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
Due to limited staffing resources, most beach restrooms remain closed. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this causes. Nearby restrooms at Vilas and Tenney are located at the shelter. The new shelter design at Esther and Warner beaches allow for the restrooms to be open daily approx. 10am to 8pm. See RESTROOMS to view other open locations.  

RULES
Before your beach visit, please read the RULES. 

• B.B. Clarke Beach

  Public Health Water Testing:

  Open

  Address: 835 Spaight St.
  Restroom: No
  Drinking Water: Yes
  Parking: Street Parking
  Amenities: Diving Float, Playground
  
  Swim Ropes: Yes
  Lifeguard: No
  
  B.B. Clarke Beach Details

Watercraft Storage Spaces 

• 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.  

• 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.

• Brittingham Park: Brittingham Boats 608-250-2555
• Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports 608-513-1308
• Wingra Park: Wingra Boats 608-233-5332

Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks, but NOT all. There are a few notable exceptions listed and mapped on this page. Dog Free Parks allow visitors to enjoy a space to recreate or relax without the presence of dogs.

NOTE: If you are bringing your leashed and licensed dog to a park that allows dogs -- Dogs must be on a leash that is no more than 6 feet long, non-retractable, and held by a person at all times. See MGO 8.19 for more information. 

In early 2020 Madison Common Council approved the revised ordinance (MGO 8.19) allowing dogs, on-leash in most Madison Parks. The following locations prohibit dogs and are approved by the Board of Park Commissioners (initial file 59475) and as such, locations can and may change as we continue to implement the policy.

In addition, a number of locations continue to prohibit dogs. 

• Conservation parks 
• Burial mounds 
• City of Madison Golf Courses (during the golf season) 
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens 
• Playgrounds and areas within 20 feet of a playground surface 
• Splash parks, fenced areas(s) surrounding a splash park, and areas within 20 feet of the splash park surface 
• Goodman Pool and Breese Stevens Field (except for special events where dogs are specifically invited) 
• Programmed sports fields and facilities that are enclosed or substantially enclosed by a fence, whether in use or not 
• Programmed, non-fenced sports fields such as soccer, ultimate fields or softball/baseball diamonds while they are in use for programmed activities 
• Inside of shelters or other buildings 
• Groomed cross-country ski trails 
• In the water or on the beach at designated beach locations 
• Park special events except where the sponsor has requested to allow dogs, with the Park Superintendent's approval

• B.B. Clarke Beach Park - Dog Free Park

  Location: 835 Spaight St.
  

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. 

• B.B. Clarke Beach Park - Playground