Shelter Reservation Policies and Cancelations

What to know BEFORE making a reservation.

• Important: Review the Changes & Cancelations policies below (fees may apply).
• Full payment is required when making a reservation; payment methods include credit card, cash or check; credit card required for online and phone-in reservations.
• Required permits for amplified sound, temporary structure, or alcohol (see Parks Rules for locations) may be purchased when placing a reservation. Permits must be obtained at least ten (10) business days before reservation date.
• Reserving a shelter does not reserve the entire park and does not guarantee absolute privacy, as public amenities must remain accessible. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please see Special Events.
• Parks Projects may impact a nearby shelter. Be sure to review this website before reserving and prior to your reservation date.

What to know AFTER making a reservation.

• Verify all information on your receipt and immediately notify parks of any errors.
• Read all accompanying attachments; all policies and rules must be followed.
• Temporary structure permits require contacting Diggers Hotline and returning completed application.

Rules

• Strictly Prohibited (see Park Rules for additional information):
• Glass
• Fasteners (painter’s tape is acceptable)
• Pets/Animals
• Firearms or weapons
• Balloons
• Water features (dunk tanks, sprinklers, water balloons)
• Throwing streamers, glitter, confetti, bird seed, or rice
• Driving on grass or parking near shelter
• Vending, selling goods/services (see Special Event Permit)
• Alcohol in an alcohol-free park; alcohol permit may be obtained with reservation

Setup and Cleanup

• Locked shelters may only be accessed during reservation hours; additional fees for early or late access will be charged. Storage of personal items outside of reservations hours is not allowed.
• Use only painter's tape or freestanding decorations; do not use nails, staples or glue.
• Most shelters provide banquet or picnic tables. Check with Parks staff at the time of your reservation for details.
• Lights and outlets vary at each location. Check with staff at the time of your reservation for details. Open-air shelters with lights are on a timer.
• Additional fees may be charged for staff cleanup, park damage or policy violations.

Changes & Cancelations (fees apply)

• Canceling a reservation made on Opening Day will result in a 50% refund. Opening Day is the first business day in November when shelter reservations begin for the next year.
• Cancelation requests must be submitted at least 11 or more days before event date.
• No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before event date.
• Changes can be made by calling the Parks Lakeside Offices at (608) 266-4711.
• Cancelation requests must be submitted to parks@cityofmadison.com or in writing to:
• Madison Parks - Cancelations
  330 E. Lakeside Street
  Madison, WI 53715

		28+ days before event	11-27 days before event	10 or fewer days before event	Undesirable Weather*
Picnic Shelters Levels 1-2 See Prices	Change date or location	$10 administrative Fee	75% credit transfer	No refund	No refund
	Cancelation	Full refund minus $10 administrative fee**	50% refund	No refund	No refund
Large Shelters Levels 3-9 See Prices	Change date or location	$25 administrative fee	75% credit transfer	No refund	No refund
	Cancelation	Full refund minus $25 administrative fee*	50% refund	No refund	No Refund

*If the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning, Tornado Watch/Warning, Excessive Heat Warning, or an Air Quality Alert (index > 200), customers may request a cancelation for a 100% credit toward another reservation to be used by October 15 within the same year.