Park Rules

Non-compliance of any of the following rules may be subject to a citation and/or removal from the park. To report, contact a park ranger, after hours, weekends and holidays, (608) 235-0448.

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General Parks

General parks are all parks, except conservation parks.

• Alcohol

  Most parks allow alcohol, in a non-breakable container.  By ordinance and policy, the following parks are alcohol-free and require an alcohol permit with an advanced shelter or athletic reservation. See Madison General Ordinance 8.24 and a Board of Park Commissioners policy for a full list of parks and details.

  • Allied Park
  • BB Clarke
  • Bernie's Beach
  • Brittingham
  • Demetral (at shelter and within 50' radius)
  • Elver (July 4, 5, and 6)
  • James Madison
  • Lake Edge
  • Law
  • Mayfair
  • OB Sherry

  • Olbrich
  • Paunack
  • Peace (Elizabeth Link) Park
  • Penn (10:00 am – 8:00 pm)
  • Reger
  • Reynolds
  • Tenney
  • Thut
  • Waunona

• Dogs

  Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks with a permit. A number of parks and areas within a park are designated as dog free, including inside all shelters, all conservation parks, near playgrounds and splash parks. See Dog Free Parks for more information.

• Firearms

  Firearms are prohibited where posted. Violators are considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or a park ban.

• Glass

  Glass is not allowed in any park.

• Geocaching

• Grilling

• Hours

  General parks are open 4am to 10pm. Conservation parks are open 4am to one hour after sunset.

• Metal Detecting

  Metal detecting is allowed in most Madison parks and a permit is not required. While there is not a formal ordinance, we ask that you please follow these rules:

  • Not on athletic fields
  • Not in a conservation park
  • Not on/near an effigy mound
  • If digging, use a plastic utensil/tool
  • Ensure dirt returns to its original location and no hole remains

• Parking

  • 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 afterhours: 10pm to 4am.
  • Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
  • Violators are subject to a fine.

• Slacklining and Hammocking

• Trash & Recycling

  Leave no trace. Put trash in its place. Use trash and recycle receptacles where provided. In those that do not, please take home all recyclables and trash, including dog waste.

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Conservation Parks

Conservation Parks are uniquely managed to further protect native species and wildlife. The preservation of conservation parks includes some of the following. More information may be found in Madison General Ordinances 8.40.

• Alcohol

  Alcohol is prohibited in all conservation parks.

• Bicycles & Motor Vehicles

  Bicycles and motor vehicles are restricted to entrance roads and parking lots.

• Dogs

  Dogs and horses are not allowed.

• Fire

  Fires are prohibited.

• Firearms

  Firearms are prohibited where posted. Violators are considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or a park ban.

• Glass

  Glass is not allowed.

• Hunting & Trapping

  Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

• Open Hours

  Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset.

• Parking

  • Driving or parking motorized vehicles is not allowed anywhere outside of the designated road or parking lot.
  • Three-hour limit in all parks, as posted.
  • No parking afterhours: one hour past sunset to sunrise.
  • Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
  • Violators are subject to a fine.

• Plants

  All plants and animals are protected. Disturbance or removal requires written permission.

• Trails

  Stay on and use designated trails only.

• Trash & Recycling

  Place trash in container provided. Please take recyclable material home for proper disposal.