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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. Read more in the press release.
accessible playground elver

SPLASH PARK
Cool off during the summer with a visit to the Elver 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               


 

 

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

  • DOOR CREEK SKI TRAIL CLOSURE NOTICE (posted 1/27/2023): A gas pipeline company, as part of their 75' easement needs to remove trees & vegetation for safety and access in Door Creek Park during the week of January 30, 2023. The ski trail will be closed during this time. The easement (signed in 1966 by prior owners of the land) allows the gas pipeline company as an easement holder to remove trees and shrubs as needed for access and safety purposes. See MAP for location. 

    Cross-Country Skiing in Madison Parks

    Seven (7) winter trails are designated and groomed for cross-country skiing. Four are free-to-use and three require a daily or annual cross-country ski permit. 

    • PERMIT-FREE DAYS - No Cross-Country Ski Permit Required
      • Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023
    • FREE-TO-USE: Cherokee Marsh Conservation - South, Owen, Turville Point and Yahara Hills.
      • Groomed weekly, and as conditions allow. 
    • PERMIT REQUIRED: Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
      • Groomed several times per week, and as conditions allow
      • A daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit is required for anyone aged 16 years or older and may be purchased ONLINE. 
    • TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
      • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted. 
      • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
    • RESTROOMS: Available at Elver, Cherokee Marsh - South (portable), Odana (portable), Owen and Door Creek (portable).
    • DOGS: Dogs are NOT allowed on cross-country ski trails. Please walk your leashed dogs on designated hiking/snowshoeing trails. 
    • HIKING/SNOWSHOEING: Do not walk on a designated cross-country ski trail. Hiking or snowshoeing is allowed ANYWHERE except on cross-country ski trails and off-trail in a conservation park. See SNOWSHOEING for suggested locations. When in doubt, don't. 
    SKI RENTALS
    Classic skis with boots and poles are available to rent from Elver and Odana Hills* and include a daily cross-country ski permit. *Before you head out, be sure to check the status of each location. Rental days are only when a location is listed as open. Please click location to see if listed as open. If a location is closed for winter recreation, rentals are not available.  

    2023 Fees 

    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Annual Military/Veteran (New!) $15
    Replacement $12

    PURCHASE PERMIT
    • 2023 permit is available Nov. 1 and is valid through December 31, 2023. 
    • The permit is valid for Dane County Parks trails also. 

    *New* Door Creek Park Added as Cross-Country Ski Permit Site

    Earlier this year, Madison Common Council approved a revised ordinance for the Cross-Country Ski Permit Program, which allows the Board of Park Commissioners to designate fee-based locations. A cross-country ski permit is required for Elver Park, Odana Hills Golf Course, and new this year, Door Creek Park. Yahara Hills is a free-to-use site. 

    For those not familiar with the ski program in Madison Parks, typical free-to-use ski trail sites, offer limited grooming, about once per week, and as conditions allow. Fee-based sites require a Cross-Country Ski Permit and use funding from the program to provide more frequent grooming, typically 3-4 times per week or as conditions allow. 

    Grooming the Trails: How & When  

    The type of grooming performed depends on a few things to make the most of both long and short-term skiing opportunities. The amount and type of snow, as well as, the ground condition at the time of the snow event all play a part in the grooming equation.

    Did you know Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas? These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We always appreciate your patience and understanding as safety will always come before fun.  

    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 are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
    • Free-to-use ski trails are tracked or roll groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
    • We may not be able to groom or we may close a trail to preserve the trail condition. The website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
    • Permit fees are non-refundable
    • You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.

    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

    1/29/2023: Permit Locations, Elver, Odana Hills and Door Creek are groomed. • All others open, ungroomed and free to use • RENTALS: Elver (skate, classic ski, sled & snowshoe) - Sunday 12-6pm; Odana Hills (classic ski) - Sunday 10am-4pm. •Reminder: No rentals on Mondays or Tuesdays.

  • Hiestand Disc Golf Course is OPEN (updated 01/20/2023)

    Disc Golf News

    PERMIT-FREE DAYS 
    A Disc Golf Permit is not required on the following days: 
    • Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023 
    • Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023
    WINTER SEASON PLAY
    • HIESTAND: Will remain open, as conditions allow through the 2022-23 winter season. You may anticipate periodic temporary closures to best preserve the course during muddy conditions.
    • ELVER: The course is closed for the season.
    • YAHARA HILLS : Due to construction at Yahara Hills course the winter course will not open for the 2022-23 season. 
    • Free practice disc golf baskets at Wexford and Westhaven Trails parks.  Select park for locator map. 

    A daily or annual permit is required for anyone age 16 years or older and may be purchased online. 

    2023 Fees 

    Daily $7
    Annual $45
    Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $25
    Annual Military/Veteran (New!) $25
    Replacement $12
    • 2023 permit is valid through December 31, 2023. 
    • 2024 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1, 2023.

    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.  Year-round restrooms are available at Cherokee Marsh, North and Owen conservation parks. 

    MAPS
    Some of the parks have a trail map on-site or in the "About This Park" on the individual park webpage.  

    Dogs
    Most parks allow leashed & licensed dogs with a Dog Park Permit. However, dogs are prohibited in all conservation parks and a number of Dog Free Parks. View all Hiking

  • Ice Skating in Madison Parks

    19 ice rinks or lagoons are maintained by Parks staff and/or volunteers during the cold winter season. All are free to use and no reservation is needed. 

    IMPORTANT
    • BEFORE YOU STEP OUT, CHECK THE ONLINE STATUS 
    • 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.
    • Do NOT attempt to remove snow from an ice rink or lagoon. 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.
    SKATE RENTALS & CONCESSIONS 
    Figure ice skates, hockey skates & equipment are available to rent from the staffed warming shelters at Elver, Tenney and Vilas. Rental days (Wednesday - Sunday) are ONLY when a location is listed as open. Please click location to see if listed as open. If a location is closed for winter recreation, rentals are not available. No rentals, even if listed as open, on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

    Before you head out, be sure to check the online status of your destination.  
    GIFT CERTIFICATES for ice skate rentals are available. Call (608) 266-4711 to purchase. 

    SKATE HELPERS for children and adults to assist in ice skating. Thanks to the Madison Parks Foundation, we have free-to-use Skate Helpers available at Elver, Tenney and Vilas.  

    FREE LOANER SKATES Borrow a pair of ice skates to use while at the rink! Limited quantities are available at Olbrich, Rennebohm, Warner and Westmorland.

    ATTEND a FREE ice skating event. 

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

    View all Ice Skating

    1/29/2023 Rentals & Concessions: Sunday, 12-6pm at Elver (skate, ski, sled & snowshoe) • Due to priority snow removal routes, which include roads, parking lots, sidewalks and bus stops, Vilas will not open today. Winter safety before winter fun. • Before you step out, check the online status. •IMPORTANT: Unless you are an Adopt Ice program volunteer or staff, DO NOT REMOVE SNOW from a rink or lagoon. •Reminder: No rentals on Mondays or Tuesdays.
  • 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

  • In addition to the dual stripped (tennis & pickleball) locations, Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts. 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. 

    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

  • Open public restrooms are listed below. All portable restrooms are accessible. 

    Year-Round Open Restrooms
    Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Park Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park are open daily, from approximately 10am to 8pm. 

    Spring - Fall  
    Most restrooms are open daily from approximately 10am to 8pm, opening the first Saturday on or after April 20 and closing for the season October - November. Locations and dates vary. 

    Winter
    Once winter recreation begins, in addition to the year-round locations, Elver, Tenney, and Vilas have open restrooms when the winter recreation amenity of that park is open. Please check Winter Fun for the status of winter recreation at a specific park. Other portable restrooms are also added in a number of popular winter recreation locations. 

    View all Restrooms

    • Elver Park Winter Shelter

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      OPEN
  • Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing.  Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks

  • Reserve a Shelter

    • See SHELTER PRICES for 2023 rates.
    • BEFORE reserving, be sure to see Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter. 
    • RESERVE one of three ways
      • ONLINE
      • Calling (608)266-4711
      • In-person at the Parks administration office 
    • Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.   
      • Credit card is the only accepted method of payment. 
    • All reservations are subject to our standard cancellation policy. 
    • Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). 
    • The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
    • 2023 reservations open Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
    • See Special Events for select 2023 dates/locations not available. 

    Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:

    Note: 

    • Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
    • 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. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given. 
    • 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.
    • Reservations for the following year begin in November of the proceeding year. 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Elver Park Open Shelter

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


      Shelter Details: Elver Park Open Shelter

    • Elver Park Winter 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 Winter Shelter
  • 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 suggestions with a good snow base. Sledding hills are not monitored or maintained, with the exception of Elver Park.

    Elver Park 

    • Rent or Purchase Sleds  
      • $2/per hour, or $20/sled
     Elver Park Warming Shelter & Rental Hours*
    Wednesday - Friday Saturday Sunday
    4-8pm 12-8pm 12-6pm

    *All winter activities are weather-dependent. Rentals and/or restrooms may not be available if another amenity at the park is posted as closed. 

    View all Sledding

    • Elver Park - Sledding

      Warming House: Yes
      Concessions: Yes

      Notes: With good snow cover, Elver Park sledding hill is lit for evening fun!
  • Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing!  This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn. 

    Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas and Elver 
    Snowshoe rentals are available as conditions allow and when staff is present at Elver and Vilas shelters. Staff is scheduled Wednesday - Sunday based on winter recreation conditions. 

    RATES 
    Snowshoe Rentals Adult (16 & older) Youth (15 & under)
    Hourly $5 $2
    Additional Hour $2 $2
    Daily (24 hours) $25  $10
    Additional Day $15 $5

    2023 Snowshoe Hike Events SNOWSHOEING TIPS 
    • DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow cover, except on a cross-country ski trail. 
    • Do snowshoe at Door Creek Park on marked trails - see *new* MAP.
    • DO snowshoe at Elver Park on the marked trail - see MAP.
    • DO snowshoe at Yahara Hills on the marked trails - see MAP.
    • DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those designated for cross-country skiing (Cherokee Marsh South, Owen, and Turville Point) 
    • DO snowshoe with sufficient snow (typically 4" or more).
    • DON'T snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park. 
      • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
    • When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
      • Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival.
    • Learn more:
    View all Snowshoeing

  • 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 (608)266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

    Fields, open or closed?
    If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. 

    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 (608) 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

    Fields, open or closed?
    If a field reservation is canceled, a notification is emailed to the user who made the field reservation. Notifications are sent by 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and by 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. 

    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 

    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 
    cypress splash park
    Cypress Splash Park

    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-served 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
     

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Elver Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

      Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts

About This Park

Get to This Park