Parks Menu

Brittingham Park

Brittingham Park
Address: 829 W. Washington Ave.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type:> Community
Acres: 25.81
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shoreline On: Monona Bay

Park History

The Lake Monona shoreline that now makes up Brittingham Park was once so neglected that a speaker at the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association (MPPDA annual meeting in 1904 called it a "disease breeding hole."  It was weedy, littered with kitchen garbage and dead fish, and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. He pointed out that ninety percent of the travelers to Madison saw this bay as they either entered or left the city by rail.   He proposed the development of a park on Monona Bay.1

The City had begun acquiring a small area of Monona Bay in 1903 but was not ready to develop a large park there.  In 1905, Thomas E. Brittingham, reputedly Madison's richest citizen, stepped in with an $8000 donation to the MPPDA for the acquisition of a 27-acre park.  Brittingham had made a fortune in the lumber industry.  Besides Brittingham Park, his donations helped create other Madison landmarks, including Neighborhood House on South Mills Street, Madison General Hospital (now Meriter), and the statue of Abraham Lincoln on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Bascom Hill.  He was a Regent of the University of Wisconsin, and after his death, his house (now known as Brittingham House) was donated to the University.  It is the official home of the University of Wisconsin System President.  Brittingham's contributions to the Brittingham Park area continued through 1908 and totaled $24,500.2

The major work involved in creating Brittingham Park was dredging sand from Lake Monona to fill in marshland. The sand base was covered with topsoil and trees and grass were planted. For example, in 1908, the MPPDA planted 17,463 trees and shrubs in Brittingham Park.3

Part of Brittingham's contribution was $7500 for a bath house. However, to get this money, the city would have to provide $5000 for a boathouse. The bathhouse was extremely popular, with a total attendance of 50,000 during the 1910 season. The bathhouse provided bathing suits, and it was said that the over 300 suits available did not have time to dry off at all during the season.  There was a line waiting to take the wet suits as soon as the wearers came out of the water.4  The bathhouse was eventually torn down.  The boathouse, attributed to the architects Ferry & Clas, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. Annual Report of the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, 1904.
  2. David V. Mollenhoff, Madison: A History of the Formative Years. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt, 1982, pp. 327-331.
  3. Annual Report of the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, 1909.
  4. Annual Report of the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, 1911.
The Brittingham Boathouse
601 N. Shore Drive, Madison, WI

The Brittingham Boathouse is the oldest surviving park building in Madison. It pre-dates the Madison Parks Division and is a direct link to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, begun informally in 1892 and incorporated in 1894. The Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association raised private funds to develop and maintain scenic drives and parks in and around Madison. The Association developed some of Madison's most charming public spaces – Brittingham, Hoyt, Olin, Burrows, Tenney & Vilas Parks, and the Glenway Golf Course. Until 1931, the Association functioned as the city's unofficial parks department. In 1938, the organization disbanded after completing the final title transfer of its property holdings to the city. The Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association's influence extended beyond park development to other areas of civic life where it set standards for public service.

In 1908, John M. Olin, President of the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, wrote of the need in Brittingham Park for a public bathhouse and boathouse. Some neighborhood residents lost their private boathouses when Brittingham Park was created, and it was Olin's desire to both serve the neighborhood's needs and provide some compensation for their loss.

Thomas E. Brittingham, already a large donor to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, stepped up to the challenge. The prominent lumberman and philanthropist (and donor of Brittingham Park, Madison General Hospital, Neighborhood House at 29 S. Mill St., the 1st UW student infirmary, and the statute of Lincoln on Bascom Hill) pledged $7500 for the construction of a public bathhouse if the city would donate $5000 for a boathouse. The city agreed.

Landscape architect and city planner, John Nolen, drew up a sketch plan and site arrangement for each building. These sketches were sent to the prestigious Milwaukee architectural firm of Ferry & Clas for final designs.

