Playgrounds
With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land's ParkScore (2025), Madison scores 100 out of 100 points or 32.6 per 10,000 children, for the number of basketball hoops provided to its residents.
Playground for Everyone
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers accessible playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver, Rennebohm and Warner parks. An accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park in the near future.
Nature Playgrounds
A nature playground uses natural materials such as logs, rocks, plants, and the surrounding land to create a play environment that encourages children to explore and connect with nature. Nature play elements can combined with traditional playground equipment like slides, swings and climbers. Check out Brittingham Park and Olbrich Park to get you started, other parks include Paunack, Garner, Tenney, Westmorland and Wingra.
Playground Replacements: How and When
Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's condition and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and the current playground audit score for prioritization.
Replacement Process: Neighborhood Input
At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.
If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know.
Locations
Carpenter - Ridgeway Park Playground
Lucy Lincoln Hiestand Park Playground
Olive Jones Park (Randall School) Playground
Veterans Memorial Park Playground
Wingra Park and Boat Livery Playground
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Brittingham Park Playground
Three playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Eastmorland Park Playground
2 playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
James Madison Park Playground
Two playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Olbrich Park Playground
Three playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sandburg Park Playground
Two playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Stevens Street Park Playground
Two playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tenney Park Playground
Two playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
Vilas (Henry) Park Playground
Three playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
Warner Park Playground
Two playgrounds.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-