Sycamore Park
Address: | 830 Jana Lane |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 71.42 |
Restroom: | No |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Park Details
Sycamore Park located on Madison's east side features a bicycle adventure trail, a large off-leash dog exercise area, soccer fields, and playground equipment.The Sycamore Park Master Plan was approved in May 2023.
Alternate addresses: 4514 Nakoosa Trail, 4701 Sycamore Avenue
Park Highlights
Sycamore Park Bicycle Adventure TrailThe 1.5-mile trail at Sycamore Park consists of natural stone chips, native soil, stone and wood. Trail difficulty is easy to moderate with ride-around options for the technical features. The travel direction is generally counterclockwise with directional signage onsite. The trail is free to use and designed for bicycles and other non-motorized activities such as hiking, walking and snowshoeing.
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-
Sycamore Park - Basketball East
Location: East of dog park
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
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Sycamore Park - Basketball South
Location: South of dog park
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 half
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Dog Off-Leash Park
Dog Park News
- Warner Park - small dog area OPEN - A large tree fell across the fence separating the small dog area. Due to the recent rains and ground conditions, removal of the trees by City arborists was delayed. The trees are now removed and fencing is temporarily repaired to allow the small dog park area to reopen. (updated June 26, 2024)
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
Daily $8 Annual $43 Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled $20 Annual Military/Veteran (New!) $20 Replacement $20 - 2024 permit is valid through December 31, 2024.
- 2025 permit is available for purchase starting Nov. 1, 2024 and is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2025.
- REQUIRED A daily or annual Dog Permit is required.
- The 2024 permit is valid through December 31, 2024.
- The 2025 permit is available for purchase starting November 1 and 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 also valid for use in Dane County Parks, City of Sun Prairie parks, and City of Middleton parks.
- Purchase a daily or annual permit ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711.
- REQUIRED 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.
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
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-
Sycamore Park - Dog Off-Leash Park
Location: 4517 Sycamore Ave.
Bag Dispenser: Yes
Benches: Yes
Fountain: No
Fencing: Yes
Shelter: Yes
OPEN
Notes: 19.9 acres
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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.-
Sycamore Park - Soccer 1
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Sycamore Park - Soccer #2
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Sycamore Park - Multipurpose Field
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Picnic Shelter
Picnic shelters, also called sun shelters, are smaller, open-air structures that provide a little shade and typically some seating. They do not protect from severe weather, such as lightning. A picnic shelter may be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis if not previously reserved.
- See SHELTER PRICES for 2025 rates.
- BEFORE reserving, be sure to see Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter.
- RESERVE Three Ways
- ONLINE
- Calling (608)266-4711
- In-person at the Parks administration office
- Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.
- Credit card is the only accepted method of payment.
- Need to CANCEL? All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy.
- Opening day to reserve a park picnic shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November.
- 2025 reservations are open as of 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.
- 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, as long as there is no glass. A handful of parks are alcohol-free and require a permit to bring alcohol. You must have a reservation to obtain an alcohol permit.
- All picnic shelters are open year-round, however, if the picnic shelter has restrooms, these are open seasonally and closed for the winter typically October - April.
- In the event of severe weather, picnic shelters are not lightening protection areas. Please seek an alternative location.
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
- Park 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 continues throughout the year. Please see Park Projects for park improvement that may impact a nearby shelter.
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Sycamore Park Picnic Shelter
Restrooms: No
Lighted: Yes
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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.-
Sycamore Park - Playground
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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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Sycamore Park - Volleyball Court
Surface: Turf
Lighted: No
Number of Courts:
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