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Tenney Park

Tenney Park
Address: 1414 E. Johnson St.
Hours: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Park Type: Community
Acres: 38.12
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Shoreline On: Lake Mendota & Yahara River

Park Details

With its friendly atmosphere and impressive display of storybook scenery Tenney Park serves as a place to socialize, a peaceful recluse, and a place to just be.  It's an excellent place to watch boats launch, seagulls flock, let the children play at the park, or just catch up on some reading. Under the narrative trees share a picnic on the plush, green grass while enjoying the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Mendota. Tenney Park is also a fantastic place to toss out a line for fishing, swim at the beach, or play a game of one of your favorite sports such as soccer, softball, or volleyball. Take stroll down the winding paths by foot, by bicycle, or rollerblades. In the chilly winter months, after gliding across the frozen lagoon, rejuvenate with a snack in the warming shelter. With its beauty and versatility in every season, this historic park is sure to be a favorite throughout the year!

Alternate addresses: 402 N. Thornton Ave. (shelter); 1330 Sherman Ave.; 1501 Sherman Ave. (boat launch parking)

Alcohol is prohibited in this park.  For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.

Park Highlights

In 2023, the City of Madison Engineering Division installed a roughly 25 kW solar photovoltaic system at the John Wall Family Pavilion at Tenney Park. The system consists of roof-mounted modules and will produce an estimated 30,000 kWh per year and will generate 80% of the building's electricity usage. 

Bird & Nature Adventures: Explore this area with a FREE, guided nature walk offered monthly. 

The Tenney Locks are owned and operated by Dane County Parks.  It is open May - October. Please see the Dane County website for permit fee information and schedule.

The John Wall Family Pavilion is used as a City of Madison polling location and during elections is closed to all other activities.  

 

At this Park