Open or Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. Multipurpose Fields are located throughout the city and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved. RESERVE ONLINE

SPECIALIZED FIELDS
Specialized fields include soccer, cricket, ball diamonds - baseball or softball and both fenced and non-fenced, may be viewed on the individual pages. See the sidebar on the Athletics webpage. 

• Elvehjem Park - Multipurpose Field

  
  Notes: Maintained for recreational use only. Field is not lined. All users must bring in their own equipment including soccer goals.

2026 Shelter and Pavilion News

• 2026 shelter reservations open on Monday, November 3, 2025.
• Reservations may be made online, by phone or in person at Parks Lakeside Offices.
• Check back for 2026 Special Event Reservations for unavailable dates and locations.
• Olin Park Pavilion CLOSED 2026 - The Olin Park pavilion will close in 2026 for essential repairs and maintenance by City Engineering. 
• Hoyt Park - due to the parking lot reconstruction, both shelters in Hoyt Park will be closed in 2026. The anticipated schedule is April through August and is subject to change. See Hoyt Park project for more info.  

Madison Parks offers larger shelters and pavilions perfect for a casual event, staff retreat or celebration. Most are available to reserve from mid-April through mid-October, with a few exceptions as noted below. The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables. Reservations may be made online, in person or by phone. Please follow these helpful steps when making a reservation. 

Important Notes

• Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.    
• All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy. 
• Opening day to reserve a park shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November. 
• 2026 reservations open on Monday, November 3, 2025.
  • IMPORTANT: 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. 
• Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building. 
• Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
• 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 park amenities. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
• Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. 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 may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given. 
• 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 continue 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.

Open Schedule Exceptions 

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through the end of October:
  • Door Creek Park
  • Elvehjem Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Olin Park 
  • Penn Park
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park (open through mid-November)
  • Vilas Park
  • Warner Park ("rainbow" shelter)
  • Westmorland Park

• Elvehjem Park

  Address: 1202 Painted Post Dr
  Capacity: This is an open-air shelter.
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Street parking
  
  
  Shelter Details: Elvehjem Park