Marshall Park
Address: | 2101 Allen Blvd. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type:> | Community |
Acres: | 37.07 |
Restroom: | No |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Lake Mendota |
Park History
In December of 1956, the City of Madison purchased 27 acres of land on the west side of Lake Mendota from Dr. George J. Maloof. This was the beginning of Marshall Park. James G. Marshall was the city's first Parks Superintendent. He began his career with the city in 1927 when he was hired as the City Forester. In 1932 he was named Assistant Park Superintendent, and in 1937 he became the first Parks Superintendent. He stayed with the City in that role until his retirement in 1969, serving the city for 42 years.During his tenure, the City's parklands increased from 350 acres to more than 3,000 acres. Today, we have almost 6,000 acres. Marshall was at the helm for the addition of Cherokee Marsh to the park system, and for the development of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Demetral Field, Hoyt, Hill Farms, Warner, Duane F. Bowman Park (originally Fish Hatchery Softball Field), and Olin Terrace are among the parks developed, expanded and improved while he was Superintendent.
Marshall saw to the development of both Odana Hills and Yahara Hills golf courses.
In honor of his service, in 1961, while he was still Superintendent, then-Mayor Ivan A. Nestingen and the Madison Board of Park Commissioners agreed the new park should be named after Marshall.
In December of 1978, an additional 15.29 acres was added to the park with the purchase of the Mrs. Mary North property.
Architecturally, the North Estate addition included two historic buildings, currently leased to private parties by Parks. In addition, the bathhouse has a sundeck on the roof that overlooks the lake.
In 1997, a generous donor provided money to build a Holocaust memorial placed in Marshall Park. The donation included funds for the much-needed replacement of the railing on the bathhouse, and tied in the bathhouse with the memorial. An inscription on a boulder that is part of the memorial reads:
TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THE SIX MILLION JEWS AND ALL VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST. 1941-1945
In addition, benches are inscribed with the following:
TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF RAOUL WALLENBERG, and
IN GRATITUDE TO THE RIGHTEOUS
Mr. Marshall was quoted as saying the park program success "has been due to support of Mayors and City Councils through the years, reflecting the desires on the part of citizens to have the best."
At this Park
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Beach
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
The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.
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- 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.
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Marshall Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 2101 Allen Blvd.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Marshall Beach Details -
Boat Launch
PIER REMOVAL DATES
- Fishing piers (non-boat launch locations), plus Law Park will be removed starting Monday, October 14.
- Boat launch piers (listed on this page) will be removed starting Thursday, October 31.
- Exact removal dates depend on the weather, staffing priorities and other factors.
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATVs. Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2025 Fees
Daily $8 Annual - Dane County Resident $50 Annual - Non-Resident $60 Annual - Dane County Senior (65+) & Disabled $25 Annual - Non-Res Senior (65+) & Disabled $30 Military/Veteran $25 Duplicate/Replacement $20
2024 permit is valid through March 31, 2025.
2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1 and is valid through March 31, 2026.
Lake Access Permit- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- See Ordinance 8.215 for details.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours.
- Iron rangers are NOT available for onsite cash purchasing.
- The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
- Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year.
- The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield.
- The permit is valid at designated launch sites throughout Dane County. MAP
Olbrich Boat Launch, Boaters Advised to Use Caution
Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. Channel markers are installed by Dane County Land and Water Resources to assist boaters. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah. Lake Access permit holder may use any of the designated launch sites throughout Dane County.
Launch Area Parking Rules and Tips (Ordinance 8.16)
- Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only.
- Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only.
- Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
- Violators are subject to a citation.
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Marshall Park - Boat Launch
Location: 2101 Allen Blvd.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
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Boat Mooring
Sailboat mooring spaces are available to rent from May 1 through October 20 annually. These spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Any additional names will be placed on a waiting list. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications for mooring spaces.
View all Boat Mooring
For more information or to rent a mooring space, please call (608) 266-4711 or email watercraftstorage@cityofmadison.com.
2025 Rental Fees (tax included):
$975 Madison Resident
$1,450 Non-Resident-
Marshall Park - Boat Mooring
Notes: The Marshall Park mooring field has 30 sailboat spaces available for rent. Please call to check availability.
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Canoe & Kayak Launch Site
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 -
Canoe & Kayak Rental
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 Marshall Park
Telephone: (608) 228-8333
More Information: Madison Boats at Marshall Park
Notes: Available: Pontoon Boats, single and tandem kayaks, stand up paddleboards, canoes, pizza and ice cream.
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Canoe & Kayak Storage
Watercraft Storage Spaces
Explore Madison's beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks by paddle and store your canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the shores of your favorite park. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. The annual storage period begins each year on April 1 and ends on March 15 of the following year.
How to Reserve:- You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. Please include your name, phone number, email address, and any order of preferences on storage location.
- Current users can renew their watercraft storage yearly in late winter/early spring and no later than March 15.
- As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and offered the opportunity to reserve a space.
City of Madison Resident - Annual, single watercraft $135 City of Madison Resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $200 Non-resident - Annual, single watercraft $260 Non-resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $380
Watercraft storage rules include:- Watercraft must not exceed 100 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
- Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property or other watercraft may be kept on racks for any length of time.
- Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. The owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
- Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
- View all 2024 Agreement and Rules. 2025 Agreement coming soon.
- Brittingham & Wingra Parks: Madison Boats
- Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports
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Fishing
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.View all Fishing
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. -
Parking Lot
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.
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 -
Playground
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
View all Playgrounds
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.-
Marshall Park - Playground
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Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks
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Shelter - Reservable
2025 Shelter and Pavilion Reservations
- 2025 reservations are open as of 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.
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- Review RESERVATION POLICIES and SHELTER PRICES.
- Review Parks Projects. As we continually improve our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter.
- 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
- Open year-round:
- Open mid-April through mid-November:
- John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
- Elver Park (enclosed shelter)
- Warner Park
- Olin Park (through October)
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Marshall Park Shelter
Address: 2101 Allen Blvd
Capacity: This is an open-air shelter.
Restrooms: In separate building
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Shelter Details: Marshall Park Shelter
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Volleyball Court
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
View all Volleyball Courts
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Marshall Park - Volleyball Court
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1
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