The boathouse, constructed of cypress, was erected in early 1910. In 1921 the south wing was extended to add six bays, using the same design and materials as the original structure.

In 1977, the boathouse was named a City of Madison landmark. In 1979 the City of Madison spent over $50,000 to renovate the building. It received a new roof and electrical system and the entire exterior was sanded and painted. In 1982 it was listed on the National Historic Landmarks Registry.

Unfortunately, over the decades, the building's condition deteriorated mostly because of the unstable dredge material used for filling under the original structure. Although the boathouse was partially restored in 1979, no significant renovation funding was available to repair the structurally failing building.

In 2001, Camp Randall Rowing Club, Inc., in partnership with the Madison Parks Division, the Madison Parks Commission, and the Madison Parks Foundation, restarted the effort to save the Brittingham Boathouse. Phase 1 of the Brittingham Boathouse Renovation Project (approximately $850,000) was completed in 2006. It included lifting and relocating the structure to an adjacent location with more stable soils and the complete historic restoration of the exterior of the building, along with the establishment of historic landscaping surrounding the structure.

The money for this extensive renovation came from the fund-raising efforts of Camp Randall Rowing Club, the donations of private citizens, the Hollister trust (left over from the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association days), City of Madison TIF funds, fund-raising efforts of the Madison Parks Foundation, Park Development Fees and Madison Parks Division capital budget funds.

Under the terms of a long-term lease, Camp Randall Rowing Club uses the Brittingham Boathouse to provide competitive high school rowing programs, summer Learn to Row programs for middle and high school students, and for a WeCanRow program for women cancer survivors. Madison residents can rent rack spaces at the boathouse for privately owned rowing shells.

On May 3, 2007, the 2007 Historic Preservation Award was presented to Camp Randall by the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation in recognition of its outstanding preservation efforts on the Brittingham Boathouse. On June 11, 2007, the Wisconsin Historic Society Board of Curators and Awards Committee selected Camp Randall and the Madison Parks Department to receive the Historic Preservation Award. These awards honor the work of Camp Randall Rowing Club and the City of Madison in protecting the Brittingham Boathouse, a Wisconsin historic property.

In 2009, Camp Randall Rowing Club, in partnership with the Madison Parks Division, began the next phase of the renovation project, involving the addition of restrooms and running water for the many rowers using the boathouse, along with the installation of an exterior water fountain for the fishermen, runners and bicyclists using Brittingham Park. This phase (approximately $120,000) was completed in the summer of 2011.

The final phase of the Brittingham Boathouse Renovation Project involves the historic renovation of the building's interior spaces. Much of the handcrafted interior cypress wood was removed during the initial construction and is currently in storage. This final phase contemplates reuse of the original cypress and reconstruction of the original interior architectural details of the boathouse.

At this Park

  • Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament RESERVE ONLINE

    View all Basketball Courts

    • Brittingham Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by beach
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts:

    • Brittingham Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by tennis courts
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 1 full

  • BEACH NEWS
    Tenney Park Beach Area is CLOSED for 2024 - A new lakeside shelter is coming to Tenney Park beach! While work is underway this year, a construction safety zone with temporary fencing is in place and the adjacent playground and beach are closed. Due to the construction safety zone, we are unable to access the beach area with equipment for maintenance and no water quality testing will be done this summer at this location.  Look for a new reservable shelter opening in 2025.  See Tenney Park Beach Project, for more information. 

    Spring Harbor Beach - Possible access interruptions - Due to construction work on Mendota Drive, access to Spring Harbor Beach may be limited or interrupted through July. See Mendota Drive to learn more about this City of Engineering project. 

    BEACH SEASON
    Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches. 

    RESTROOMS
    Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. See RESTROOMS to view locations.  

    ACCESSIBILITY
    Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches. 

    LAKE WATER QUALITY
    Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

    Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty. 

