Shelter Reservation Policies and Cancelations
What to know BEFORE making a reservation.
- Full payment, by credit card only online is due at the time of processing your reservation. Save and bring your receipt or email as proof of purchase. Payment in person may be done by credit card, cash or check.
- Any required permits, such as amplified sound, temporary structure or alcohol are required at the time of processing.
- Reserving the shelter, does not reserve the entire park and does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group. Amenities such as restrooms, ball diamonds, tennis courts or play equipment are open to the public. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
- We are continually improving our park system and some projects may impact a nearby shelter. We make every attempt to block affected dates and locations; however, this is not a guarantee. Please review Parks Projects.
What to know AFTER confirming a reservation.
- Contact diggers hotline for placement of any approved structures such as a staked tent.
- Read receipt.
- Verify information – date, time, etc.
Rules
- Review and follow all Park Rules. Specifically noted:
- Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building.
- Glass is prohibited.
- Driving on grass is prohibited.
- Balloons are prohibited.
- Throwing streamers, glitter, confetti or rice is prohibited.
- Alcohol is allowed in most Madison parks. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which must be obtained at the time of making a reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not allowed.
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
- Vending, selling goods or services is prohibited without an approved Special Event Permit.
Setup and Cleanup
- Setup and cleanup must be done within the reserved hours.
- Use only painter's tape or freestanding decorations. Do not use nails, staples or glue.
- Most locations provide picnic tables. Please check with Parks staff at the time of your reservation for details. You may bring your own tables and chairs, if needed.
- Lights and outlets vary at each location. Please check with staff at the time of your reservation for details. Open-air shelter lights are on a timer.
- Additional fees may be charged for staff cleanup, park damage or policy violations.
Changes & Cancelations (fees apply)
- Changes can be made by calling the Parks Lakeside Offices at (608) 266-4711.
- Cancelation requests must be submitted to parks@cityofmadison.com or in writing to
- Madison Parks - Cancelations
330 E. Lakeside Street
Madison, WI 53715 - Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event.
| 28+ days before event | 11-27 days before event | 10 or fewer days before event | Undesirable Weather | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic Shelters* See locations | Change date or location | $10 administrative Fee | 75% credit transfer | No refund | No refund |
| Cancelation | Full refund minus $10 administrative fee** | 50% refund | No refund | No refund | |
| Large Shelters See locations | Change date or location | $25 administrative fee | 75% credit transfer | No refund | No refund |
| Cancelation | Full refund minus $25 administrative fee** | 50% refund | No refund | No Refund |
*Also includes Level 2 locations: Elvehjem, Esther Beach, Hoyt Roys, Lake View Heights, Marlborough, Penn
**Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event.