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:
  

BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park.  Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches. 

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 12 designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches. 

RESTROOMS
Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, May 27 - Sept. 8. This is an extended season, due to the weather and staffing availability to continue daily cleaning. See RESTROOMS to view locations.  

LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In 2023, due to warmer temps are expected into early September. For this reason and in partnership with Madison Parks, PHMDC is extending water quality testing through at least Sept. 8 for designated City of Madison beaches. 

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
Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES. 

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
  
  Olbrich Beach Details

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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. 

PERMIT-FREE DAYS
In partnership with Dane County Parks, a Lake Access Permit is NOT required on the following days: 

• Saturday - Sunday, January 21-22, 2023 
• Saturday - Sunday, June 3-4, 2023 

View all Boat Launches

• 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.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

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

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 calling (608) 266-4711 or EMAIL. Please include your name, phone number, email address, and any order of preferences on storage location.
• Current users will be able to renew their watercraft storage beginning in late winter/early spring each year and must renew by March 15.
• As spaces become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted after April 1 and given the opportunity to reserve a space.  

2024 Fees
 

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

(fees include tax)

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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 Agreement Rules.

Additional storage may be available at the following:

• Brittingham & Wingra Parks: Madison Boats
• Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports

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. View all Fishing

Ice Skate News

Goodman Park ice rink -- also known as Franklin Field is getting a NiceRink® for the 2023-24 winter season. In the fall of 2023, staff graded and leveled the ground to prep for the NiceRink, which is an above-ground, framed liner that allows water to freeze quicker and stay frozen longer - meaning a longer skating season! 

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Ice Skating in Madison Parks

19 ice rinks or lagoons are maintained by Parks staff and/or volunteers during the cold winter season. All are free to use and no reservation is needed. See Special Winter Fun Edition: Ice Skating for more information. 

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

View all Ice Skating

• Olbrich Park - Hockey Rink

  Location: 201 Garrison St
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Olbrich Park - Hockey Rink
  

• Olbrich Park - Ice Rink

  Location: 201 Garrison St.
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Olbrich Park - Ice Rink
  

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 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

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. See Athletic Field Reservations

Learn more about the game and rules adopted by the USA Pickleball Association. 


 

View all Pickleball Courts

• 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.

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.  In 2024, an accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park.

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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. 

View all Playgrounds

• Olbrich Park - Playground

• Olbrich Park - Playground

• Olbrich Park - Playground

View all Restrooms

Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing.  Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks

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. 

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Important Notes: 

• Full payment, by credit card only is due at the time of processing your reservation
• Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.    
• All reservations are subject to our standard cancellation policy. 
• 2024 reservations open Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
  • IMPORTANT: For reservations made on opening day (2nd Tuesday in November), cancellations made 11 or more days before the event date will receive a 50% refund.
  • Due to reserved special events, a number of locations are not available. See 2024 Special Event Reservations. 
• 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 facilities within the park. 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.
• The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation.
• Reservations for the following year begin in November of the proceeding year. 

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Open Schedule Exceptions 

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through mid-November:
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Warner Park
  • Olin Park (through October)

View all Large Shelters

• Olbrich Park - Walter St.

  Address: 502 Walter Street
  Capacity: Seats approx. 50 people
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Parking lot
  Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.
  
  Shelter Details: Olbrich Park - Walter St.

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 

For more information, see POLICY & GUIDELINES
 

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't 

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. 

View all Slacklining and Hammocking

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. 

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 (608)266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

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. 

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 (608) 266-4711.  Find out more about Athletic Field Reservations.

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. 

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
  

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. See 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
  
  Notes: Four (4) pickleball courts with portable nets share the space with two tennis courts.

Ultimate Frisbee or just Ultimate uses 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?
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. 

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.
 

View all Volleyball Courts

• Olbrich Park - Volleyball

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