Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Tenney Park

Address: | 1414 E. Johnson St. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 38.12 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Lake Mendota & Yahara River |
Park Details
With its friendly atmosphere and impressive display of storybook scenery Tenney Park serves as a place to socialize, a peaceful recluse, and a place to just be. It's an excellent place to watch boats launch, seagulls flock, let the children play at the park, or just catch up on some reading. Under the narrative trees share a picnic on the plush, green grass while enjoying the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Mendota. Tenney Park is also a fantastic place to toss out a line for fishing, swim at the beach, or play a game of one of your favorite sports such as soccer, softball, or volleyball. Take stroll down the winding paths by foot, by bicycle, or rollerblades. In the chilly winter months, after gliding across the frozen lagoon, rejuvenate with a snack in the warming shelter. With its beauty and versatility in every season, this historic park is sure to be a favorite throughout the year!Alternate addresses: 402 N. Thornton Ave. (shelter); 1330 Sherman Ave.; 1501 Sherman Ave. (boat launch parking)
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
Bird & Nature Outing: Explore this area with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly.
The Tenney Locks are owned and operated by Dane County Parks. It is open May - October. Please see the Dane County website for permit fee information and schedule.
The John Wall Family Pavilion has free city wifi. During elections, this site is a City of Madison polling location and closed to all other activities.
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 see Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Basketball Courts-
Tenney Park - Basketball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
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Tenney Park - Basketball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 half
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B-cycle Station
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 -
Beach
Sunrise or sunset? We have some of the best views in town!
View all Beaches
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.-
Tenney Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1330 Sherman Ave.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Beach Details -
Boat Launch
Piers Installed (updated 03/31/2021)
- Marshall Park (Lake Mendota)
- Olbrich Park (Lake Monona)
- Olin Park (Lake Monona)
- Tenney Park (Lake Mendota)
ACCESS THE LAKES!
Surrounded by more than 15,000 acres of lakes, accessing the water is easy in Madison and surrounding communities with your Lake Access Permit. A daily or annual permit is required year-round at designated sites to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV (see locations below). Piers are available spring through fall. Installation and removal are dependent on the weather and lake conditions.
LAKE ACCESS PERMIT (Ordinance 8.215):
• A daily or annual permit is required year-round to launch a motorboat, sailboat, iceboat, canoe, kayak, or ATV.
• Purchase ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks not available.
• The permit is valid for the issue year through March 31 of the following year.
• 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, WarnerLAUNCH 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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Tenney Park - Boat Launch
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: 1601 Sherman Ave.
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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.
James Madison Park pier update (as of 03/23/2021): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damage during the flood of 2018 and was removed as a result. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier is delayed. Unfortunately, we still do not have a timeline for its replacement. 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-
Madison School & Community Recreation
Telephone: (608) 204-4581
More Information: Madison School & Community Recreation
Notes: Available: pontoons
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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 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.
$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. 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.
- See agreement for complete rules.
Additional storage may be available at the following:- Brittingham Park: Brittingham Boats 608-250-2555
- Olbrich Park: Rutabaga Paddlesports 608-513-1308
- Wingra Park: Wingra Boats 608-233-5332
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Fishing
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 FishingEvery 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 -
Ice Skating
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:
- Read Your Guide to Ice Skating in Madison Parks
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
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
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Tenney Park - Frozen Lagoon
Location: 402 N. Thornton Ave.
Closed
More Information: Skating at Tenney Park
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Tenney Park - Hockey Rink
Location: 1330 Sherman Ave
Closed
More Information: Skating at Tenney Park
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Open Field
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-
Tenney Park - Open Field Games
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Parking Lot
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 -
Pickleball Court
Garner Park offers Madison's only dedicated pickleball courts, plus we have a number of tennis courts lined for pickleball throughout the city. Rules of the game, adopted by the USA Pickleball Association may be found here.
View all Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts may be reserved ONLINE.-
Tenney Park - Pickleball Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: Yes
Number of Courts: 2
Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Court
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Playground
According to the Trust for Public Land Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds per capita - 7 playgrounds for every 10,000 people. That's a lot of options! In 2020, our overall ParkScore Ranking was #12 in the nation.
View all Playgrounds
Madison Parks offers all-inclusive playgrounds in Brittingham Park and Elver Park. The Elver Park playground opened in July 2019. READ MORE.
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Tenney Park - Playground
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Tenney Park - Playground
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Restroom
Public restrooms are located throughout the park system and in many locations with a reservable shelter. Year-round restrooms are open at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park.
View all Restrooms
Seasonal restrooms are generally open mid-April through mid-October, from approximately 10am to 8pm daily.-
Tenney Park at John Wall Family Pavilion
OPEN
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Shelter - Reservable
2021 SHELTER RESERVATIONS
- Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). You may check availability and reserve a shelter for 2021 ONLINE or by calling (608) 266-4711.
- Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.
- Credit card (MasterCard or Visa) is the only accepted method of payment.
- Due to COVID-19, the Parks office remains closed to the public and we cannot accept cash or check as payment.
- All reservations are subject our standard cancellation policy.
- See individual shelter details for pricing.
- Prior to reserving, be sure to visit Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter.
- The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
Shelter 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)
Note:
- Picnic shelters may now be reserved online or by calling or are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 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. There are a handful of parks that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing your reservation.
- 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 continues 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.
- 2022 reservations begin at 8:00am on Tuesday, November 8, 2021
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Tenney Park at John Wall Family Pavilion
Address:
Capacity: Seats 120 people inside/60 outside patio
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.
Shelter Details
- Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). You may check availability and reserve a shelter for 2021 ONLINE or by calling (608) 266-4711.
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Slacklining and Hammocking
Slacklining is a balance sport that uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontally 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 information on when, where, and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees. View all Slacklining and Hammocking
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Soccer Field
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-
Tenney Park - Soccer NW
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Tenney Park - Soccer SE
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
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Tennis Court
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
View all Tennis Courts
Practice Wall Locations
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland
Shared Pickleball Courts
Elvehjem, Heritage Heights, Norman Clayton, Northland Manor, Tenney, and Walnut Grove
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Tenney Park - Tennis Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: Yes
Number of Courts: 2
Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Court
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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 see Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Volleyball Courts
Warner Park -
Tenney Park - Volleyball Court
Location: By beach
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1
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