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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. 

During the winter, the staffed shelter provides a place to warm up and rentals for snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing (permit required) and lighting for evening recreation during the open season.  See winter map. 

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

Park Highlights

  • The 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.    

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI Trail: Winter Trail Map


 

 

At this Park

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020): Help us keep the courts open by following these adjustments and precautions. 

    • Play with members of your immediate household only
    • Pickup games are not allowed with persons outside of your immediate household since it is not possible to maintain 6ft physical distancing
    • Stay home if you are ill.
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints. 
    Sports Guidance and FAQs

    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County 
    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

  • 2020-21 Winter Recreation

    • Look for a winter recreation update by mid-December
    Most of Madison Parks trails are free to use.  Three trails: Elver Park, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills require a daily or annual Cross-Country Ski Permit for skiers aged 16 and older. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, permits are no longer available onsite and must be purchased online or by calling (608) 266-4711.

    Purchase 2021 Permit ONLINE 
    • Valid from time of purchase through December 31, 2021
    • Valid for Dane County Park trails also. 

    2021 Fees

    Daily $7
    Annual $30
    Senior (65+) & Disabled $15
    Replacement $12

    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

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

    COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: PLAY IT SAFE!

    Help keep disc golf safe and open during COVID-19 by following safety precautions recommended by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Permits must be purchased online. Onsite kiosks are unavailable due to COVID-19 safety precautions. 

    Madison Parks offers three seasonal disc golf courses. 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
  • OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: When spending time outside during COVID-19, please follow these recommendations from Public Health Madison & Dane County:
    • Maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from anyone outside your household.
    • 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  View all Hiking

  • 2020-21 Winter Ice Skating

    • Look for a winter recreation update by mid-December


    Learn more about our ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM 

    View all Ice Skating

    • Elver Park - Hockey Rink

      Location: 1240 McKenna Blvd
      Available: Skate Rental and Concessions
      Maintained By: City of Madison Parks Division
      Closed

      More Information: Skating at Elver Park

    • Elver Park - Ice Rink

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd.
      Available: Skate Rental and Concessions
      Maintained By: City of Madison Parks Division
      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

  • Open with precautions and adjustments. 

    PLAY IT SAFE!

    Help keep pickleball courts safe and open during COVID-19 by practicing the following:
    • Stay home if you are ill.
    • Only two individuals per court at a time.
    • Play is limited to every other court.
    • Limit play to one game if others are waiting.
    • Maintain at least 6 feet between people outside of your household at all times.
    • Do not touch or share equipment or game balls.
    • Do not leave trash behind!
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints such as gate, nets, etc.
    • Avoid direct contact with others such as paddle tapping and hand contact.
    • Bring a full personal use water bottle(s), drinking fountains not available.
    • Avoid congregating off-court.
    • No organized groups including lessons, team practices, or matches.
    For more information on Parks updates and changes due to COVID-19, visit cityofmadison.com/parks/coronavirus
    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.

    PICKLEBALL LESSONS offered at Garner Park - June through September LEARN MORE

    View all Pickleball Courts

    • Elver Park - Pickleball Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

  • OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020) Playgrounds are open with the following precautions: 

    • Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
    • Consider sanitizing common touchpoints.
    • Use hand sanitizer after use. 
    View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
     

    View all Playgrounds

    • Elver Park - Playground

  • CLOSED (for the 2020 season), except Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park, which are open year-round. 
     

    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

    • Elver Park Shelter #1 (open)

      Location: 1260 McKenna Blvd
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

    • Elver Park Shelter #2 (Enclosed)

      Location: 1250 McKenna Blvd
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: Yes

      Notes: Restrooms are open during the winter season when staffed for recreation rentals & concessions.

    • Elver Park Softball Restrooms

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No
  • 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 are also reservable or 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. 

    View all Large Shelters

    • Elver Park Shelter #1 (open)

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


      Shelter Details

    • Elver Park Shelter #2 (Enclosed)

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


      Shelter Details
  • Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontaslacklininglly between two anchor points. Slacklining and hammocking, under policy are allowed at specific times and on specific park trees. In December 2017, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a policy and guidelines for slacklining and hammocking on park trees. The policy provides inforomation on when, where and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees.  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. Sledding hills are not maintained by parks staff.

    The Elver Park sledding hill is one of the most popular and is lit for nighttime sledding during the open season. Sleds are available to purchase or to rent from the Elver Park winter shelter (see website for schedule). 

    PLEASE NOTE: For your safety, and to uphold the quality of our landscapes, please do not use the sledding hills without a significant snow base.

    View all Sledding

    • Elver Park - Sledding

      Warming House: Yes
      Concessions: Yes

  • 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

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

    Please report mechanical or operating issues: (608) 228-1298              

    splash

    View all Splash Parks

    • Elver Park Splash Park

      # of Water Features:
      Surface:

  • Open with precautions and adjustments. 

    PLAY IT SAFE!

    Help keep tennis and pickleball courts safe and open during COVID-19 by practicing the following:
    • Maintain at least 6 feet between people outside of your household at all times.
    • Avoid common touchpoints, shared equipment or game balls.
    • Do not leave trash behind!
    • Consider wearing a face-covering.
    • Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints such as gate, nets, etc.
    • No organized group tennis: including lessons, team practices, or matches.
    For more information on Parks updates and changes due to COVID-19, visit cityofmadison.com/parks/coronavirus
    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
     

    View all Tennis Courts

    • Elver Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 3

About This Park

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