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. 

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• North Star Park - Basketball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1 full
  

Closure Notice: Sycamore Park Parking Lot Replacement

The parking lot at Sycamore Park, 4517 Sycamore Ave is getting placed in 2021! The parking lot is adjacent to the off-leash dog park and will be closed during construction. Once construction begins, it is expected to last two weeks. See Sycamore Park Parking Lot Replacement for more information. 

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Madison Parks offers 9 fenced, off-leash dog park areas with three locations, Odana School, Warner and Sycamore, providing a separate small dog fenced area.  

• REQUIRED A Dog Park Permit is required
  • Purchase a daily or annual permit ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711.
  • The Annual Permit is valid for one calendar year and available after December 1 for the following year.
  • Onsite kiosks are closed due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
• REQUIRED A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City Treasurer's Office.
  • Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper license and/or vaccinations from your town/municipality. Be prepared to show proof if asked by a Park Ranger.
  • A dog license is ONLY available after a rabies vaccination is administered by a veterinarian within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months of age. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
• REQUIRED Dogs must remain on-leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
• PROHIBITED AREAS Dogs are not allowed in any Dog Free Park, playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, golf courses (in season) or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails. LEARN MORE

WARNER PARK LAGOON Unlike the water at public beaches, the water in the lagoon at Warner Park is not tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Always check conditions before letting your dog in the water. LEARN MORE
 

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PERMIT FREE DAY Madison Parks in partnership with Dane County Parks annually offer one "free day" per year when no permit is required. This is typically in June and posted at least one month in advance.

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On July 13, 2016 the Board of Park Commissioners approved the Policy and Guidelines for Off-Leash Dog Park Service Area Standards within the Madison Park System with Attachment A. The Policy is intended to guide the Parks Division in planning new off-leash dog park (exercise) areas and to set standards for responding to requests for the creation of off-leash dog park (exercise) areas in the Madison Parks system. 

View all Dog Off-Leash Parks

• North Star Dog Park

  Location: 439 Milky Way
  Bag Dispenser: Yes
  Benches: Yes
  Fountain: No
  Fencing: Yes
  Shelter: No
  
  Notes: 2 acres, limited off-street parking

Madison Parks are a unique blend of active recreation and passive recreation spaces.  Open Fields are just that - open, not pre-designed as a softball diamond, or football field.  These open fields are available in these parks to spark your imagination, play a game of tag, or follow the leader - or anything you can think of!  Enjoy your parks!

View all Open Fields

• North Star Park - Open Field Games

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

• North Star Park - Playground