BEACH NEWS (06/28/2022)
Due to a safety hazard caused by the recent storm, the raft at B.B. Clarke has been removed. We hope to have this repaired and reinstalled soon. 

NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY
Due to limited staffing resources, we are unable to lifeguard beaches for this season. We apologize for this reduction in service. Beaches are cleaned several times each week and remain open when water quality testing by PHMDC is acceptable.

WATER QUALITY
Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. If the water quality is not suitable for swimming, please do not go swimming. 

RESTROOMS
Due to limited staffing resources, most beach restrooms remain closed. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this causes. Nearby restrooms at Vilas and Tenney are located at the shelter. The new shelter design at Esther and Warner beaches allow for the restrooms to be open daily approx. 10am to 8pm. See RESTROOMS to view other open locations.  

RULES
Before your beach visit, please read the RULES. 

• Bernie's Beach

  Public Health Water Testing:

  Open

  Address: 901 Gilson St.
  Restroom: No
  Drinking Water: Yes
  Parking: Street Parking
  Amenities: Picnic Tables
  
  Swim Ropes: Yes
  Lifeguard: No
  
  Bernie's Beach Details

Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks, but NOT all. There are a few notable exceptions listed and mapped on this page. Dog Free Parks allow visitors to enjoy a space to recreate or relax without the presence of dogs.

NOTE: If you are bringing your leashed and licensed dog to a park that allows dogs -- Dogs must be on a leash that is no more than 6 feet long, non-retractable, and held by a person at all times. See MGO 8.19 for more information. 

In early 2020 Madison Common Council approved the revised ordinance (MGO 8.19) allowing dogs, on-leash in most Madison Parks. The following locations prohibit dogs and are approved by the Board of Park Commissioners (initial file 59475) and as such, locations can and may change as we continue to implement the policy.

In addition, a number of locations continue to prohibit dogs. 

• Conservation parks 
• Burial mounds 
• City of Madison Golf Courses (during the golf season) 
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens 
• Playgrounds and areas within 20 feet of a playground surface 
• Splash parks, fenced areas(s) surrounding a splash park, and areas within 20 feet of the splash park surface 
• Goodman Pool and Breese Stevens Field (except for special events where dogs are specifically invited) 
• Programmed sports fields and facilities that are enclosed or substantially enclosed by a fence, whether in use or not 
• Programmed, non-fenced sports fields such as soccer, ultimate fields or softball/baseball diamonds while they are in use for programmed activities 
• Inside of shelters or other buildings 
• Groomed cross-country ski trails 
• In the water or on the beach at designated beach locations 
• Park special events except where the sponsor has requested to allow dogs, with the Park Superintendent's approval

• Bernie's Beach Park - Dog Free Park

  Location: 901 Gilson St.
  

With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds. 

PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park, opening in 2019.  The Foundation has a goal of 5 fully accessible playgrounds. 

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 conditions 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 using 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. 

• Bernie's Beach Park - Playground