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B.B. Clarke Beach Park

B.B. Clarke Beach Park
Address: 835 Spaight St.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type: Mini
Acres: 1.73
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shoreline On: Lake Monona

Park Details

B.B Clarke Beach serves Madison's isthmus residents as a small beach on Lake Monona, perfect for a relaxing on a summer's day.

Bascom Byron Clarke was a prominent Madison resident from his arrival in 1890 until his unexpected death in 1929. More information: Wisconsin Historical Society

Alcohol is prohibited in this park.  For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
 

Park Highlights

winter at bb clarke

"Beautiful Madison, for all thou hast been to me, I love thee as I love no other place on earth. May you grow to be the greatest in all things as you have grown to be the greatest in many things!" ~ B. B. Clarke, 1902 (Madison, Past and Present)
 

At this Park

  • Madison Parks has some of the best lake views in the area with beaches located throughout the city. Seasonal lifeguard service is provided at select beaches, beginning in June and continuing into early September at select locations. See below for specific days and times for each location.

    BEACHES with multiple lifeguards  
    • BB Clarke, daily 11am to 7pm (through Monday, September 2)
    • Olbrich, Wed. - Sun., 11am to 5pm (through Sunday, August 25)
    • Tenney, Wed. - Sun. 11am to 5pm (through Sunday, August 25)
    • Vilas, daily 11am to 7pm (through Monday, September 2)

    BEACHES with a single lifeguard ( through Sunday, August 18)
    • Bernie's, Friday - Sunday 12 to 4pm
    • Esther, Friday - Sunday 12 to 4pm
    • Spring Harbor, Friday - Sunday 12 to 4pm
    • Warner, Friday - Sunday 12 to 4pm

    NOTE: No lifeguard is on duty, if the beach is listed as closed due to the water quality, tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County, the weather or other factor.

    WATERCRAFT RENTALS & MORE (see also Canoe & Kayak Rentals)
    • Brittingham Park: Madison Boats
    • Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesport 
    • Marshall Park: Madison Boats

    BEACHES with no lifeguard service
    • Brittingham • James Madison • Marshall • Olin

    2019 Beach Conditions: Thank you for your patience as we continue to recover from last year's flood.  We are working to secure proper permits to replenish the sand at our beaches. We anticipate this work happening in early July.  Please continue to enjoy the beaches in the meantime.

    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

    • B.B. Clarke Beach

      Public Health Water Testing:
      Open
      Address: 835 Spaight St.
      Restroom: Yes
      Drinking Water: Yes
      Parking: Street Parking
      Amenities: Diving Float, Playground

      Swim Ropes: Yes
      Lifeguard: Yes
      Lifeguard Schedule: Daily, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 06/13/2019 - 09/02/2019

      Beach Details
  • 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.

    James Madison Park pier update (07/31/19): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damaged during the flood of 2018 and was removed. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier has been delayed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • New Watercraft Spaces Available (07/30/19)

    We have new watercraft storage spaces available at Vilas, Warner, and Olin. Call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL to reserve yours!

    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 boat storage for 2019 beginning in February 2019. All current users must renew or vacate before April 1, 2019. 
    • As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  
    2019 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
  • 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
  • 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 has 175 playgrounds to spark your imagination right in your neighborhood. In fact, the City of Madison has the most playgrounds per resident of any city in the nation, with almost 2 more playgrounds per 1,000 residents than the city that got second place!  From swing sets, to unique climbing features our playgrounds are perfect for your toddler to your teen. 

    View all Playgrounds

    • B.B. Clarke Beach Park - Playground

  • 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

    • B.B. Clarke Beach Bathhouse

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

About This Park

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