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Olin Park

Olin Park
Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type:> Community
Acres: 47.12
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shoreline On: Lake Monona & Wingra Creek

Park History

The Olin Park Pavilion is one of the most popular park shelters in the city.  The view of the city is unparalleled.  The Olin Park Pavilion is one of the most historic buildings owned by the City of Madison.  It was built in 1884 and designed by Madison architect David R. Jones as 'Normal Hall' for the Wisconsin Sunday School Assembly.  It has gracefully aged and transformed over the years to serve a variety of uses.

 During the Wisconsin Sunday School Assembly sessions, the grounds resembled a tent city.  Steamships and trains were scheduled for stops at the grounds and a streetcar line was eventually built to serve the camp.  People came from all over the Midwest numbering as many as 15,000 (more than the population of Madison at the time).

 In 1912, the city purchased the old assembly grounds for a park.  In 1919, 'Monona Park' was opened up to tourists for camping, making it the first municipal camp east of the Rocky Mountains.  The 'old barn' during those days was used as a dance hall.  This is one of the few remaining buildings connected with Madison's heyday as a resort community. In 1923, the Common Council renamed the park Olin Park in honor of John Olin the founder of the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive.

In 2000, the Olin Pavilion was renovated to resemble the original 1884 barn. 

At this Park

  • NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY
    Due to limited staffing resources, we are unable to provide lifeguards at the beaches for this season. We apologize for this reduction in service. Beaches are cleaned several times each week and remain open when PHMDC's water quality testing is acceptable.

    WATER QUALITY
    Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Results are posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. Please do not go in the water.  

    RESTROOMS
    Beginning Monday, July 11, restrooms at Vilas, B.B. Clarke and Bernie's beaches will be open daily, weather permitting, from approximately 11am to 7pm, in addition to Esther and Warner beaches. Due to limited staffing resources, all other beach restrooms remain closed. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this causes. Nearby restrooms at Tenney are located at the John Wall Family Pavilion. See RESTROOMS to view other open locations.  

    RULES
    Before your beach visit, please read the RULES. 

    View all Beaches

    • Olin Beach

      Public Health Water Testing:
      Open
      Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
      Restroom: No
      Drinking Water: Yes
      Parking: Parking Lot
      Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables

      Swim Ropes: No
      Lifeguard: No

      Olin Beach Details

  • OLIN BOAT LAUNCH TEMPORARY CLOSURE 

    The boat launch at Olin Park will be closed from 10pm, Friday, August 12 through 4am on Sunday, August 14, due to a permitted event. 

    Spring Harbor Boat Launch Closure - October 2022

    Improvements are coming for the boat launch at Spring Harbor Park. City of Madison Engineering Division will be dredging the area starting in October 2022 and the launch will be closed. We anticipate completion by the end of December 2022. For updates and to learn more about the project, visit Spring Harbor Dredge. 

    CAUTION: OLBRICH BOAT LAUNCH ADVISORY

    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. READ MORE

    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 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 15 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

    2022 Fees

    Daily $8
    Dane County Resident Annual $40
    Nonresident Annual $50
    Dane County Senior (65+) $21
    Nonresident Senior (65+) $28
    Disabled $21
    Duplicate/Replacement $18

    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. 

    View all Boat Launches

    • Olin Park - Boat Launch

      Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

  • 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.  
    2022 Storage costs (tax included):
    $110 Madison Resident
    $200 Non-Resident

    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.
    • See agreement for complete rules.
    If you believe your watercraft has been stolen or removed by Parks staff: Call a Park Ranger to report at (608) 235-0448.

    Additional storage may be available at the following: View all Canoe & Kayak Storage
  • 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
    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

    • Monona Lake Assembly Normal Hall

      Location: 1156 Olin-Turville Court
      Built: 1884

      Description: This pavilion was built as a 450-seat lecture hall for the Monona Lake Assembly. Established to provide instruction for Sunday school teachers, it soon became a popular summer camp for tourists from throughout the Midwest. As many as 15,000 came each year for religious instruction, entertainment, recreation, and lectures by such notables as William McKinley and "Fighting Bob" La Follette. The Normal Hall is one of the last buildings remaining from Madison's heyday as a resort community.

      Designated  a City of Madison Landmark on March 21, 1988.

      More Information: Landmark Nomination

  • Madison Parks are a unique blend of active recreation and passive recreation spaces.  Open Fields are just that - open, not pre-designed as a softball diamond, or football field.  These open fields are available in these parks to spark your imagination, play a game of tag, or follow the leader - or anything you can think of!  Enjoy your parks!

    View all Open Fields

    • Olin Park - Open Field Games

  • Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks.  Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed.  Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots

  • 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 Park and Elver Park, opening in 2019.  The Foundation has a goal of 5 fully accessible 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 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

    • Olin Park - Playground

  • Restrooms News (07/11/2022)
    Beginning Monday, July 11, restrooms at Vilas, B.B. Clarke and Bernie's beaches will be open daily, weather permitting, from approximately 11am to 7pm. 

    Open public restrooms are listed below. All portable restrooms are accessible. 

    Year-Round: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park have restrooms that are open throughout the year. 

    Late April through First October Weekend, 10am to 8pm daily: seasonal restrooms are open the first Saturday on or after April 20 and closed for the season on the first Monday in October. Most beach restrooms remain closed, with the exception of Esther and Warner beaches. Starting Monday, July 11, beach restrooms at B.B. Clarke, Bernie's and Vilas will be open daily approx. 11am to 7pm through Labor Day weekend. 

    Winter: Elver, Tenney, and Vilas have open restrooms when the winter recreation amenity of that park is open. Please check Winter Fun for the status of winter recreation at a specific park. Other portable restrooms are also added in a number of popular winter recreation locations. 

    View all Restrooms

    • Olin Park

      Location: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
      OPEN

      Notes: In separate building near reservable pavilion.
  • Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing.  Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks

  • Reserve a Shelter

    • See SHELTER PRICES for 2022 rates.
    • BEFORE reserving, be sure to see Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. 
    • RESERVE one of three ways
      • ONLINE
      • Calling (608)266-4711
      • In-person at the Parks administration office 
    • Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.   
      • Credit card (MasterCard or Visa) is the only accepted method of payment. 
    • All reservations are subject to our standard cancellation policy. 
    • Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). 
    • The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
    • 2023 reservations open Tuesday, November 8, 2022. 

    Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:

    Note: 

    • 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 continues 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. 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Olin Park Pavilion

      Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Court
      Capacity: Seats 150 people
      Restrooms: In separate building
      Water: Not available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details: Olin Park Pavilion

  • 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. 

    View all Soccer Fields

    • Olin Park - Soccer

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

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