Olbrich Park
Address: | 3527 Atwood Ave. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 90.01 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Lake Monona & Starkweather Creek |
Park Details
Whether you are looking for a day of leisure, a picnic with your family, or just a great place to revitalize, Olbrich Park is the place to be. Located on Madison's East side along the shore of Lake Monona and adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Olbrich Park is one of Madison's largest lakefront parks.
Alcohol is prohibited in this park. For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
Park Highlights
Gaga Ball Pit
A few years ago a park patron suggested we install a gaga pit. Quite honestly this was the first we'd heard of the game. But with a little research and talented and resourceful staff, Madison now has a Gaga Ball Pit at Olbrich Park! It's a BYOB - bring your own ball and similar to dodgeball but with a little less force! Perfect for children. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Learn more about the game and rules.Alternate addresses:
3301 - 3401 Atwood Ave.: west lakefront and south boat launch
3402 Atwood Ave.: softball fields and north boat launch (canoe/kayak)
201 Garrison St. : ice rinks
502 Walter St.: softball fields
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park and Rutabaga Paddlesports rentals are open seasonally.
Click here for a history of the public process for the Biergarten.
At this Park
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Basketball Court
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
View all Basketball Courts-
Olbrich Park - Basketball Court
Location: By softball fields
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
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Olbrich Park - Basketball Court
Location: By tennis courts
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2 full
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Olbrich Park - Basketball Court
Location: Garrison Street
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts:
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Beach
BEACH NEWS
Tenney Park Beach Area is CLOSED for 2024 - A new lakeside shelter is coming to Tenney Park beach! While work is underway this year, a construction safety zone with temporary fencing is in place and the adjacent playground and beach are closed. Due to the construction safety zone, we are unable to access the beach area with equipment for maintenance and no water quality testing will be done this summer at this location. Look for a new reservable shelter opening in 2025. See Tenney Park Beach Project, for more information.
Spring Harbor Beach - Possible access interruptions - Due to construction work on Mendota Drive, access to Spring Harbor Beach may be limited or interrupted through July. See Mendota Drive to learn more about this City of Engineering project.
BEACH SEASON
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches.RESTROOMS
The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.
Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. See RESTROOMS to view locations.
ACCESSIBILITY
Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty.
RULES- No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
- Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
- Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches, see Park Rules for further details.
- Children under 5 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
- Toys are allowed but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
- The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
- Boats are not allowed in the swim area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
- Fishing is not allowed in the swim area.
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Olbrich Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 3527 Atwood AvenueClosed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Olbrich Beach Details -
Boat Launch
PIER REMOVAL DATES
- Fishing piers (non-boat launch locations), plus Law Park will be removed starting Monday, October 14.
- Boat launch piers (listed on this page) will be removed starting Thursday, October 31.
- Exact removal dates depend on the weather, staffing priorities and other factors.
A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATVs. Piers are available from spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
- LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin
- LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner
2025 Fees
Daily $8 Annual - Dane County Resident $50 Annual - Non-Resident $60 Annual - Dane County Senior (65+) & Disabled $25 Annual - Non-Res Senior (65+) & Disabled $30 Military/Veteran $25 Duplicate/Replacement $20
2024 permit is valid through March 31, 2025.
2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1 and is valid through March 31, 2026.
Lake Access Permit- A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
- See Ordinance 8.215 for details.
- Purchase permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours.
- Iron rangers are NOT available for onsite cash purchasing.
- The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
- Permits for the following year may be purchased starting November 1 of the previous year.
- The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield.
- The permit is valid at designated launch sites throughout Dane County. MAP
Olbrich Boat Launch, Boaters Advised to Use Caution
Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel where the Starkweather Creek meets Lake Monona due to low lake levels and creek sediment. Channel markers are installed by Dane County Land and Water Resources to assist boaters. Boaters may consider launching at alternate sites such as Olin, Tonyawatha or Winnequah. Lake Access permit holder may use any of the designated launch sites throughout Dane County.
Launch Area Parking Rules and Tips (Ordinance 8.16)
- Long stalls are for parking vehicles with trailers only.
- Regular-size stalls are for parking vehicles with no trailer only.
- Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- When the launch parking lot is full, you must find an alternative launch site
- Violators are subject to a citation.
