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Elver Park

Elver Park
Address: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type: Community
Acres: 250.82
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes

Park Details

The largest community park in Madison Parks, Elver Park spans an impressive 250 acres in the southwest corner of the city. Elver features two reservable shelters, a splash park, athletic fields, a disc golf course and more. See At This Park for a complete list. 

Elver Park is Madison's winter recreation destination!* 

*All winter recreation is weather dependent. Please check the status online before heading out. cityofmadison.com/parks/winterfun

During elections, this site is a City of Madison polling location and closed to all other activities. 

Park Highlights

  • Elver Park features an all-inclusive playground. LEARN MORE
accessible playground elver



SPLASH PARK: Madison Parks offers three splash parks - Cypress, Reindahl and Elver - each featuring spray toys and fountains for children of all ages. The areas are fenced and gated, free to use and open daily 10:00am - 8:00pm typically Memorial Day Weekend and continuing, weather permitting through Labor Day weekend. Please report mechanical or operating issues: (608) 228-1298.    


 

 

At this Park

  • Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the 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

    • Elver Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by tennis courts
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 1 full

    • Elver Park - Basketball Court

      Location: by woods
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2 full

  • Winter Recreation: Cross-Country Skiing 

    Seven designated and groomed cross-country skiing trails throughout the park system. 
    • FREE-TO-USE: Four groomed trails are free-to-use (Cherokee Marsh South, Door Creek, Owen and Turville Point).
    • PERMIT REQUIRED: Elver, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills are groomed more regularly as conditions allow and require a daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit for anyone aged 16 years or older. (scroll to green Purchase Permit button).
    • RESTROOMS: Available at Elver, Owen, Odana (portable) and Yahara (portable). 
    • SNOW LOOP at Elver Park: Thanks to our partnership with the Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) and the support of the Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki), Elver Park has a regularly groomed machine-made snow loop. Ski trail conditions are posted by volunteers & users here.
      • Snow-making for the loops is on-going. Please stay clear of all equipment. Do not ski over power cords. 
    • SKI RENTALS: Classic ski rentals, sleds, and ice skates are available. See Elver Park for hours and rates. 
    • COVID-19 safety precautions: the shelter at Elver Park is closed to the public. 
    • Learn more about cross-country skiing in Madison Parks:

    2021 Permit Fees

    A daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit is required for all trails at Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills for skiers aged 16 and older. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, permits are not available on-site and must be purchased online or by calling (608) 266-4711.
    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12
    • A 2021 Permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2021. 
    • A 2022 Permit will be available for purchase around November 15 and is valid through December 31. 2022. 
    • Valid for Dane County Parks trails also. 

    purchase permit

     

    TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
    • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with most recent grooming date listed. 
    • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
    TRAIL CONDITIONS & GROOMING
    • Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
    • Fee-based trails (Elver, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills) are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
    • We may not be able to groom or we may need to close a trail to preserve the trail condition. This website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
    • Permit fees are non-refundable

    TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES
    • Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
    • Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
    • Skiers stay on groomed trails only
    • No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
    • Slower skiers please stay to the right

    View all Cross-Country Skiing

  • Disc Golf News

    • Hiestand and Elver are open for the season.
    • Free practice disc golf baskets at Wexford and Westhaven Trails parks.  Select park for locator map. 
    • Yahara Hills Winter Disc Golf is closed for the season.

    Madison Parks offers three seasonal disc golf courses, plus year-round baskets at Wexford and Westhaven Trails parks. Hiestand and Elver are open late spring through early fall and Yahara Hills is open late fall through early spring. A daily or annual permit is required for anyone age 16 years or older and may be purchased online. A 2021 permit is valid now through December 31, 2021. 

    2021 Fees

    Daily $5
    Annual $40
    Replacement $12

     

     

     

    View all Disc Golf Courses

    • Elver Park Disc Golf Course

      Location: 1250 McKenna Boulevard
      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game
  • Cherokee Marsh kioskExplore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks.  Leashed & licensed dogs are allowed on most trails with a Dog Park Permit. See Dog Free Parks, for exceptions. Restrooms are open year-round at Cherokee Marsh, North Unit and Owen conservation parks. 

    Please observe the following COVID-19 safety precautions: 
    • Maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from anyone outside your household.
    • Share the path. Some trails are bike and pedestrian shared. Bicyclists, remain 6' from pedestrians and give a courtesy alert to others that you are passing on the left. 
    • MORE PATH TIPS 
    MAPS
    A number of parks are mapped for hiking. Look for a map onsite or on the individual park page, under the "About This Park" section.  View all Hiking

  • 19 designated rinks and lagoons at 13 locations throughout the park system.  

    • FREE-TO-USE: All designated rinks and lagoons are free to use. No reservation required! 
    • SKATE RENTALS AVAILABLE (first-come, first-served): Elver, Tenney and Vilas
    • No rentals on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
    • CHECK THE STATUS: Is the rink open? See the status below.
      • DO NOT skate, walk, or otherwise go on a rink or lagoon until it is declared open. Doing so is not safe and slows the opening process by damaging the ice.
      • While ice is never 100% safe, staff monitors the ice depth to be at least 5" to safely support humans and grooming equipment.
    • LEARN MORE about winter recreation in Madison Parks:

    WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR 
    Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, park users will see a number of adjustments this season.

