Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Warner Park

Address: | 2930 N. Sherman Ave. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 213.49 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Lake Mendota |
Park Details
Though distinctive for its natural beauty and expansive tracts of land, Warner Park is primarily defined by its links to the community. Occasionally, the park plays host to a variety of social happenings such as charity walk/run events and community festivals. The colorful shelter is popular for reunions and parties, while other notable attractions include the off-leash dog park, beach, and frequented boat launch. However, despite the wide-range of interests that the park tends to attract, patrons share a common ground by using Warner as a place for gathering, promoting healthy activity, and facilitating sincere, cultural exchange. This unique aspect of Warner Park clearly reflects in the Warner Park Community Recreation Center (WPCRC). Its mission to provide innovative growth and enrichment opportunities for the Madison community connects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. Moreover, Warner is home to such summer favorites as Madison Mallards ballgames.
PARKING
Parking is not allowed on the grass or along yellow-painted curbs. When the parking lot is full, which is often the case during Madison Mallards home games, you will need to find alternative parking areas.
Park Highlights
Bird & Nature Outing: Explore this park with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly.At this Park
-
Baseball Field
The baseball diamonds 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. Go to: 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 Baseball Fields-
Warner Stadium
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
-
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-
Warner Park - Basketball South
Location: West of softball fields
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
-
Warner Park - Basketball Troy Dr
Location: Troy Drive
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: Yes
Number of Courts: 2 full
-
-
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.-
Warner Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1101 Woodward Dr.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Beach Details -
Boat Launch
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 permit ONLINE or by calling during regular office hours. Onsite kiosks are 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, 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.
-
Warner Park - Boat Launch
Lake Access Permit Required: Yes
Notes: 1201 Woodward Drive
-
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 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
-
Dog Off-Leash Park
Madison Parks offers 9 fenced, off-leash dog park areas with three locations, Odana School, Warner and Sycamore, providing a separate small dog fenced area.
- REQUIRED A Dog Park Permit is required
- Purchase a daily or annual permit ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711.
- The Annual Permit is valid for one calendar year and available after December 1 for the following year.
- Onsite kiosks are closed due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
- REQUIRED A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City Treasurer's Office.
- Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper license 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 rabies vaccination is administered by a veterinarian within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months of age. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
- REQUIRED Dogs must remain on-leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
- PROHIBITED AREAS Dogs are not allowed in any Dog Free Park, playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, golf courses (in season) or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails. LEARN MORE
PERMIT FREE DAY Madison Parks in partnership with Dane County Parks annually offer one "free day" per year when no permit is required. This is typically in June and posted at least one month in advance.
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-
Warner Park - Dog Off-Leash Park
Location: 2301 Sheridan Dr.
Bag Dispenser: Yes
Benches: Yes
Fountain: No
Fencing: Yes
Shelter: No
Notes: Approx. 37 acres. Water in the lagoon is not tested by Public Health. Always check conditions before letting your dog in the water. More info: https://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/beaches-lakes-pools/blue-green-algae-precautions
- REQUIRED A Dog Park Permit is required
-
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 -
Football Field
Many of the football 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 Football Fields-
Warner Park - Football
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
Notes: This location has goal posts.
-
-
Hiking
Explore the many scenic trails and pathways throughout Madison Parks. Leashed & licensed dogs are allowed on most trails with a Dog Park Permit. See Dog Free Parks, for exceptions. Restrooms are open year-round at Cherokee Marsh, North Unit and Owen conservation parks.
Please observe the following COVID-19 safety precautions:- Maintain a physical distance of at least 6' from anyone outside your household.
- Share the path. Some trails are bike and pedestrian shared. Bicyclists, remain 6' from pedestrians and give a courtesy alert to others that you are passing on the left.
- MORE PATH TIPS
A number of parks are mapped for hiking. Look for a map onsite or on the individual park page, under the "About This Park" section. View all Hiking -
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
-
Warner Park - Frozen Lagoon
Location: 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
Closed
More Information: Skating at Warner Park
-
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-
Warner Park - Open Field Games
-
-
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 -
Picnic Shelter
Smaller picnic shelters may be reserved for exclusive or on a first-come, first-served basis, if not previously reserved.
RESERVE: ONLINE (search "small picnic shelter") or by calling (608) 266-4711
2021 FEE- $35/day, including tax
- Amplified Sound Permit: $60/reservation (6 hours maximum). Please ask when reserving
- Temporary Structure Permits: $110/day, including tax
- Alcohol Permit (select parks only): $55/reservation. It is required in select parks. Please ask when reserving.
- 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. A handful are alcohol-free and would require a permit to bring alcohol. You must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing a reservation.
- All picnic shelters are open year-round, however, if the picnic shelter has restrooms, these are open seasonally (closed winter/cold months).
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
- **IMPORTANT**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 see Park Projects for park improvement that may impact a nearby shelter.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS OF PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS:
- Cancellation requests must be submitted to the Parks Administration Office in writing to:
210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, #104, Madison, WI 53703 or by email. - There is no charge to change the date and/or location, if the request is received 28 days or more prior to event date.
- Full refunds are given, at no charge for cancellation requests received at least 28 days prior to the event date.
- Cancellations and changes received 27 to 11 days prior to the event date (counting notice date and event date) will incur a $10 administrative fee.
- No cancellations or changes will be accepted 10 days or fewer before the event date (counting notice date and event date).
View all Picnic Shelters-
Warner Park Picnic Shelter
Location: Northwest of Tennis Courts
Restrooms: No
Lighted: No
-
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.
-
Warner Park - Playground
-
Warner Park - Playground
-
-
Recreation Center
-
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.-
Warner Park
Location: 2930 N. Sherman Ave
OPEN -
Warner Park Beach
CLOSED
Notes: Under renovation. Restrooms are open when lifeguards are on duty. -
Warner Park Boat Launch
OPEN -
Warner Park Softball
CLOSED
-
-
Scenic Overlook
Many of the Madison Parks are located in ideal locations for sight seeing. Enjoy the view! View all Scenic Overlooks -
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 9, 2021
-
Warner Park
Address: 2930 N. Sherman Ave
Capacity: Seats 50 people inside, 140 people outside
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
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.
-
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
-
Sledding
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.
The Elver Park sledding hill is one of the most popular and is lit for nighttime sledding during the open season.
Hiestand Park -
Warner Park - Sledding
Warming House: No
Concessions: No
-
-
Snowshoeing
Experience winter in Madison Parks like never before with snowshoeing! This silent sport is a fantastic way to explore many of our parks during the winter months and is easy to learn.
NEW - Snowshoe Rentals at Vilas Park
When the ice rinks are open and we are staffed at Vilas Park, stop over for a pair of snowshoes to rent. Be sure to check the ice skating page for the status, select the Vilas frozen lagoon or rink for hours - Wednesday - Sunday.
RATESSnowshoe Rentals Adult (16 & older) Youth (15 & under) Hourly $5 $2 Additional Hour $2 $2 Daily (24 hours) $25 $10 Additional day $15 $5
TIPS - Where is snowshoeing allowed?- DO snowshoe anywhere in a general park with good snow-cover, except on a cross-country ski groomed trail (Door Creek, Elver, Odana Hills, and Yahara Hills).
- DO snowshoe on a trail in any conservation park, except those groomed for cross-country skiing (Cherokee Marsh South, Owen, and Turville Point)
- DO snowshoe with sufficient snow (typically 4" or more).
- DON'T snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park.
- Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes the small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
- When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
- Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing quiet refuges for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival.
- Learn more:
- Read Your Guide to Snowshoeing in Madison Parks
- Subscribe to Winter Recreation News
-
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-
Warner Park - Soccer #1
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park - Soccer #3
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park - Soccer #4
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park - Soccer #5
Bleachers: No
Lighted: No
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
-
Softball Field
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-
Warner Park Softball #1
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park Softball #2
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park Softball #3
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
Warner Park Softball #5
Bleachers: Yes
Lighted: Yes
Setup: Adult
Type: Game
-
-
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
-
Warner Park - Tennis Court
Location: West of softball fields
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 3
-
-
Ultimate Frisbee Field
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.
View all Ultimate Frisbee Fields
-
Warner Park - Ultimate Frisbee
-
-
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 -
Warner Park - Volleyball
Location: By park shelter
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2
-
-