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Olbrich Park - Boat Launch
Location: 3401 Atwood Ave.
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: Boaters are advised to use caution navigating the narrowed channel a may consider using an alternate park launch site.
- Botanical Gardens
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Canoe & Kayak Launch Site
Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.
If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.
View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites -
Canoe & Kayak Rental
Interested in getting out on one of Madison's lakes but you don't have your own watercraft? No problem! We have partners at locations throughout the city offering these great lake amenities!
View all Canoe & Kayak Rental-
Rutabaga Rentals at Olbrich Park
Telephone: 608-513-1308
More Information: Rutabaga Rentals at Olbrich Park
Notes: Available: single and tandem kayaks, stand up paddleboards, fishing kayak
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Canoe & Kayak Storage
Watercraft Storage Spaces
Explore Madison's beautiful lakes, rivers, and creeks by paddle and store your canoe, kayak or paddleboard on the shores of your favorite park. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. The annual storage period begins each year on April 1 and ends on March 15 of the following year.
How to Reserve:- You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. Please include your name, phone number, email address, and any order of preferences on storage location.
- Current users can renew their watercraft storage yearly in late winter/early spring and no later than March 15.
- As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and offered the opportunity to reserve a space.
City of Madison Resident - Annual, single watercraft $135 City of Madison Resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $200 Non-resident - Annual, single watercraft $260 Non-resident - Annual, 2 watercraft, same space (100# max) $380
Watercraft storage rules include:- Watercraft must not exceed 100 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
- Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property or other watercraft may be kept on racks for any length of time.
- Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. The owner accepts all liability for theft or damage to their property.
- Parks Staff reserves the right to cut any lock and remove any watercraft, under any condition it deems necessary for the function of the boat storage program.
- View all 2024 Agreement and Rules. 2025 Agreement coming soon.
- Brittingham & Wingra Parks: Madison Boats
- Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports
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Fishing
Madison Parks offers seasonal and year-round fishing piers. Year-round locations include Brittingham Park (near shelter), Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, South (School Road), Olbrich Park (Starkweather Creek), and Spring Harbor Park.
An accessible pier is located in Vilas Park, on Lake Wingra and at Warner Park, on the Warner Park lagoon.
Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.View all Fishing
Every year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. Visit WI DNR
MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH MADISON & DANE COUNTY: Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. See PHMDC for more information. -
Ice Skating
Ice Skating in Madison Parks
No ice is ever 100% safe. As such, declaring an ice rink or lagoon open for skating is a big deal and it is a process to get us there. Here's what you should know about ice skating in Madison Parks.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Always check the status online or by calling the Parks office before you head out onto the ice. Each rink and lagoon is separately listed on this webpage and updated as soon as information from the field is available.
EVENTS & GROUP PARTIES: 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.ICE DEPTH: Ice depth is critically important. You may see a human on a rink or lagoon and think it must be open. Not always true. Skating on a rink or lagoon before declared open is unsafe and can damage the ice, slowing the grooming process and opening. Staff measures the ice depth on designated rinks and lagoons in multiple spots to determine the best and most efficient grooming equipment.
GROOMING: Ice grooming is important for safety by creating a nice smooth skating surface. The grooming equipment used depends on the area and ice depth. Due to this, you may see staff using hand-held equipment (slower process) or big machines (faster process). While a human can skate on lesser ice depth, ice grooming equipment needs at least 5-6 inches of consistent ice depth to support the weight of the equipment.
NICE ICE: Several parks have a NiceRink® (including Elver, Goodman, Heritage Heights and Olbrich), which is an above-ground, framed liner filled with water that freezes quicker and stays frozen longer – ideally creating a longer skating season, however, this year's above-freezing temps have made these a challenge.
SNOW DELAY: In case you didn't know, Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas before snow or ice grooming begins. These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We appreciate your patience and understanding as winter safety will always come before winter fun.
SPEAKING OF SNOW: After a snowfall, please do not attempt to move snow off a rink or lagoon. Did you know snow is a great insulator? If snow is improperly "removed" from an ice rink or lagoon it will melt the ice. This is why it is hugely important to allow time for Parks staff or the Adopt Ice program volunteers to properly remove the snow before skating.
RESTROOMS: See the webpage for open locations.
DOGS & BIKES: Are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.
A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM!