    RULES

    The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.
    • No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
    • Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
    • Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches, see Park Rules for further details.
    • Children under 5 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
    • Toys are allowed but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
    • The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. 
    • Boats are not allowed in the swim area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
    • Fishing is not allowed in the swim area.

    View all Beaches

    • Brittingham Beach

      Public Health Water Testing:
      Closed
      Address: 701 W. Brittingham Pl.
      Restroom: Yes
      Drinking Water: Yes
      Parking: Parking Lot
      Amenities: Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground

      Swim Ropes: No
      Lifeguard: No

      Brittingham Beach Details
  • Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.

    If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.
      View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • Interested in getting out on one of Madison's lakes but you don't have your own watercraft? No problem! We have partners at locations throughout the city offering these great lake amenities!

    View all Canoe & Kayak Rental

    • Madison Boats at Brittingham Park

      Location: Brittingham Park, 701 W. Brittingham Place
      Telephone: (608) 250-2555
      More Information: Madison Boats at Brittingham Park
      Notes: Available: Canoes, single and tandem kayaks, stand up paddleboards, paddle boats, water mats and fishing boats.

  • Dog Park News

    • As of Monday, April 7 - all off-leash dog parks are open. 

    While leashed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks (see dog-prohibited areas), we also offer 9 fenced, off-leash dog park areas. Three of the locations, Odana School, Warner and Sycamore, also provide a separate small-dog fenced area. 

    2025 Fees

    Daily $8
    Annual $43
    Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $20
    Annual Military/Veteran (New!) $20
    Replacement $20
    PURCHASE PERMIT
    • REQUIRED A daily or annual dog permit is required and may be purchased ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711
      • 2025 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2025. 
        • A permit is required in order to bring your dog to any park, off-leash and on-leash, where a dog is allowed. See Dog Free Park for exceptions. 
        • The dog permit is part of the Cooperative Dog Park Program and is also valid for use in Dane County Parks, City of Sun Prairie parks, and City of Middleton parks.
      • 2026 permits go on sale November 1.
    • A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City of Madison Treasury Office.
      • Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper licenses and/or vaccinations from your town/municipality. Be prepared to show proof if asked by a Park Ranger.
      • A dog license is ONLY available after a veterinarian administers a rabies vaccination within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
    • REQUIRED Dogs must remain on a leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
    • PROHIBITED AREAS
      • Dogs are not allowed in any conservation park, near playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, in or near park shelters, and a few other notable locations. See Dog Free Parks for a complete list of locations.
      • During the winter dogs are not permitted on designated cross-country ski trails. See Cross-Country Skiing for locations.
    • Bring Your Own Water Sharing water is not recommended and can lead to parasites and disease transmission. DO NOT LEAVE WATER OR WATER BOWLS. 
    WARNER PARK LAGOON Unlike the water at public beaches, the water in the lagoon at Warner Park is not tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Always check the conditions before letting your dog in the water. LEARN MORE 
    On July 13, 2016 the Board of Park Commissioners approved the Policy and Guidelines for Off-Leash Dog Park Service Area Standards within the Madison Park System with Attachment A. The Policy is intended to guide the Parks Division in planning new off-leash dog park (exercise) areas and to set standards for responding to requests for the creation of off-leash dog park (exercise) areas in the Madison Parks system. 

    View all Dog Off-Leash Parks

    • Brittingham Park - Dog Off-Leash Park

      Location: 326 S. Broom St.
      Bag Dispenser: Yes
      Benches: Yes
      Fountain: Yes
      Fencing: Yes
      Shelter: No
      OPEN

      Notes: .36 acres; 2019 renovations include synthetic turf, a doggy drinking fountain with ADA arm and bowl
  • Madison Parks has several parks with working fireplaces.  You are welcome to use the fireplaces with your park shelter reservation. Hoyt Park also has several refurbished outdoor fireplaces where you can enjoy toasted marshmallows and a quiet evening around a fire. Just remember to bring your own wood and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the park.  Please note, fires are not permitted in Vilas Park during the winter months.

