Marshall Park

Address: | 2101 Allen Blvd. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type:> | Community |
Acres: | 37.07 |
Restroom: | Yes |
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
BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park. Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches.
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 12 designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches.RESTROOMS
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Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, May 27 - Sept. 8. This is an extended season, due to the weather and staffing availability to continue daily cleaning. See RESTROOMS to view locations.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In 2023, due to warmer temps are expected into early September. For this reason and in partnership with Madison Parks, PHMDC is extending water quality testing through at least Sept. 8 for designated City of Madison beaches.
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
Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES.-
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
Spring Harbor - Open and Construction Work Continues
As of Aug. 30, Spring Harbor Boat Launch construction work is substantially completed. Boaters may continue to see construction activity in and around the area. See Spring Harbor Boat Launch Project for more information. Also, closely related and anticipated at the same time, Engineering's Lake Mendota Drive will be under reconstruction.
Marshall - Temporary Closure September 6-10
Due to a permitted event, the Marshall Park boat launch will be closed to the public from 4am on Wednesday, September 6 through 6pm on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
ACCESSING THE LAKES
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215): See Purchase Permit- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are not available.
- 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
DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2023 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 (New!) $25 Duplicate/Replacement $20 2023 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2024.
2022 permit is valid through March 31, 2023.
TENNEY LOCKS NOTICE updated 04/06/2023The Tenney Locks, managed by Dane County Land & Water, is anticipated to open on Thursday, April 27, 2023. See DCLW for updates.
OLBRICH BOAT LAUNCH CAUTION ADVISORYBoaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. READ MORE
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.
PERMIT-FREE DAYS
In partnership with Dane County Parks, a Lake Access Permit is NOT required on the following days:- Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023
- Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023
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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.
2023 Rental Fees (tax included):
$950 Madison Resident
$1,350 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 31 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 will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by April 1.
- As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.
City of Madison Resident - Annual, single watercraft $130 City of Madison Resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $195 Non-resident - Annual, single watercraft $240 Non-resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $360
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.
- 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 Agreement Rules.
- Brittingham & Wingra Parks: Madison Boats
- Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports
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Fishing
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
An accessible pier is located in Vilas Park, on Lake Wingra. From WI DNR: Lake Wingra is a 336-acre lake with a maximum depth of 14 feet. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye.
MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH: Eating certain fish can be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. Follow advice for Wisconsin and Dane County waters to choose fish with fewer chemicals. Learn more about PFAS from Public Health Madison & Dane County. -
Parking Lot
Parking Lot News
Several parking lots are getting their stripes repainted in 2023 and will be closed on the scheduled day. The dates below are tentative and may experience weather-related delays. The process typically begins at 8:00am a scheduled day and takes just a few hours from start to finish.- Monday, August 21: Gates of Heaven and James Madison Park
- Friday, August 25: Olbrich Biergarten and Rutabaga
- Monday, August 28: Wingra Park, followed by Brittingham Park (Madison Boats) and shelter
- Wednesday, August 30: Tenney Park
- Wednesday, Sept. 6: Vilas Park at Henry Vilas Zoo
Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Please observe the following.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 all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver and Warner parks. The Foundation has a goal of 5 fully accessible playgrounds.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
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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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Restroom
OPEN RESTROOMS
Listed on this page are restrooms open daily, approximately 10am to 8pm. All other restrooms are CLOSED.
SPRING THROUGH FALL- April - October
- Restrooms throughout the park system are open seasonally from 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.
- Daily 10am to 8pm
- Open restrooms are listed on the page and open daily approx. 10am to 8pm.
- Beach restrooms are also open daily, approx. 10am to 8pm from May 27 through September 4, 2023. *This date may be extended based on seasonal staff availability to maintain daily cleaning. See BEACHES for any season updates.*
Once winter recreation begins, in addition to the year-round locations, Vilas and portable restrooms are provided in select winter recreation locations, once the amenity is open for 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
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Marshall Park
OPEN
Notes: In separate building near reservable pavilion. -
Marshall Park Boat Launch
OPEN
- April - October
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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 -
Shelter - Reservable
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 are continually improving our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter.
- RESERVE one of three ways. Full payment, by credit card only, is due at the time of processing.
- ONLINE
- Calling (608)266-4711
- In-person at the Parks administration office
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 cancellation policy.
- 2024 reservations open Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
- IMPORTANT: For reservations made on opening day (2nd Tuesday in November), cancellations made 11 or more days before the event date will receive a 50% refund.
- 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 facilities within the park. 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.
- Reservations for the following year begin in November of the proceeding year.
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: Seats 100 people
Restrooms: In separate building
Water: Not 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 see Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Volleyball Courts
Warner Park -
Marshall Park - Volleyball Court
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1
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