View all Ice Skating
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Olbrich Park - Hockey Rink
Location: 201 Garrison St
Closed
More Information: Skating at Olbrich Park - Hockey Rink
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Olbrich Park - Ice Rink
Location: 201 Garrison St.
Closed
More Information: Skating at Olbrich Park - Ice Rink
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Multipurpose Field
Open or Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. Multipurpose Fields are located throughout the city and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved. RESERVE ONLINE
View all Multipurpose Fields
SPECIALIZED FIELDS
Specialized fields include soccer, cricket, ball diamonds - baseball or softball and both fenced and non-fenced, may be viewed on the individual pages. See the sidebar on the Athletics webpage.-
Olbrich Park - Soccer Central
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Olbrich Park - Soccer East
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Olbrich Park - Soccer West
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Olbrich Park - Multipurpose Field
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Olbrich Park - Multipurpose Field
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Parking Lot
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.
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 -
Pickleball Court
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.
View all 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-
Olbrich Park - Pickleball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2
Notes: Four (4) pickleball courts with portable nets share the space with two tennis courts.
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Playground
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.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
View all Playgrounds
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.-
Olbrich Park - Playground
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Olbrich Park - Playground
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Olbrich Park - Playground
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- Restroom
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Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks
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Shelter - Reservable
2025 Shelter and Pavilion Reservations
- 2025 reservations are open as of Friday, November 1.
- Reservations may be made online, by phone or in person at Parks Lakeside Offices.
- See 2025 Special Event Reservations for unavailable dates and locations.
Madison Parks offers larger shelters and pavilions perfect for a casual event, staff retreat or celebration. Most are available to reserve from mid-April through mid-October, with a few exceptions as noted below. The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables. Reservations may be made online, in person or by phone. Please follow these helpful steps when making a reservation.
STEPS TO RESERVE A SHELTER- Review RESERVATION POLICIES and SHELTER PRICES.
- Review Parks Projects. As we continually improve our park system, some projects may impact a nearby shelter.
- Reserve one of three ways. Full payment is due at the time of processing.
- ONLINE - credit card only
- Calling (608) 266-4711 - credit card only
- In-person at the Parks Lakeside Offices - credit card, cash or check (made payable to City Treasurer)
Important Notes:
- Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.
- All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy.
- Opening day to reserve a park shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November.
- 2025 reservations opening day is Friday, November 1, 2024.
- IMPORTANT: Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event.
- Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building.
- 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 park amenities. 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 continue 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.
Open Schedule Exceptions
- Open year-round:
- Open mid-April through mid-November:
- John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
- Elver Park (enclosed shelter)
- Warner Park
- Olin Park (through October)
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Olbrich Park - Walter St.
Address: 502 Walter Street
Capacity: This is an open-air shelter.
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.
Shelter Details: Olbrich Park - Walter St.
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Slacklining and Hammocking
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
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'tPark 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 -
Sledding
Madison Parks offers many hills perfect for winter sledding. With a good snow base, here are a few suggested locations. Elver Park offers lighting in the evening, during the open season. Sledding hills are not monitored or maintained.
Warming Shelter and Sleds at Elver
If trails are listed as open, the warming shelter at Elver is staffed Wednesday - Sunday* for concessions and sleds - to rent or purchase, unless otherwise posted in the alert.Wednesday - Friday 4:00 - 8:00pm Saturday 12:00 - 8:00pm Sunday 12:00 - 6:00pm
*Hours are subject to change. All winter activities are dependent on the weather and conditions.
SledsRent $2/per hour Purchase $20 -
Olbrich Park - Sledding
Warming House: No
Concessions: No
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Softball Field
Many of the softball diamonds are programmed with youth and adult league play. See Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) for league information.
View all Softball Fields
Softball Fields: RESERVE ONLINE
Backstop: RESERVE ONLINE
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.-
Olbrich Park Softball #1
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Olbrich Park Softball #2
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Olbrich Park Softball #3
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Olbrich Park Softball #4
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Tennis Court
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
View all Tennis Courts
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.-
Olbrich Park - Tennis Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2
Notes: Four (4) pickleball courts with portable nets share the space with two tennis courts.
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Volleyball Court
Most of the volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament RESERVE ONLINE
View all Volleyball Courts
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Olbrich Park - Volleyball
Location: By beach
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 4
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