Check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament RESERVE ONLINE

• Door Creek Park - Basketball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 2 full
  

Cross-Country Skiing in Madison Parks

Three (3) ski trails are free to use and three (3) ski trails require a daily or annual cross-country ski permit. 

• PERMIT REQUIRED: Door Creek, Elver and Odana Hills Golf Course.
  • A daily or annual Ski Permit is required for anyone aged 16 years or older.
  • PURCHASE PERMIT ONLINE 
  • Groomed several times each week for classic (tracks) and skate skiing, as conditions allow. 
• FREE-TO-USE: Cherokee Marsh Conservation - South, Owen, and Turville Point.
  • Groomed weekly and/or as conditions allow.  
• TRAIL STATUS DEFINITIONS
  • OPEN = trail is snow-covered, skiable with the most recent grooming date posted. 
  • CLOSED = skiing is not advised or permitted
  • See Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.

Daily	$8
Annual	$30
Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled	$15
Annual Military/Veteran	$15
Replacement	$15

• 2025 permit is valid from the time of purchase through December 31, 2025. 
• The permit is also valid for Dane County Parks trails. 
• 2026 permits go on sale November 1. 

Warming Shelter and Equipment Rentals
Ski rentals and concessions are available from Elver warming shelter, when staffed, typically Wednesday - Sunday. All winter activities are dependent on the weather and conditions. See alert for details.    

Ski Equipment Rentals  (includes skis, boots, poles and a daily ski permit)	Price
Cross-Country Skis - first hour Each additional hour	$9/Adult; $5/Youth* $5/Adult or Youth
Cross-Country Ski - all day, per day Each additional day	$30/Adult; $15/Youth* $15/Adult; $8/Youth
Cross-Country Ski - weekly	$70/Adult; $50/Youth*
Sit Skis - first hour Each additional hour	$9/Adult; $5/Youth* $5/Adult or Youth

*Youth = 15 years or younger
 

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EVENTS & GROUP PARTIES
Attend a winter event open to the community or reserve a winter recreation party for your group. All winter activities depend on the weather and conditions and are subject to change.

RESTROOMS
Indoor and portable restrooms are provided at a number of parks. See the webpage for open locations. 

PETS & BIKES
Bikes and pets, including well-behaved dogs, are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  See Dogs in Parks for locations where allowed. 

HIKING/SNOWSHOEING
Do not walk on a designated cross-country ski trail. Hiking or snowshoeing is allowed ANYWHERE except on cross-country ski trails and off-trail in a conservation park. See SNOWSHOEING for suggested locations. When in doubt, don't. 

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TRAIL CONDITIONS AND GROOMING

The type of trail grooming performed depends on a few things to make the most of both long and short-term skiing opportunities. The amount and type of snow and the ground condition at the time of the snow event play a part in the grooming equation.

Did you know Parks staff is responsible for priority snow removal areas? These priority areas are roads, more than 400 bus stops, bike trails, sidewalks, and parking lots. We always appreciate your patience and understanding as safety will always come before fun.  

• Ski trails typically open after the first snowfall over 4" depending on the type of snow and trail conditions.
• Fee-based trails are groomed more frequently, as conditions allow and for both skate and classic skiing.
• Free-to-use ski trails are tracked or roll-groomed for classic cross-country skiing. 
• We may not be able to groom or we may close a trail to preserve the trail condition. The website is updated as soon as information from the field is available.
• Permit fees are non-refundable.
• You may also visit Madison Nordic Ski Club for trail conditions posted by volunteers and trail users.

TRAIL TIPS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow directional arrows. Some trails are marked for one-way use
• Trails are rated for difficulty at the trailhead
• Skiers stay on groomed trails only
• No dogs, horses, snowboards, motor vehicles, hiking or snowshoeing on groomed trails
• Slower skiers please stay to the right

• Door Creek - Skiing

  Location: 7035 Littlemore Dr.
  