    • Wear a mask.
    • Restrooms open, with limited capacity.
    • Warming shelters are closed to the public. No personal items may be left inside. 
    • Skate rentals available with modified hours. See each location for equipment, rates, and hours. 
    • No hot chocolate or concessions. 
    • Limited outdoor seating provided.

    A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM! 

    View all Ice Skating

  • 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

  • Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts, plus we have a number of tennis courts lined for pickleball throughout the city. Rules of the game, adopted by the USA Pickleball Association may be found here. 

    Pickleball courts may be reserved ONLINE.

    View all Pickleball Courts

    • Elver Park - Pickleball Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

      Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Court

  • 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

    • Elver Park - Playground

  • Public restrooms are located throughout the park system and in many locations with a reservable shelter. Year-round restrooms are open at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park.

    Seasonal restrooms are generally open mid-April through mid-October, from approximately 10am to 8pm daily. 

    View all Restrooms

    • Elver Park Enclosed Shelter

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      OPEN

    • Elver Park Open Shelter

      Location: 1260 McKenna Blvd
      OPEN
  • Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing.  Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks

  • 2021 SHELTER RESERVATIONS

    • Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). You may check availability and reserve a shelter for 2021 ONLINE or by calling (608) 266-4711. 
      • 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. 
      • Due to COVID-19, the Parks office remains closed to the public and we cannot accept cash or check as payment. 
      • All reservations are subject our standard cancellation policy. 
      • See individual shelter details for pricing.
      • Prior to reserving, be sure to visit Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. 
    • The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.

    Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:

    Note: 

    • Picnic shelters may now be reserved online or by calling or are 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.
    • 2022 reservations begin at 8:00am on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Elver Park Enclosed Shelter

      Address: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      Capacity: Seats 60 people inside, 80 people outside
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details

    • Elver Park Open Shelter

      Address: 1260 McKenna Blvd
      Capacity: Seats 100 people
      Restrooms: In shelter
      Water: Available in shelter
      Parking: Parking lot


      Shelter Details
  • Slacklining or hammocking in a park is allowed following the guidelines below at specific times, on specific trees, and never in a conservation park. Always keep in mind, Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. The best advice, WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T.
     

    Dos and Don'ts

    Tethering to trees for the purpose of slacklining or hammocking is allowed following these guidelines:
    • DO: Sunrise to 30 minutes prior to sunset
    • DO: Temporary only and may never be left unattended or overnight
    • DO: Only on trees greater than 1' in diameter and 4.5'
    • DO: Tree protect is used at connection points
    • DON'T: Never tether on Oak, Hickory or Birch trees
    • DON'T: Never in any conservation park 
    For more information, see POLICY & GUIDELINES
     

    Proper Tree Protection

    Tree protection is required for tethering any equipment to help prevent damage to the tree's bark. Carpet, foam pads or towels make good protection. Make sure the fabric padding completely encircle the tree at the connection points and is a minimum of ΒΌ" thick by 10" wide. For more information and examples, see  TREE PROTECTION
     

    Prohibited Trees

    Never tether on an oak, hickory or birch tree. When in doubt, don't For more information, see TREE IDENTIFICATION


    When in Doubt, Don't 

    Park Rangers have the authority to remove or order the removal of any slackline or hammock which they deem as harmful to the tree or as a danger to the safety of park users. 

    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. With the exception of Elver Park, sledding hills are not maintained by park staff. 

    The Elver Park sledding hill is one of the most popular and is lit for nighttime sledding during the open season. 
     

    sledding
    Hiestand Park

    View all Sledding

    • Elver Park - Sledding

      Warming House: No
      Concessions: No

      Notes: By far the most popular, Elver Park's hill is also lit for nighttime fun.

  • 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

    • Elver Park - Soccer #1

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Youth
      Type: Game

    • Elver Park - Soccer #2

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

    • Elver Park - Soccer #3

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

    • Elver Park - Soccer #4

      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

    • Elver Park Softball #1

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

    • Elver Park Softball #2

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

    • Elver Park Softball #3

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

    • Elver Park Softball #4

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

  • Reindahl Park Splash Park Update (06/04/2021): Please note one of the water features at Reindahl Splash Park is intentionally turned off. While preparing the splash park for the busy summer season, staff found a leak located under the concrete. Due to the location, and the extensive work needed to repair this pipe, this water feature will remain off until the work is completed after the summer season. 

    Cool off this summer with a visit to a splash park! Madison Parks offers three splash parks that are always free to use and open daily 10:00am to 8:00pm.

    To report a mechanical or operating issue: (608) 235-0448             

    splash

    View all Splash Parks

    • Elver Park Splash Park

      # of Water Features:
      Surface:

  • 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

    Shared Pickleball Courts
    Elvehjem, Heritage Heights, Norman Clayton, Northland Manor, Tenney, and Walnut Grove
     

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Elver Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

      Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Court

About This Park

Get to This Park