    With the guidance of the Madison Fire Department and MGO 34.07, fires in general parks (not in a conservation park) are allowed with the following rules:
    • Fire has a spark arrestor or heavy screen to contain the embers and sparks
    • Fire has at least 10 ft. clearance from combustibles
    • Smoke does not create a nuisance
    • Fire is continuously monitored and maintained by an adult
    • A method to extinguish the fire is readily available
    See OUTDOOR AND OPEN BURNING  View all Fireplaces
  • Madison Parks offers seasonal and year-round fishing piers. Year-round locations include Brittingham Park (near shelter), Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, South (School Road), Olbrich Park (Starkweather Creek), and Spring Harbor Park. 

    An accessible pier is located in Vilas Park, on Lake Wingra and at Warner Park, on the Warner Park lagoon.  

    Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.

    Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days.  Visit WI DNR
     
    MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH MADISON & DANE COUNTY: Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. See PHMDC for more information. 
    View all Fishing
  • More information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division.

    Wisconsin has the highest concentration of burial mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of burial mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.

    A Burial Mounds Policy was created with assistance from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Ho-Chunk Nation, and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in October 2019, the policy provides guidelines and procedures for managing burial mounds located in Madison Parks. Burial mound locations are also included in the policy. 

    View all Historical Features

    • Brittingham Boathouse

      Location: 617 North Shore Drive
      Built: 1910

      Description: The construction of this public boathouse represents the spirit of municipal improvement that infused this city at the turn of the last century. The parkland and its model facilities were created through the generosity of lumberman Thomas E. Brittingham and the hard work of a private group, the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, headed by John M. Olin. The facilities also included a large bath house to the west, which was demolished in the 1960s. In 1921 a wing for more boat storage was added to the south in the same design as the original. George B. Ferry and Alfred C. Clas of Milwaukee were distinguished architects known here for their design of the Wisconsin Historical Society building on campus. The boathouse was built on former marshland and has structural problems as a result. It is planned in the near future to move it a little way to sounder ground and renovate the historic structure.

      The boathouse was designated a City of Madison landmark on July 18, 1977 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

      More Information: Landmark Nomination

  • 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. 

    View all Multipurpose Fields

    • Multipurpose Field

    • Brittingham Park - Multipurpose Field

  • Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

    Parking Rules

    • Driving or parking motorized vehicles is not allowed on the grass or near a shelter and is subject to a citation.
    • Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
    • No parking after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed. 
    • Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset
    • Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
    • Violators are subject to a fine.
    Law Park: metered parking stalls
    The parking lot located on the eastern side of Law Park, commonly known as the Blair Lot, is a metered parking lot, enforced by City of Madison Parking Division between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
      View all Parking Lots

  • Among the nearly 100 tennis courts in Madison, many are dual-stripped for pickleball. Dual-striped courts utilize the tennis net which is about 2" taller than a standard pickleball net. Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts.

    While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE

    View all Pickleball Courts

    • Brittingham Park - Pickleball Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 4

      Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts

  • 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 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. 
     

    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. 

    View all Playgrounds

    • Brittingham Park - Playground

    • Brittingham Park - Playground

    • Brittingham Park - Playground

  • Restroom Updates

    • Seasonal restrooms are expected to reopen on Saturday, April 26. Open hours are approximately 10am to 8pm.   
      • This city-wide process takes weeks to complete and staff may discover unexpected issues that may delay the opening of a specific location. This webpage will be updated.
      • The opening is timed for when the overnight temps are traditionally and consistently above freezing, to allow the water to be turned back on safely, and we have additional staff to clean the restrooms. 
      • This does not include beach restrooms. 
    • Bubblers and drinking fountains: Our goal is to have bubblers and water fountains turned on by the Memorial weekend. This is a city-wide process that takes weeks to complete.
    Madison Parks offers seasonal and year-round restrooms throughout the park system. Indoor restrooms are open daily, approximately 10am to 8pm. 

