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 see Athletic Field Reservations. 

• Elver Park - Basketball Court

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

• Elver Park - Basketball Court

  Location: by woods
  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 2 full
  

Cross-Country Skiing in Madison Parks

Madison Parks provides designated and groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Three (3) are free-to-use and three (3) require a daily or annual cross-country ski permit. 

• PERMIT REQUIRED LOCATIONS: Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
  • Groomed several times per week, and as conditions allow
  • A daily or annual Ski Permit is required for anyone aged 16 years or older and may be PURCHASED ONLINE. 
• FREE-TO-USE: Cherokee Marsh Conservation - South, Owen, and Turville Point.
  • Groomed weekly, and as conditions allow. 
  • Due to years of poor snow quality and ground conditions, Yahara Hills is no longer a designated and groomed ski trail location. 
• TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
  • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted. 
  • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
  • See Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.
     
• LOANER SKIS: *NEW* LOANER SKIS available at Door Creek and Odana Hills! Borrow a pair to try out skiing while at the park. Instructions onsite. A ski permit is required. 
• RESTROOMS: See the webpage for open locations. 
• DOGS: Dogs are NOT allowed on designated cross-country ski trails. 
• HIKING/SNOWSHOEING: Do not walk on a designated cross-country ski trail. Hiking or snowshoeing is allowed ANYWHERE except on cross-country ski trails and off-trail in a conservation park. See SNOWSHOEING for suggested locations. When in doubt, don't. 

• Elver Park Wednesday - Sunday 
• Odana Hills Saturday & Sunday

2024 Fees 

Daily	$8
Annual	$30
Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled	$15
Annual Military/Veteran	$15
Replacement	$15

• 2024 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2024. 
• 2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1, 2024. 
• The permit is also valid for Dane County Parks trails. 

---

TRAIL CONDITIONS AND GROOMING

The type of trail grooming performed depends on a few things to make the most of both long and short-term skiing opportunities. The amount and type of snow and the ground condition at the time of the snow event play a part in the grooming equation.

Did you know Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas? These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We always appreciate your patience and understanding as safety will always come before fun.  

• Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
• Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
• Free-to-use ski trails are tracked or roll-groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
• We may not be able to groom or we may close a trail to preserve the trail condition. The website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
• Permit fees are non-refundable.
• You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.

TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
• Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
• Skiers stay on groomed trails only
• No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
• Slower skiers please stay to the right

• Elver - Skiing

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
  
  Closed
  Cross-Country Skiing at Elver Park
  

Disc Golf News

• Elver and Hiestand are open for the 2024 season. 
• Check out a disc golf kit for free with a valid Madison Public Library card. Get the DETAILS.
• Read about the Elver Disc Golf Course Redesign project. 
• FREE-to-use year-round disc golf baskets at Heritage Heights (1), High Point (1), Lake Edge (3), Rennebohm (1), Westhaven Trails (4) and Wexford (3). 

• Elver Park
• Hiestand Park

A daily or annual permit is required for anyone age 16 years or older and may be purchased online. 

2024 Fees 

• 2024 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2024. 
• 2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1, 2024. 

• Elver Park Disc Golf Course

  Location: 1250 McKenna Boulevard
  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

Ice Skating in Madison Parks

No ice is ever 100% safe. As such, declaring an ice rink or lagoon open for skating is a big deal and it is a process to get us there. Here's what you should know about ice skating in Madison Parks.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Always check the status online or by calling the Parks office before you head out onto the ice. Each rink and lagoon is separately listed on this webpage and updated as soon as information from the field is available. 

ICE DEPTH: Ice depth is critically important. You may see a human on a rink or lagoon and think it must be open. Not always true. Skating on a rink or lagoon before declared open is not only unsafe but doing so can damage the ice, slowing the grooming process and opening. Staff measures the ice depth on designated rinks and lagoons in multiple spots to determine the best and most efficient grooming equipment.

GROOMING: Ice grooming is important for safety by creating a nice smooth skating surface. The grooming equipment used depends on the area and ice depth. Due to this, you may see staff using hand-held equipment (slower process) or big machines (faster process). While a human can skate on lesser ice depth, ice grooming equipment needs at least 5-6 inches of consistent ice depth to support the weight of the equipment.

NICE ICE: Several parks have a NiceRink® (including Elver, Goodman, Heritage Heights and Olbrich), which is an above-ground, framed liner filled with water that freezes quicker and stays frozen longer – ideally creating a longer skating season, however, this year's above-freezing temps have made these a challenge.

SNOW DELAY: In case you didn't know, Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas before snow or ice grooming begins. These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We appreciate your patience and understanding as winter safety will always come before winter fun.

