Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bernie's Beach Park
| Address: | 901 Gilson St. |
| Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
| Park Type:> | Mini |
| Acres: | 1.17 |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Drinking Water: | Yes |
| Shoreline On: | Monona Bay |
Park History
A memorial at the park reads:BERNIE'S BEACH
Bernie Holtman Park, commonly known as Bernie's Beach, was dedicated in 1981. It was previously known as South Shore Beach and, before that, Gilson Street Beach. From 1945 until his death in 1980, Bernard Julius Holtman was the owner of Bernie's Grocery, located a few blocks away. A popular place for children to stop on their way to the beach, the store was also the information hub of the neighborhood. Holtman was active in the South Side Men's Club, as a long-time member, Treasurer, and President.
At this Park
-
Beach
June 19-20 Lifeguard Service Update: Due to limited staffing resources, we are unable to lifeguard BB Clarke Beach this weekend - Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20. Restrooms will remain closed. We apologize for this disruption in service.
LIFEGUARD SCHEDULE 2021
See RESTROOMS to view all open locations.
Sunrise or sunset? Take in some of the best views in town at one of the many beaches!
Saturday Sunday BB Clarke Beach 11am - 7pm 11am - 7pm Vilas Beach 11am - 7pm 11am - 7pm
Restrooms at BB Clarke and Vilas beaches are open only when a lifeguard is on duty. 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, a scheduled lifeguard will not be on duty. View all Beaches-
Bernie's Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 901 Gilson St.Open
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Street Parking
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Beach Details -
Dog Free Park
Dog Free Parks provide a place to recreate or relax without the presence of dogs. 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.
.jpg)
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.
-
Playground
According to the Trust for Public Land Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds per capita - 7 playgrounds for every 10,000 people. That's a lot of options! In 2020, our overall ParkScore Ranking was #12 in the nation.
View all Playgrounds
Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park. The Elver Park playground opened in July 2019. READ MORE.
-
Bernie's Beach Park - Playground
-
-
Restroom
-