    Open Year-Round 
    • Brittingham Park (2) at beach house and boat house+
    • Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North*
    • Door Creek Park+
    • Elver Park enclosed shelter*
    • Owen Conservation Park*
    • Warner Park boat launch* 
    *Indoor
    +ADA Accessible Portable

    NOTE: Portable toilets not identified on this page are most likely arranged by a user group, such as an athletic organization and may not be accessible. All portable restrooms identified on the page are arranged by Madison Parks and are ADA accessible. 
     

    View all Restrooms

    • Brittingham Park

      Location: 829 W. Washington Ave.
      OPEN

      Notes: at the park shelter

    • Brittingham Park

      Location: 701 W. Brittingham Place
      CLOSED

      Notes: Restrooms are open when Madison Boats is open. Hours vary, see www.madisonboats.com

    • Brittingham Park Portable

      Location: 701 W. Brittingham Place
      OPEN

  • Shelter and Pavilion News

    • 2025 reservations opened Friday, November 1.
    • Reservations may be made online, by phone or in person at Parks Lakeside Offices.
    • See 2025 Special Event Reservations for unavailable dates and locations.
    • Olin Park Pavilion CLOSED 2026 - City Engineering will conduct essential repairs and maintenance to this historic building in 2026. We anticipate the pavilion closed for the year. A clearer timeline will be available by November 2025.

    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. 

    STEPS TO RESERVE A SHELTER
    1. Review RESERVATION POLICIES and SHELTER PRICES.
    2. Review Parks Projects. As we continually improve our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter. 
    3. Reserve one of three ways. Full payment is due at the time of processing. 
      • ONLINE - credit card only
      • Calling (608) 266-4711 - credit card only
      • In-person at the Parks Lakeside Offices - credit card, cash or check (made payable to City Treasurer)

    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. 
    • 2025 reservations opening day is Friday, November 1, 2024.
      • 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 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Brittingham Park

      Address: 829 W. Washington Ave.
      Capacity: This is an open-air shelter.
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot
      Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.

      Shelter Details: Brittingham Park
  • Slacklining or hammocking in a park is allowed following the guidelines below at specific times, on specific trees, and never in a conservation park. Always keep in mind, Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. The best advice, WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T.
     

    Dos and Don'ts

    Tethering to trees for the purpose of slacklining or hammocking is allowed following these guidelines:
    • DO: Sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset
    • DO: Temporary only and may never be left unattended or overnight
    • DO: Only on trees greater than 1' in diameter and 4.5'
    • DO: Tree protect is used at connection points
    • DON'T: Never tether on Oak, Hickory or Birch trees
    • DON'T: Never in any conservation park 
    For more information, see POLICY & GUIDELINES
     

    Proper Tree Protection

    Tree protection is required for tethering any equipment to help prevent damage to the tree's bark. Carpet, foam pads or towels make good protection. Make sure the fabric padding completely encircle the tree at the connection points and is a minimum of ¼" thick by 10" wide. For more information and examples, see  TREE PROTECTION
     

    Prohibited Trees

    Never tether on an oak, hickory or birch tree. When in doubt, don't For more information, see TREE IDENTIFICATION


    When in Doubt, Don't 

    Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. 

    View all Slacklining and Hammocking

  • Madison Parks offers nearly 100 tennis courts, many are dual-stripped for tennis and pickleball.  While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE

    Practice Wall Locations
    Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland

    Vilas Park Tennis Courts (as of April 30, 2024)
    Due to the deteriorating conditions and safety concerns, the Vilas Park tennis courts are closed. 

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Brittingham Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 4

      Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts

  • Most of the volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you are planning a new league or tournament RESERVE ONLINE
     

    Warner
    Warner Park

    View all Volleyball Courts

    • Brittingham Park - Volleyball Court

      Location: W Washington Ave
      Surface: Sand
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2

About This Park

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