Restroom
Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks
Shelter - Reservable
Slacklining and Hammocking
Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizonta
lly 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
Sledding
Soccer Field
Softball Field
Splash Park
Tennis Court
