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Olbrich Park

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. 

The Olbrich Park Master Plan was approved in 2009.

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

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

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

  • 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

    • Olbrich Park - Basketball Court

      Location: By softball fields
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 1 full

    • Olbrich Park - Basketball Court

      Location: By tennis courts
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2 full

    • Olbrich Park - Basketball Court

      Location: Garrison Street
      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts:
  • Madison B-cycle is an urban bike sharing program that allows you to rent bikes. The bikes have adjustable seats for people of all sizes, as well as a basket for easy carrying. To join or learn more visit B-cycle. View all Madison Parks B-cycle Stations

  • Sunrise or sunset? We have some of the best views in town!
    Take in the spectacular lake views at one of these beaches. 

    Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County. 

    View all Beaches

    • Olbrich Beach

      Public Health Water Testing:
      Closed
      Address: 3527 Atwood Avenue
      Restroom: Yes
      Drinking Water: Yes
      Parking: Parking Lot
      Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Volleyball

      Swim Ropes: Yes
      Lifeguard: No

      Beach Details

  • Launch your watercraft or ATV!

    Surrounded by over 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit.  A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lots (see locations below). Piers are in place early/mid-spring through fall. 

    LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):
    • A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is required year-round for launching a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV from a designated lake access parking lot and may be purchased ONLINE.
    • The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year at designated launch sites in Madison, Monona and Dane County (see brochure map).
    • The permit should be displayed on the inside driver's side windshield 

    DESIGNATED CITY OF MADISON LAUNCH LOCATIONS BY LAKE

    LAKE MONONA: Law, Olbrich, Olin 
    LAKE MENDOTA: Marshall, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Warner

    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. 

    View all Boat Launches

    • Olbrich Park - Boat Launch

      Lake Access Permit Required: Yes

      Notes: 3401 Atwood Ave.
  • 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.

    James Madison Park pier update (07/31/19): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damaged during the flood of 2018 and was removed. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier has been delayed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for its replacement.  View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites

  • 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

  • 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 31 of the following year.
     
    How to Reserve:
    • You may be placed on our waitlist at no charge by call (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. 
    • Current users will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by April 1.
    • As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  
    2020 Storage costs (tax included):
    $110 Madison Resident
    $200 Non-Resident

    Watercraft storage rules include:
    • Watercraft must not exceed 80 pounds, 18' length, 42" width or 24" height.
    • Storage is for permitted watercraft only. No personal property.
    • Only one watercraft is allowed in each space.
    • Watercraft must be secured to the boat storage rack. 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.
    • See agreement for complete rules.
    If you believe your watercraft has been stolen or removed by Parks staff: Call a Park Ranger to report at (608) 235-0448.

    Additional storage may be available at the following: View all Canoe & Kayak Storage
  • 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.
     
    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
    View all Fishing

  • 2021 Ice Skating Season
    19 designated rinks and lagoons at 13 locations throughout the park system.  

    • FREE-TO-USE: All designated rinks and lagoons are free to use. No reservation required! 
    • SKATE RENTALS AVAILABLE (first-come, first-served): Elver, Tenney and Vilas
    • No rentals on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
    • CHECK THE STATUS: Is the rink open? See the status below.
      • DO NOT skate, walk, or otherwise go on a rink or lagoon until it is declared open. Doing so is not safe and slows the opening process by damaging the ice.
      • While ice is never 100% safe, staff monitors the ice depth to be at least 5" to safely support humans and grooming equipment.
    • LEARN MORE about winter recreation in Madison Parks:

    WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR 
    Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, park users will see a number of adjustments this season.

    • Wear a mask.
    • Restrooms open, with limited capacity.
    • Warming shelters are closed to the public. No personal items may be left inside. 
    • Skate rentals available with modified hours. See each location for equipment, rates, and hours. 
    • No hot chocolate or concessions. 
    • Limited outdoor seating provided.

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

    View all Ice Skating

    Twitter Email

    01/27/2021: Many rinks and lagoons are reopening! Before you step out, check the status online. • SKATE RENTALS TODAY: Elver, Tenney and Vilas skate rentals 4-8pm. Also - snowshoe rentals at Vilas, and ski and sled rentals at Elver.

  • 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

    • Olbrich Park - Open Field Games

  • 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: (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

    • Olbrich Park - Playground

    • Olbrich Park - Playground

    • Olbrich 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

    • Olbrich Beach Bathhouse

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

      Notes: Restroom facilities are open when Olbrich Biergarten is open.

    • Olbrich Park Boat Launch Restrooms

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

    • Olbrich Park Lakeland Restrooms

      Location: near the lake
      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

    • Olbrich Park Skating Shelter

      Lighted: Yes
      Open Year-Round: No

      Notes: Restrooms are open during the winter season when ice rink is listed as open.

    • Olbrich Park Softball Restrooms

      Location: near Walter St
      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
  • 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. With the exception of Elver Park, sledding hills are not maintained by park staff.

    For the safety of others during COVID-19, please wear a mask or face-covering and do your best to maintain 6' from anyone outside of your household. 

    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 shelter when staffed. See website for schedule. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the shelter is closed to the public. 

    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

    • Olbrich Park - Sledding

      Warming House: No
      Concessions: No

  • 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

    • Olbrich Park - Soccer Central

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Olbrich Park - Soccer East

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Olbrich Park - Soccer West

      Bleachers: No
      Lighted: No
      Setup: Youth
      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

    • Olbrich Park Softball #1

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Olbrich Park Softball #2

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Olbrich Park Softball #3

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

    • Olbrich Park Softball #4

      Bleachers: Yes
      Lighted: Yes
      Setup: Adult
      Type: Game

  • 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

    • Olbrich Park - Tennis Court

      Surface: Asphalt
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 2

  • Ultimate Frisbee fields are typically large open spaces.  Organized groups may reserve these fields for their league play using our online reservation system 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. A notification will be sent to the email address used to reserve an athletic space when a space is closed due to weather. 

    Ultimate

    View all Ultimate Frisbee Fields

    • Olbrich Park - Ultimate Frisbee

  • Most of the volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations.
     

    Warner
    Warner Park

    View all Volleyball Courts

    • Olbrich Park - Volleyball

      Location: By beach
      Surface: Sand
      Lighted: No
      Number of Courts: 4

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