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City of Madison Parks Find a Park B.B. Clarke Beach Park

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

  • Sunrise or sunset? We have some of the best views in town!
    Take in the spectacular lake views at one of these beaches. 

    Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. 

    View all Beaches

    • B.B. Clarke Beach

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

      Swim Ropes: Yes
      Lifeguard: No

      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 (as of 03/23/2021): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damage during the flood of 2018 and was removed as a result. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier is delayed. Unfortunately, we still do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • 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.  
    2021 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. 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

  • Dog Free Parks provide a place to recreate or relax without the presence of dogs. 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.reston heights sign

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

    Violators may and should be reported by contacting a Park Ranger (608) 235-0448.

    View all Dog Free Parks

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

      Location: 835 Spaight St.
  • 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

  • According to the Trust for Public Land Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds per capita - 7 playgrounds for every 10,000 people. That's a lot of options! In 2020, our overall ParkScore Ranking was #12 in the nation. 

    Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park. The Elver Park playground opened in July 2019. READ MORE. 
     

    View all Playgrounds

    • B.B. Clarke Beach Park - Playground

About This Park

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