Madison, WI | Tenney Park, 1414 E. Johnson Street

For the last 4 years a group of Tenney Park neighbors, called the Tenney Park Shelter Group, have been raising money to build a new shelter at Tenney Park. The original shelter was almost 60 years old, and was showing its age. Now, thanks to donations from the community, in particular the John Wall Family, the group met their goal.

The historic Tenney Park is a popular gathering place for not only the surrounding neighborhood, but for the city as a whole. It is undoubtedly the most popular ice skating location in the city with over 22,000 people enjoying the frozen lagoon each season and over 90 special event rentals each year. The John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park will be open this winter for the ice skating season, and is available for rentals for weddings, family reunions and events in 2012.

"Tenney Park has been a special place for Madison families for generations," says Kevin Briski, Madison Parks Superintendent. "With this wonderful new pavilion, Tenney Park will remain so for generations to come."

There will be two events celebrating the new John Wall Family Pavilion opening this winter.

1. Thursday, December 1, 5:30-8:00 p.m., the Tenney Park Shelter Group will be celebrating the Grand Opening with a ticketed gala fund-raising event to support a new playground next to the new pavilion. Join us for tasty hors d'oeuvres and beverages to honor our donors and celebrate the opening of this wonderful new community facility. Program will start at 6:30pm with special guest Olympian medalist Beth Heiden Reid. Space is limited. For ticket information, please contact Peg Smelser at 608-241-1711 or psmelser@charter.net

2. Saturday, December 3, 11a.m. - 1p.m., the public is invited to the official Ribbon-Cutting and Open House of the new pavilion. Everyone is invited to this free event to meet Olympic star Beth Heiden-Reid, get a sneak peak and tour the facility. Children will be invited to decorate their own gingerbread house or holiday cookies. Music will be provided by the New You Trio. A brief program will begin at 11:30a.m.

To learn more about John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park, visit the website or call 608-266-4711. Host your 2012 meeting, family reunion, or party at Tenney Park, 1414 E. Johnson Street.