  Closed
  Cross-Country Skiing at Door Creek Park
  

Ice Skating in Madison Parks

No ice is completely safe. Opening an ice rink or lagoon for skating involves careful assessment. Always check the status online or call the Parks office before skating. Each rink and lagoon's status is listed and updated promptly. Rinks/lagoons will close if meltwater is visible to prevent extended closures from damaged ice. See Declaring a Rink or Lagoon as Open for more information. 

SKATE RENTALS & CONCESSIONS
Skate rentals and concessions are available from the staffed warming shelter in Elver, Tenney and Vilas. The season typically ends the third weekend in February, or sooner depending on ice conditions. 
 

LOANER SKATES 
Free-to-use skates are available at Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks. Borrow a pair of ice skates to use while at the rink. Limited quantities and sizes are available from inside the warming shelter. Please wipe down and return before leaving the park. 

EVENTS & GROUP OUTING
Attend a winter event open to the community or reserve a winter recreation party for your group. All winter activities depend on the weather and conditions and are subject to change.

RESTROOMS
Indoor and portable restrooms are provided at a number of parks. See the webpage for open locations. 

PETS & BIKES
Bikes and pets, including well-behaved dogs, are never allowed on any ice rink or lagoon.  See Dogs in Parks for locations where allowed. 

A big thank you to our many volunteers and the ADOPT ICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM! 

• Door Creek Park - Ice Rink

  Location: 7035 Littlemore Dr.
  
  Closed
  
  More Information: Skating at Door Creek Park - Ice Rink
  

Open or Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. Multipurpose Fields are located throughout the city and may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved. RESERVE ONLINE

SPECIALIZED FIELDS
Specialized fields include soccer, cricket, ball diamonds - baseball or softball and both fenced and non-fenced, may be viewed on the individual pages. See the sidebar on the Athletics webpage. 

• Door Creek Park - Multipurpose Field

Parking lots in parks are available for park programs or events during regular park hours: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

Parking Rules

• 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 after hours: 10pm to 4am. Overnight parking is not allowed. 
• Conservation park hours are 4am until one hour after sunset
• Follow all onsite parking regulation signs.
• Violators are subject to a fine.

Bus Parking

The City of Madison offers free, bus parking in the rear lot of Duane F. Bowman Park, 1775 Fish Hatchery Road, 53713. See Bus Parking Map for more information. This is the only designated City of Madison parking lot. All other locations, such as Olin Park, Turville Point Conservation Park, and Vilas Park Drive are prohibited and subject to a citation. 

Law Park: metered parking stalls

Pickleball Court Update

• Brittingham Park - fencing work is nearly complete and courts are open again! (as of 11/5/25) 

• Door Creek Park - Pickleball Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 8
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts (8)

With more than 175 playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. According to the Trust for Public Land, Madison ranks #1 in the nation for the number of playgrounds available. The traditional swings and slides are always an option, as are new play elements and fully accessible playgrounds. 

PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
Madison Parks is responsible for maintaining more than 175 playgrounds and began a system-wide replacement initiative in 2013. With current staff and funding resources, replacements are scheduled to continue through 2033. Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess the equipment's conditions and repair any safety concerns. Based on the age of the equipment and current conditions, each is given an audit score. The number of playgrounds replaced each year is based on budget allocations, staffing resources, and using the current playground audit score for prioritization. 

REPLACEMENT PROCESS: NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT
At the start of the replacement process, notices are sent to the District Alder, neighborhood association representatives, and surrounding residential addresses. Information is also posted to the project website. Generally, two public meetings are held to review surfacing and equipment options and make final selections.

If you have questions about a specific playground or see something broken, please let us know. 

• Door Creek Park - Playground

Restrooms across the park system are available year-round and seasonally from late April to early October. Indoor restrooms are open approximately 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The website lists OPEN locations. 

