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Parks

Beaches

Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when Parks staff clean and maintain the designated beaches. You will see swim ropes at their designated locations and seasonal restrooms open daily. 

Volunteers Welcome

New this year -- volunteers are encouraged to participate our new Beach Cleanup Program!

Swim Ropes

Available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at BB Clarke, Bernie's, Esther, Olbrich, Spring Harbor, Tenney, Tenney, Vilas and Warner. No lifeguards are on duty. 

Accessibility 

Beach accessibility improvements were made in partnership with the Madison Parks Foundation. These accessible pathways are for everyone. Please be courteous and give priority to those who need them most. 

  • Accessible beach mats: Bernie's and Vilas beaches 
  • Paved path and beach mat: Esther, Tenney and Warner beaches

Restrooms

Seasonal restrooms are open daily approximately 11:00am to 7:00pm daily. See restrooms to view locations.

Note: Due to mechanical issues and the extended timeline for delivery of necessary parts, the restrooms at BB Clarke Beach will likely remain closed for this beach season. We apologize for this disruption in service and have installed a portable unit onsite. 

Lake Water Quality Testing

Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors the lakes water quality from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Public Health's Water Quality Testing 

Locations

B.B. Clarke Beach Park Beach

835 Spaight St.
Directions

Bernie's Beach Park Beach

901 Gilson St.
Directions

Brittingham Park Beach

701 W. Brittingham Pl.
Directions

Esther Beach Park Beach

2802 Waunona Way
Directions

James Madison Park Beach

614 E. Gorham St.
Directions

Marshall Park Beach

2101 Allen Blvd.
Directions

Olbrich Park Beach

3527 Atwood Ave.
Directions

Olin Park Beach

1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
Directions

Spring Harbor Beach Park Beach

1918 Norman Way
Directions

Tenney Park Beach

1330 Sherman Ave.
Directions

Vilas (Henry) Park Beach

1501 Vilas Park Dr.
Directions

Warner Park Beach

1101 Woodward Dr.
Directions

Rules

The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.

  • Dogs are NOT allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
  • Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
  • Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches; see Park Rules for further details.
  • Children under 10 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
  • Toys are allowed, but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
  • The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 
  • Boats are not allowed in the swimming area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
  • Fishing is not allowed in the swimming area.
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