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. 
 

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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. 

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• Cypress Splash Park - Playground

Splash Park News

• Open daily, 10am to 8pm through Memorial weekend through Labor Day. 
• Four splash parks are free to use, including the newly opened Jeff Erlanger Sprayground at Rennebohm Park. 
• Restrooms available at each location. 

Splash Park Rules

• Do not enter the splash park area if you have a communicable disease or an open cut.
• Do not bring food, drink, gum, or tobacco into the splash park area.
• Shower immediately before entering the splash park and after use of a steam room, sauna, or toilet facilities.
• Do not run or engage in rough play in the splash park area.
• Do not bring animals into the splash park area.
• Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
• Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the splash park area.
• Alcohol is prohibited in the splash park area.
• Do not swing, climb, hang or pull on any splash park equipment.
• The City of Madison reserves the right to close the splash park and immediate area due to required maintenance, special events, inclement weather, or by public health order.
• The City of Madison has the authority to enforce all park rules and reserves the right to remove any person(s) from the splash park that are not in compliance with these rules and regulations.

Restrooms and To Activate Park Water Features

• Cypress: Activation Push Button, portable accessible, restroom onsite
• Elver: Activation Push Button, nearby restrooms at either shelter
• Reindahl: Activation Push Buttons, accessible restrooms accessed inside the gated fence
• Jeff Erlanger Accessible Play and Sprayground at Rennebohm Park, restrooms in nearby park shelter
  • Thanks to the Madison Parks Foundation, the addition of the sprayground, which opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2025, enhances the all-abilities play experience for families throughout the community.

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• Cypress Park Splash Park

  # of Water Features: 8
  Surface: Concrete