2025 Seasonal Closures - Started the week of October 13

Open Year-Round 

• Brittingham Park (2) at beach house and boat house+
• Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North*
• Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, South+
• Door Creek Park+
• Elver Park enclosed shelter*
• Hiestand Park - near disc golf course+
• Owen Conservation Park*
• Warner Park boat launch* 

Open for Winter Recreation

• Goodman - ice skating+
• Heritage Heights - ice skating+
• Olbrich - ice skating*
• Rennebohm - ice skating
• Turville Point Conservation Park - skiing+
• Vilas - ice skating, snowshoeing* (inside shelter, open when staffed)
• Warner - ice skating*
• Westmorland - ice skating*

• Door Creek Park

  OPEN

2026 Reservations Open Monday, Nov. 3.

• Reservations can be made online or by phone starting at 8:00am on Monday, November 3.
• We will be fully staffed to answer phone reservations; however, for the best and fastest experience, we recommend making your reservation online.
• If you don't already have an account, we also recommend creating an account before Nov. 3. 
• IMPORTANT: Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event. 

Shelters Not Available in 2026

• Olin Park Pavilion - closed for 2026 due to essential repairs and maintenance by City Engineering. 
• Hoyt Park - both shelters closed through August 2026 due to the parking lot reconstruction. See Hoyt Park project for more info.  
• Additionally, check the 2026 Special Event Reservations for unavailable dates and locations.

Park shelters and pavilions, ideal for casual events, staff retreats, or celebrations, are available to reserve generally mid-April to mid-October. There are some exceptions noted below. 

Important Notes

• Any required permits, such as amplified sound, or alcohol are required at the time of processing.    
• All reservations are subject to our standard cancelation policy. 
• Opening day to reserve a park shelter for the following year begins on the first business day in November. 
• 2026 reservations open on Monday, November 3, 2025.
  • IMPORTANT: Canceling a reservation made on opening day will result in a 50% refund and must be submitted at least 11 or more days before the event date. No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before the event. 
• Dogs are prohibited inside a shelter or other City building. 
• Picnic shelters may be reserved online or by calling -OR- if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Day of signage is posted at the shelter.
• Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group.  Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other park amenities. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
• Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. Glass is never allowed. There are a handful of alcohol-free parks. In these locations, if you would like to bring alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit, which may be obtained when placing your reservation. An alcohol permit, without a reservation, is not given. 
• Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation.  The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible; however, this is not a guarantee. Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continue throughout the year.  Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
• Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.

Open Schedule Exceptions 

• Open year-round:
  • Gates of Heaven
  • Highland Manor Park
• Open mid-April through the end of October:
  • Door Creek Park
  • Elvehjem Park
  • Elver Park (enclosed shelter) 
  • Olin Park (closed in 2026 for repairs & maintenance) 
  • Penn Park
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park (open through mid-November)
  • Vilas Park
  • Warner Park ("rainbow" shelter)
  • Westmorland Park

• Door Creek Shelter

  Address: 7035 Littlemore Dr
  Capacity: See Seating Notes
  Restrooms: In shelter
  Water: Available in shelter
  Parking: Parking lot
  
  
  Shelter Details: Door Creek Shelter

Snowshoeing in Madison Parks

• Designated snowshoe trails are offered in the following parks. 
  • Cherokee Marsh South
  • Door Creek Park
  • Elver Park
• Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in a general park with good snow cover - typically about 4" or more, except on a marked cross-country ski trail. 
• Snowshoeing is allowed in any trail in a conservation park, except Owen, and Turville Point, which are designated ski trails. 
• DO NOT snowshoe off-trail in a conservation park. 
  • Snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing off-trail can destroy snow tunnels used by native small rodents (deer mice, shrews) by the trampling effect. These small mammals are an important part of the wetland and grassland ecology in our conservation parks. Destruction of these tunnel networks makes small mammals more vulnerable to predation.
• When in doubt, it's always best to stay on a trail.
  • Our trail systems are designed to facilitate controlled public access while protecting environmentally sensitive areas and providing a quiet refuge for wildlife away from people. Disruption of wildlife by human activity during the winter puts additional stress on them during a challenging time for their survival. 

Tennis Court Updates

• Brittingham Park - fencing work is nearly complete and courts are open again! (as of 11/5/25)
• Rennebohm Park - west court construction is substantially completed and courts are open for play! (updated October 20, 2025)

• Door Creek Park - Tennis Court

  Surface: Asphalt
  Lighted: No
  Number of Courts: 8
  
  Notes: Tennis/Pickleball Courts (8)