SPEAKING OF SNOW: After a snowfall, please do not attempt to move snow off a rink or lagoon. Did you know snow is a great insulator? If snow is improperly "removed" from an ice rink or lagoon it will melt the ice. This is why it is hugely important to allow time for Parks staff or the Adopt Ice program volunteers to properly remove the snow before skating. 

RESTROOMS: See the webpage for open locations. 

DOGS & BIKES: Are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  

A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM! 

• Elver Park - Hockey Rink

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Elver Park - Hockey Rink
  

• Elver Park - Ice Rink

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Elver Park - Ice Rink
  

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.

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. See Athletic Field Reservations.

• Elver Park - Pickleball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 3
  
  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.

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. 

• Elver Park - Playground

OPEN RESTROOMS
Listed on this page are OPEN restrooms (daily 10am to 8pm). All other restrooms are CLOSED. All restrooms will open for the season on April 19. 

Restrooms throughout the park system are open seasonally from approximately mid/late April through early to late October. The systemwide process of opening/closing restrooms takes several weeks and depends on the weather and staffing. 

WINTER
Several parks offering winter recreation, also provide restrooms - indoor or portable, when the amenity is listed as open during the winter season. Please check Winter Fun for the status of winter recreation at a specific park. 

YEAR-ROUND

• Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North
• Elver Park enclosed shelter
• Owen Conservation Park
• Tenney Park at the John Wall Family Pavilion
• Warner Park boat launch 

• Elver Park Pavilion Shelter

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
  
  OPEN

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: 

• Full payment, by credit card only is due at the time of processing your reservation
• 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.
• The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation.

Open Schedule Exceptions 

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through mid-November:
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Warner Park
  • Olin Park (through October)

• Elver Park Open Shelter

  Address: 1260 McKenna Blvd
  Capacity: Seats 100 people
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Parking lot
  
  
  Shelter Details: Elver Park Open Shelter

• Elver Park Pavilion Shelter

  Address: 1250 McKenna Blvd
  Capacity: Seats 60 people inside, 80 people outside
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Parking lot
  
  
  Shelter Details: Elver Park Pavilion Shelter

Dos and Don'ts

• 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 

Proper Tree Protection

Prohibited Trees

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. 

Madison Parks offers many hills perfect for winter sledding. With a good snow base, here are a few suggested locations. Elver Park offers lighting in the evening, during the open season. Sledding hills are not monitored or maintained. 

Warming Shelter and Sleds at Elver
If trails are listed as open, the warming shelter at Elver is staffed Wednesday - Sunday* for concessions and sleds - to rent or purchase, unless otherwise posted in the alert. 

• Elver Park - Sledding

  Warming House: Yes
  Concessions: Yes
  
  Notes: With good snow cover, Elver Park sledding hill is lit for evening fun!

• Designated snowshoe trails are offered in the following parks. 
  •  *NEW* Cherokee Marsh South - see MAP
  • Door Creek Park - See MAP
  • Elver Park - see MAP
• Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a general park with good snow cover - typically about 4" or more, except on a marked cross-country ski trail. 
• Snowshoeing is allowed in any trail in a conservation park, except Owen, and Turville Point, which are designated ski trails. 
• DO NOT snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park. 
  • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
• When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
  • Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing a quiet refuge for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival. 

Many of the soccer fields are programmed with youth and adult league play.  If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at (608)266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

Fields, open or closed?
If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. 

• Elver Park - Soccer #1

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Youth
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park - Soccer #2

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park - Soccer #3

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park - Soccer #4

  Bleachers: No
  Lighted: No
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

Many of the softball diamonds are programmed with youth and adult league play.  If you are looking to join a league contact Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR).  If you would like to reserve a field or facility, please call the Athletic Scheduler at (608) 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

Fields, open or closed?
If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. 

• Elver Park Softball #1

  Bleachers: Yes
  Lighted: Yes
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park Softball #2

  Bleachers: Yes
  Lighted: Yes
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park Softball #3

  Bleachers: Yes
  Lighted: Yes
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

• Elver Park Softball #4

  Bleachers: Yes
  Lighted: Yes
  Setup: Adult
  Type: Game
  

Cool off with a visit to a splash park! Madison Parks offers three, always free-to-use splash parks, open daily Memorial weekend through Labor Day: 10:00am to 8:00pm. Each location provides a restroom facility. 

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, new accessible restrooms 

To report a mechanical or operating issue: (608) 235-0448 

• Elver Park Splash Park

  # of Water Features:
  Surface:
  

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. See Athletic Field Reservations

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

• Elver Park - Tennis Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 3
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts