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Warner Park

Warner Park
Address: 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type:> Community
Acres: 213.49
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shoreline On: Lake Mendota

Park History

The use of the Warner Park area as a public park dates back to 1898, when the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association (MPPDA) built a segment of the Farwell Pleasure Drive through the John P. Woodard farm.1 The Woodard Bay segment of the drive ran along a beach on the northwest side of Lake Mendota. This beach area was over 2200 feet long, the bottom was sandy, and the water was shallow enough to make it ideal for children.2

Ernest Noble Warner, who had been president of the MPPDA since 1912, died after an automobile accident in July, 1930. Warner had served in the 1905 State Assembly, where he was the Progressive floor leader and successfully introduced landmark civil service and primary election legislation. 3 Just before he died, he appointed a committee of the MPPDA to investigate acquiring the beach for the public.4 Within two weeks of his death, the Ernest N. Warner Memorial Park Committee was formed to raise $20,000 to buy the beach as a memorial.5

But fund raising was difficult during the Depression. Though the committee made periodic payments on a land contract, it still owed $10,700 in 1937. 6 The beach could be improved through federal work relief programs, but the land had to be owned by a public body.7 There were also fears that Woodard's heirs would lose patience, foreclose, and sell the land for development, or even an amusement park.8 Fundraising resumed, and the Madison City Council formally accepted ownership of the beach in July, 1939.9

During the Second World War, the city set aside a portion of the beach for recreational use by servicemen stationed in Madison. 10

In the 1950's, several farms north of the railroad tracks were purchased to develop the park as a major recreational space for the growing northeast part of Madison. 11

These purchases included part of a wetlands area known as Castle Marsh. The Wisconsin Conservation Department owned the rest of Castle Marsh. Castle Marsh was a spawning grounds for northern pike, though nearby development was making it less productive. An agreement between the Conservation Department and the City of Madison allowed for the creation of the Warner Park lagoon and the preservation of enough wetlands to support northern pike fry.12 Part of Warner Park is still technically owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, though it is administered by the Madison Parks Division.

Over the years, recreational facilities have been added to Warner Park. This includes facilities for amateur, league, and high school team sports.

The Warner Park football field was used for Madison East and La Follette High School games until 2002. The Madison Mustangs (Central States Football League) also played semiprofessional football in Warner Park from 1964 through 1974.

Warner Park has been Madison's home for minor league and summer college league baseball. Teams that played in Warner Park have been the Madison Muskies (1982-1993, Class A Oakland A's affiliate), Madison Hatters (1994, Class A St. Louis Cardinals affiliate), Madison Black Wolf (1996-2000, Northern League), and the Madison Mallards (2001-present, Northwoods League). The Muskies are particularly remembered for creative promotions such as "Kazoo Night," the chant of "Let's Go, Fish," and players who went on to the major leagues, including Tim Belcher, Scott Brosius, Jose Canseco, Felix Jose, Steve Kiefer, Luis Polonia, Terry Steinbach, and Walt Weiss.13 The Mallards, the most recent occupants, have developed a large and loyal following.

Warner Park is the home of Rhythm & Booms, Madison's annual Fourth of July music and fireworks extravaganza, which draws over a quarter million visitors to the park itself and many more thousands to other spots in the city from which the fireworks are visible.

Warner Park's 18-foot tall replica of the Statue of Liberty was originally erected in 1951 in Giddings Park on the southeast shore of Lake Mendota. It was one of several such statues donated by local groups throughout the country in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. When a portion of Giddings Park was traded for more beach access, the statue was moved into storage. It was later put in Warner Park and a court of honor was built.

The picnic shelter with the colorful cylinders was designed by Kenton Peters and was built in 1994. It replaces one that burned in 1992.

On September 19, 1999, the Warner Park Community Recreation Center was officially dedicated. Northside residents and businesses contributed much of the energy and money needed for this project.
  1. Report of Moneys Received and Expended and Work Done by the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association for the Year Ending April 10, 1899, p. 4.
  2. Wisconsin State Journal, July 30, 1939.
  3. Capital Times, July 9, 1930, p. 1-2
  4. "$20,000 Park to Honor Warner Memory," Wisconsin State Journal, July 22, 1930.
  5. "Plan $20,000 Park to Honor Warner," Capital Times, July 22, 1930, p. 1
  6. "Plans for E. N. Warner Public Park on Lake Mendota," Wisconsin State Journal, July 2, 1937
  7. Letter from J. W. Jackson to Mayor James R. Law, Sept. 25, 1936 (in Parks Division files.)
  8. "Lakewood District Residents Vote to Support Retention of Warner Park," Wisconsin State Journal, July 27, 1937, p. 8
  9. Minutes of the Madison Board of Park Commissioners, July 24, 1939
  10. Minutes of the Madison Board of Park Commissioners, May 25, 1942
  11. "Northeast Land Sought for Park," Wisconsin State Journal, November 26, 1953.
  12. "Castle Marsh Spawning Area to Be Preserved," Wisconsin State Journal, February 20, 1958.
  13. "Canseco? No way, Jose," Wisconsin State Journal, April 14, 1991.

At this Park

  • The baseball diamonds 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. Go to: Athletic Field Reservations.
     

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.

    View all Baseball Fields

    • Warner Stadium

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

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/04/2020): Help us keep the courts open by following these adjustments and precautions. 

    • Play with members of your immediate household only
    • Pickup games are not allowed with persons outside of your immediate household since it is not possible to maintain 6ft physical distancing
    • Stay home if you are ill.
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints. 
    • More information
    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
     
    Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for 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.

    View all Basketball Courts

    • Warner Park - Basketball South

      Location: West of softball fields
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 1 full

    • Warner Park - Basketball Troy Dr

      Location: Troy Drive
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: Yes
      Number of Courts: 2 full

  • OPEN (updated 07/03/2020): Beaches are open. Due to limited staffing resources, visitors will see the following service adjustments:

    • No lifeguards are on duty.
    • Restrooms are CLOSED. Nearby restrooms are open by 10:00am at the following parks with directional signage provided onsite. 
      • Marshall
      • Olbrich
      • Spring Harbor
      • Tenney
      • Vilas
      • Warner
    • Practice safe social distancing with anyone outside of your household.
    • Stay home if you feel ill.
    • While there are limited common touchpoints, use good hygiene and hand sanitizer. 
    Note the water may be closed due to water quality testing results preformed by Public Health Madison & Dane County.
    WATERCRAFT RENTALS & MORE (see also Canoe & Kayak Rentals)
    • Brittingham Park: Madison Boats
    • Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesport 
    • Marshall Park: Madison Boats
    • Wingra Park: Madison Boats


    FAQ: IF A BEACH IS CLOSED DUE TO THE WATER QUALITY, IS THE PARK STILL OPEN?
    Yes. Water quality testing is performed by Public Health Madison & Dane County Memorial Day to Labor Day. If a water test shows concerning results, the beach is listed as closed until bacteria or blue-green algae levels decline. During this time, there is no lifeguard service and you are advised to avoid the water. The park remains open to the public for other activities. It is also advised to avoid the water after heavy rainfall. MORE INFORMATION

    View all Beaches

    • Warner Beach

      Public Health Water Testing:
      Open
      Address: 1101 Woodward Dr.
      Restroom: Yes
      Drinking Water: Yes
      Parking: Parking Lot
      Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables

      Swim Ropes: Yes
      Lifeguard: No

      Beach Details

  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS - HELP KEEP PIERS OPEN AND SAFE!
    As of 04/09/2020: Piers are installed at Marshall, Olbrich, Olin, Tenney and Warner and may be used with the following precautions:

    • One Person per Pier - please take turns and be courteous of others 
    • Common Touchpoints - use gloves, and hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes
    • Daily and Annual Permits - may be purchased ONLINE only, iron rangers are temporarily removed

    Launch your watercraft or ATV!

    Surrounded by over 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit.  A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lots (see locations below). Piers are in place early/mid-spring through fall. 

    LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):
    • A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lot and may be purchased ONLINE.
    • The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year at designated launch sites in Madison, Monona and Dane County (see brochure map).
    • The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield 

    DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE

    LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
    LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

    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

    • Warner Park - Boat Launch

      Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

      Notes: 1201 Woodward Drive

  • 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 call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. 
    • 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.  
    2020 Storage costs (tax included):
    $110 Madison Resident
    $200 Non-Resident

    Watercraft storage rules include:
    • Watercraft must not exceed 80 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
    • Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
    • Only one watercraft is allowed in each space.
    • Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. 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

  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: Help keep your dog parks safe places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow these steps to stay safe and help us keep the dog parks open!

    • Don't touch entry gate, bag stations, trashcans, or other surfaces with your bare hands. Use gloves or cover your hand with a dog waste bag first. 

    • Maintain social distancing of at least 6-feet between people, don't gather in groups, and don't pet other dogs.

    • After leaving the dog park, use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you get home.

    More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County 

    DOG EXERCISE AREAS

    • REQUIRED A Dog Park Permit (daily or annual) is required
      • An annual permit may be purchased ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711. It is valid for one calendar year and available after December 1 for the following year.
      • TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19: A daily permit may be purchased from the kiosk at any of the 8 off-leash dog parks.
    • REQUIRED A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City Treasurer's Office.
      • Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper license and/or vaccinations from your town/municipality. Be prepared to show proof if asked by a Park Ranger.
      • A dog license is ONLY available after a rabies vaccination is administered by a veterinarian within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months of age. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
    • REQUIRED Dogs must remain on-leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
    • PROHIBITED AREAS Dogs are not allowed in any Dog Free Park, playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, golf courses (in season) or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails. LEARN MORE
    WARNER PARK LAGOON Unlike the water at public beaches, the water in the lagoon at Warner Park is not tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Always check conditions before letting your dog in the water. LEARN MORE
     
    PERMIT FREE DAY Madison Parks in partnership with Dane County Parks annually offer one "free day" per year when no permit is required. This is typically in June and posted at least one month in advance.
    On July 13, 2016 the Board of Park Commissioners approved the Policy and Guidelines for Off-Leash Dog Park Service Area Standards within the Madison Park System with Attachment A. The Policy is intended to guide the Parks Division in planning new off-leash dog park (exercise) areas and to set standards for responding to requests for the creation of off-leash dog park (exercise) areas in the Madison Parks system. 

    View all Dog Off-Leash Parks

    • Warner Park - Dog Off-Leash Park

      Location: 2301 Sheridan Dr.
      Bag Dispenser: Yes
      Benches: Yes
      Fountain: No
      Fencing: Yes
      Shelter: No

      Notes: The water in the lagoon is not tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Always check conditions before letting your dog in the water. More info: http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/beaches-lakes-pools/healthy-safe-swimming
  • 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

  • Many of the football 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 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.


    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.

    View all Football Fields

    • Warner Park - Football

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

      Notes: This location has goal posts.
  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: (Updated 05/14/2020) On May 13, 2020, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to invalidate the Safer at Home order issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, effective immediately. As a result, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an order PDF  that incorporates the elements of the statewide Safer at Home order PDF  for the city of Madison and Dane County, effective immediately. When spending time outside during COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from Public Health Madison & Dane County:
    • Do not use parks or trails if you are sick with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.
    • Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from people other than your household members.
    MORE INFORMATION:  View all Hiking

  • ICE RINKS and LAGOONS: Closed for the Season (03/01/2020) 
    Staff is no longer maintaining or monitoring ice conditions and all locations closed. 

    Learn more about our ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM 

    View all Ice Skating

    • Warner Park - Ice Skating

      Location: 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
      Maintained By: City of Madison Parks Division
      Closed

      More Information: Skating at Warner Park

  • 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

    • Warner 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

  • Madison Parks offers smaller picnic shelters that may be reserved for exclusive use or are available on a first-come, first served basis when not previously reserved.  Please call (608) 266-4711 to check availability and reserve your favorite shelter. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. 
     
    2019 FEES & PERMITS:


    SPECIAL NOTES:
    • Additional large shelters are reservable online (except Gates of Heaven)
    • 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. There are a handful that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing a reservation.
    • All picnic shelters are open year-round, however, if the picnic shelter has restrooms, these are open seasonally (closed winter/cold months).
    • Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
    • **IMPORTANT**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 the Park Projects website for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.

    CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS OF PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS:

    • Cancellation requests must be submitted to the Parks Administration Office in writing to:
      210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, #104, Madison, WI  53703 or by email. 
    • There is no charge to change the date and/or location, if the request is received 28 days or more prior to event date.
    • Full refunds are given, at no charge for cancellation requests received at least 28 days prior to the event date.
    • Cancellations and changes received 27 to 11 days prior to the event date (counting notice date and event date) will incur a $10 administrative fee. 
    • No cancellations or changes will be accepted 10 days or fewer before the event date (counting notice date and event date).

     

    View all Picnic Shelters

    • Warner Park Picnic Shelter

      Location: Northwest of Tennis Courts
      Restrooms: No
      Lighted: No

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020) Under the Forward Dane Phase 2, playgrounds are open. You may continue to see a "closed" sign, as the process to remove system-wide may take several weeks.  Please use with the following precautions: 

    • Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
    • Consider sanitizing common touchpoints.
    • Use hand sanitizer after use. 
    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
     

    View all Playgrounds

    • Warner Park - Playground

    • Warner Park - Playground

  • MANY OPEN: high use locations are open as a phased-in plan due to limited staffing to safely clean each facility. As of 06/19/2020, the following restrooms, listed alphabetically by park name, are open. You may anticipate these to be open daily by 10:00am, until posted otherwise. 

    • Brittingham shelter and beach (partner location)
    • Burrows 
    • Cherokee Marsh Conservation - North 
    • Demetral 
    • Elver (new shelter) 
    • James Madison 
    • Marshall boat launch and beach (partner location) 
    • Olbrich softball/canoe launch & beach (partner location)
    • Olin
    • Owen Conservation 
    • Penn 
    • Reindahl
    • Spring Harbor boat launch 
    • Tenney pavilion 
    • Vilas shelter 
    • Warner boat launch and shelter 
    • Wingra boathouse (partner location)
    New signage once open includes:
    RESTROOM GUIDELINES
    • Help us keep restrooms OPEN AND CLEAN. Put trash in receptacles.   
    • Maintain 6' physical space with members outside of your household.
      • Based on restroom size, this may mean one person at a time or every other stall. 
    • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
    FOR MORE PARK CHANGES AND UPDATES DUE TO COVID-19, VISIT:
    cityofmadison.com/parks/coronavirus

    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
    Restrooms are located throughout the parks system and in most cases in a park with a reservable shelter.  Most of the restrooms are available only during the summer months. Restrooms available during the winter months include those open for winter activities at the following parks:   Tenney, Vilas, Elver, Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks.

    No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.

    View all Restrooms

    • Warner Beach Bathhouse

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

      Notes: Restroom facilities are open when lifeguards are on duty.

    • Warner Park Boat Launch Restrooms

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

    • Warner Park Shelter

      Location: 2930 N. Sherman Ave
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

    • Warner Park Softball Restrooms

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

  • OPEN, No Reservations (update 07/02/2020): Under Forward Dane, mass gatherings are allowed with limitations and shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. We are not taking shelter reservations through July 31. This date may be extended in compliance with the latest order. 

    • Outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 25 people. 
    • Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people.
    • Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
    • Consider sanitizing picnic tables and benches before use.
    • Do not share food and beverages. Avoid serving food as a buffet, potluck or family-style.

    ANNUAL LOTTERY DAY - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020

    WHAT IS LOTTERY DAY?  This is the first day you may make a shelter reservation for the following year. Held typically on the 2nd Tuesday in November, the day begins with in-person reservations (see below), and follows with phone-in and online reservations.
     
    WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

    • Beginning at 7:30am and ending promptly at 7:59am, each party wishing to reserve a park shelter is given a numbered lottery ticket. The distribution takes place in the lobby of the City-County Building, outside the Parks Administrative Office (210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Rm. 104)
      • Due to the random drawing process, arriving prior to 7:30am is not recommended or necessary. The building is locked until 7:30am.
      • Only ONE lottery ticket is given to each party reserving a shelter. Failure to abide by this rule may forfeit your eligibility in the Lottery Day process.
    • Beginning at 8:00am, random lottery tickets are drawn. This order establishes when reservations are processed.
      • If you arrive after the drawing begins, you will need to wait until the Lottery Day process is complete before you may place your reservation. 
    • Cash, checks or credit cards (MasterCard or Visa) are accepted for your full payment, which is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits. 
    • Dates NOT available due to Special Events are posted HERE.
    • Cancellation Policy: Reservations made during the Lottery Day process will receive only a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the reservation. Within 10 days, no refunds are provided.

    Reservations and checking the availability of our larger shelters may be completed ONLINE or you may call the Madison Parks Office at (608) 266-4711 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:15 pm. More information and details on reserving a large shelter may be found in our Shelter Reservations Guide.


    Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October. There are a few exceptions:

    Please Note: We are continually improving our park system. Some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. Prior to making a reservation, please visit Parks Projects for more information on specific parks.

    FEES:
    Pricing varies depending on the shelter and may be viewed here. 

    SPECIAL NOTES: 
    • Picnic shelters are also reservable or available on a first-come, first served basis.
    • 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. There are a handful of parks that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing your reservation.
    • 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. 
    • 2021 RESERVATIONS: Available beginning on Lottery Day - Tuesday, November 10, 2020

    View all Large Shelters

    • Warner Park Shelter

      Address: 2930 N. Sherman Ave
      Capacity: Seats 50 people inside, 140 people outside
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details
  • Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontaslacklininglly between two anchor points. Slacklining and hammocking, under policy are allowed at specific times and on specific park trees. In December 2017, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a policy and guidelines for slacklining and hammocking on park trees. The policy provides inforomation on when, where and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees.  View all Slacklining and Hammocking

  • Madison Parks offers many hills perfect for winter sledding. The locations listed below are few suggestions for ideal sledding with a good snow base. Sledding hills are not maintained by parks staff.

    The Elver Park sledding hill is one of the most popular and is lit for nighttime sledding during the open season. Sleds are available to purchase or to rent from the Elver Park winter shelter (see website for schedule). 

    PLEASE NOTE: For your safety, and to uphold the quality of our landscapes, please do not use the sledding hills without a significant snow base.

    View all Sledding

    • Warner Park - Sledding

      Warming House: No
      Concessions: No
  • Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing!  This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn. 

    Trails of various lengths and terrain are suggested below, in addition, snowshoeing is also permitted anywhere with good snow cover with the exception of any groomed ski trail and off-trail in a conservation park.
     
    RENTALS
    Elver Park shelter offers snowshoes to rent during the winter recreation season. See Elver Park for schedule and prices. 

    EVENTS
    See Winter Fun for a list of upcoming snowshoeing and winter events. 
     
    TIPSdoor creek park
    • Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a park that is snow-covered and ungroomed and on ungroomed trails only in conservation parks. Snowshoes are not allowed on groomed cross-country ski trails at any time.
    • Sufficient snow (typically 4" or more) is needed to create a base for snowshoeing. The woods generally need more snow to fall due to the trees protecting the trails.
    • Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges 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.
    • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail destroys 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 the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
    View all Snowshoeing

  • 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 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.
     

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.
     

    View all Soccer Fields

    • Warner Park - Soccer #1

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

    • Warner Park - Soccer #3

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

    • Warner Park - Soccer #4

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

    • Warner Park - Soccer #5

      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 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play.

    View all Softball Fields

    • Warner Park Softball #1

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

    • Warner Park Softball #2

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

    • Warner Park Softball #3

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

    • Warner Park Softball #5

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

  • Open (Updated 06/15/2020): As part of Forward Dane Plan, tennis and pickleball courts are open with precautions and adjustments. 

    PLAY IT SAFE!

    Help keep tennis and pickleball courts safe and open during COVID-19 by practicing the following:
    • Maintain at least 6 feet between people outside of your household at all times.
    • Avoid common touchpoints, shared equipment or game balls.
    • Do not leave trash behind!
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints such as gate, nets, etc.
    • No organized group tennis: including lessons, team practices, or matches.
    For more information on Parks updates and changes due to COVID-19, visit cityofmadison.com/parks/coronavirus  
    Madison Parks has nearly 100 tennis courts.  Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When courts are reserved, at least one must be left available for pick-up play. Please note that all tennis leagues and all tennis instructors must pay for a reservation, no matter the location. Go to: Athletic Field Reservations

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

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Warner Park - Tennis Court

      Location: West of softball fields
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

  • Ultimate Frisbee fields are typically large open spaces.  Organized groups may reserve these fields for their league play using our online reservation system Athletic Field Reservations
     

    FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?

    The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play. A notification will be sent to the email address used to reserve an athletic space when a space is closed due to weather. 

    Ultimate

    View all Ultimate Frisbee Fields

    • Warner Park - Ultimate Frisbee

  • 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.
     

    Warner
    Warner Park

    View all Volleyball Courts

    • Warner Park - Volleyball

      Location: By park shelter
      Surface: Sand
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2

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