All Madison Parks are open with some adjustments and closures in place until further notice. We continue to follow the current order of Forward Dane and this page will be updated as new information is received. (Updated 02/08/2021)

NOTE: Due to limited staffing resources, visitors may see a service level disruption. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as we allocate the limited resources as best as we are able. We recognize these difficult decisions related to services impact our community and they are not easy to make.

PRECAUTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Now more than ever, parks and open spaces play a critical role in our mental and physical wellbeing. Help us keep parks open by following these overall precautions and recommendations when spending time outside. Most park amenities and facilities are open. To inquire please call (608) 266-4711 or email for more information. 

• Plan ahead. Use the restroom before you leave your home and bring your own water.
• When at the park, maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from people outside of your household.
• After touching common surfaces, use hand sanitizer or when available, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid crowded locations. Consider an alternate entrance, if available or another park.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces and objects, such as picnic tables, before using.
• As always, do not litter. Put trash in a receptacle, when available or take it with you.

Additional recommendations by Public Health Madison & Dane County:

• If you feel sick, stay home.
• Wear a cloth face-covering when in public.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cough or sneeze in your elbow. 

CLOSED

Many of our summer amenities such as restrooms are closed for the season.​​​​​ We anticipate the reopening process which takes several weeks to begin in April. 

• Parks Administration Offices - staff is available by email or by leaving a phone message. Many services are available online.  

  • City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Room 104. 
    Online Services: shelter reservations, special events, permits, canoe/kayak storage 
    Phone: (608) 266-4711 (please leave a message) Email: parks@cityofmadison.com
  • Forest Hill Cemetery - staff is available by appointment only. 
    Location: 1 Speedway Road 
    Phone: (608) 266-4720
    Email: foresthillcemetery@cityofmadison.com

  • Goodman Maintenance Facility 
    Location: 1402 Wingra Creek Pkwy 
    Phone: (608) 266-4711 
    Email: parks@cityofmadison.com

OPEN

The following park facilities and amenities are open with adjustments and precautions. Follow guidelines as outlined under PRECAUTIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS and posted onsite including physical distancing from people outside of your household and wearing a mask.

Warner Park Community Recreation Center - with adjustments. Review Safe Return Plan before your visit.

Winter Recreation - See Winter Recreation in Madison Parks

Olbrich Botanical Gardens  - Review THINGS TO KNOW before your visit.

Playgrounds 

Basketball Courts

• Play with members of your immediate household only
• Pickup games are not allowed with persons outside of your immediate household since it is not possible to maintain 6ft physical distancing.

Tennis and Pickleball Courts

• Avoid direct contact with shared equipment, game balls, and others such as paddle tapping (pickleball) and hand contact.
• Drinking fountains are not available.
• Do not gather in groups or congregate before or after play.
• No organized groups: including lessons, team practices, or matches. 

Disc Golf

• Purchase and show proof of a daily or annual permit and must be purchased online or by calling (608) 266-4711, Monday - Friday (8am to 4:30pm)

  • On-site kiosk is closed. 
• Do not gather in groups or congregate before or after play. Max 4 players per hole.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

• Purchase daily or annual permit online or by calling (608) 266-4711, Monday - Friday (8am to 4:30pm). Onsite kiosks are closed. 

Paths and Trails

Tips for Walking and Running

• When in busy areas, walk single file lines or with just one child when out with household members. 
• Avoid stopping on the path as it makes it hard for other users to pass safely, step off to an area off the path. 
• When walking with your dog, please keep it under control and away from other users.

• Ride cautiously and within your ability level. 
• Do not forget to let others know you are passing. 
• Only pass when you can maintain 6 feet of distance from other users. 
• Do not pass in between people walking in opposite directions. 
• No group riding or rolling with people outside your household.
• When active with household members, keep your group small. 

View Forward Dane for more information.