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 RESERVE ONLINE

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• Nakoma Park - Basketball Court

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

Ice Skating in Madison Parks

No ice is completely safe. Opening an ice rink or lagoon for skating involves careful assessment. Always check the status online or call the Parks office before skating. Each rink and lagoon's status is listed and updated promptly. Rinks/lagoons will close if meltwater is visible to prevent extended closures from damaged ice. See Declaring a Rink or Lagoon as Open for more information. 

SKATE RENTALS & CONCESSIONS
Skate rentals and concessions are available from the staffed warming shelter in Elver, Tenney and Vilas. The season typically ends the third weekend in February, or sooner depending on ice conditions. 
 

Skate Rentals	Price per Hour
Adult	$6
Youth - age 15 & younger	$3
Each additional hour	$2
Hockey Stick (Elver, Tenney & Vilas)	$3

LOANER SKATES 
Free-to-use skates are available at Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks. Borrow a pair of ice skates to use while at the rink. Limited quantities and sizes are available from inside the warming shelter. Please wipe down and return before leaving the park. 

EVENTS & GROUP OUTING
Attend a winter event open to the community or reserve a winter recreation party for your group. All winter activities depend on the weather and conditions and are subject to change.

RESTROOMS
Indoor and portable restrooms are provided at a number of parks. See the webpage for open locations. 

PETS & BIKES
Bikes and pets, including well-behaved dogs, are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  See Dogs in Parks for locations where allowed. 

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

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• Nakoma Park - Ice Rink

  Location: 3801 Cherokee Dr.
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Nakoma Park - Ice Rink
  

Among the nearly 100 tennis courts in Madison, many are dual-stripped for pickleball. Dual-striped courts utilize the tennis net which is about 2" taller than a standard pickleball net. Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts.

While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE

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• Nakoma Park - Pickleball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1
  
  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 accessible playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver, Rennebohm and Warner parks.  An accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park in the near future.

NATURE PLAYGROUNDS
A nature playground uses natural materials such as logs, rocks, plants, and the surrounding land to create a play environment that encourages children to explore and connect with nature. Nature play elements can combined with traditional playground equipment like slides, swings and climbers. Check out Brittingham Park and Olbrich Park to get you started, other parks include Paunack, Garner, Tenney, Westmorland and Wingra. 
 

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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. 

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• Nakoma Park - Playground

Madison Parks offers nearly 100 tennis courts, many are dual-stripped for tennis and pickleball.  While the courts are available for individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, ALL LEAGUES AND LESSONS MUST RESERVE IN ADVANCE. RESERVE ONLINE

Practice Wall Locations
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland

Vilas Park Tennis Courts (as of April 30, 2024)
Due to the deteriorating conditions and safety concerns, the Vilas Park tennis courts are closed. 

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• Nakoma Park - Tennis Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 1
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts