Dog Park News

• Temporary Closure Notice: Sycamore Off-Leash Dog Park will be closed for maintenance in the morning on Tuesday, July 8. We anticipate the area will reopen by 12pm. 

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While leashed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks (see dog-prohibited areas), we also offer 9 fenced, off-leash dog park areas. Three of the locations, Odana School, Warner and Sycamore, also provide a separate small-dog fenced area. 

2025 Fees

• REQUIRED A daily or annual dog permit is required and may be purchased ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711
  • 2025 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2025. 
    • A permit is required in order to bring your dog to any park, off-leash and on-leash, where a dog is allowed. See Dog Free Park for exceptions. 
    • The dog permit is part of the Cooperative Dog Park Program and is also valid for use in Dane County Parks, City of Sun Prairie parks, and City of Middleton parks.
  • 2026 permits go on sale November 1.
• A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City of Madison Treasury Office.
  • Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper licenses 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 veterinarian administers a rabies vaccination within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
• REQUIRED Dogs must remain on a leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
• PROHIBITED AREAS
  • Dogs are not allowed in any conservation park, near playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, in or near park shelters, and a few other notable locations. See Dog Free Parks for a complete list of locations.
  • During the winter dogs are not permitted on designated cross-country ski trails. See Cross-Country Skiing for locations.
• Bring Your Own Water Sharing water is not recommended and can lead to parasites and disease transmission. DO NOT LEAVE WATER OR WATER BOWLS. 

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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 the conditions before letting your dog in the water. LEARN MORE 

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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

• Odana School Park

  Location: 678 S. Segoe Rd.
  Bag Dispenser: Yes
  Benches: No
  Fountain: No
  Fencing: Yes
  Shelter: No
  
  OPEN
  
  Notes: 2.8 acres

Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

Parking Rules

• Driving or parking motorized vehicles is not allowed on the grass or near a shelter and is subject to a citation.
• Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
• No parking after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed. 
• Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset
• Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
• Violators are subject to a fine.

Law Park: metered parking stalls
The parking lot located on the eastern side of Law Park, commonly known as the Blair Lot, is a metered parking lot, enforced by City of Madison Parking Division between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  View all Parking Lots