Bernie's Beach Park
Address: | 901 Gilson St. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Mini |
Acres: | 1.17 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Monona Bay |
Park Details
Alternate address: 502 South Shore DriveAlcohol 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
At this Park
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Beach
BEACH NEWS
Tenney Park Beach - Closed for 2024 - We are replacing the shelter at Tenney Park beach! During construction in 2024, the beach access, the beach parking lot and the beachside playground are closed. Look for a new reservable shelter opening in 2025. See Tenney Park Beach Project, for more information.
Spring Harbor Beach - Possible access interruptions - Due to construction work on Mendota Drive, access to Spring Harbor Beach may be limited or interrupted through July. See Mendota Drive to learn more about this City of Engineering project.
BEACH SEASON
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches.RESTROOMS
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Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. See RESTROOMS to view locations.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty.
RULES
Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES.
BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park. Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches.-
Bernie's Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 901 Gilson St.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Street Parking
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Bernie's Beach Details -
Playground
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.
PLAYGROUNDS FOR EVERYONE
Through the Madison Parks Foundation initiative, Madison Parks offers accessible playgrounds in Brittingham, Elver, Rennebohm and Warner parks. An accessible playground is anticipated in Reindahl Park in the near future.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENTS: HOW AND WHEN
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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.-
Bernie's Beach Park - Playground
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- Restroom
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