Check out the hoops in your neighborhood! According to the Trust for Public Land's ParkScore (2025), Madison scores 100 out of 100 points or 9.3 per 10,000 people, for the number of basketball hoops provided to its residents. 

Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament

Reserve Online

• Hoyt Park - Basketball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1 full
  

• 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

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. 

• Hoyt 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.

Bus Parking

The City of Madison offers free, bus parking in the rear lot of Duane F. Bowman Park, 1775 Fish Hatchery Road, 53713. See Bus Parking Map for more information. This is the only designated City of Madison parking lot. All other locations, such as Olin Park, Turville Point Conservation Park, and Vilas Park Drive are prohibited and subject to a citation. 

Law Park: metered parking stalls

With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land's ParkScore (2025), Madison scores 100 out of 100 points or 32.6 per 10,000 children, for the number of basketball hoops provided to its residents. 

Playground for Everyone

Nature 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 condition 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 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. 

• Hoyt Park - Playground

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. 

Snowshoeing in Madison Parks

2025-26 Designated Snowshoe Trail Maps 

• Cherokee Marsh South 
• Door Creek Park
• Elver Park

Snowshoe Rentals & Concessions 

Hourly Rentals 

Daily Rentals

Where to Snowshoe Guidelines & Tips

• Anywhere with good snow cover, on or off-trail, in a general park that is not a designated cross-country ski trail. 
• On trail only, in a conservation park, that is not a designated cross-country ski trail. 
  • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) due to trampling. 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 winter adds to the stress they face during a challenging time for their survival.