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:
  • Read Your Guide to XC in Madison Parks 
  • Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
  • See CXC Skiing for information on lessons and community activities at Elver Park. 

2021 Permit Fees

View all Cross-Country Skiing

• Elver - Skiing

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
  
  Closed
  Cross-Country Skiing Details
  

• Elver Snow Loop

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
  
  Closed
  Cross-Country Skiing Details
  

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
  

Explore 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:
  • Read Your Guide to Ice Skating in Madison Parks 
  • Subscribe to Winter Recreation News

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

• Elver Park - Hockey Rink

  Location: 1240 McKenna Blvd
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Elver Park
  

• Elver Park - Ice Rink

  Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Elver Park
  

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, in addition, a number of tennis courts are also lined for pickleball. Learn more about the game and rules adopted by the USA Pickleball Association. 

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 Courts

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. 

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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. 

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

• The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.

Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through mid-November:
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Warner Park
  • Olin Park (through October)

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 ¼" 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. 
 

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
  

Closed for the season. (Updated 09/07/2021)

Cool off during the summer with a visit to a splash park! Madison Parks offers three splash parks that are always free to use and open daily, typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend: 10:00am to 8:00pm.

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

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
Brittingham, Door Creek, Elver, Heritage Heights, Kennedy, Nakoma, Norman Clayton, Northland Manor, Richmond Hill, Tenney, Walnut Grove, Waunona, and Westhaven Trails.
 

View all Tennis Courts

• Elver Park - Tennis Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 3
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts