BEACH NEWS
Tenney Park Beach Area is CLOSED for 2024 - A new lakeside shelter is coming to Tenney Park beach! While work is underway this year, a construction safety zone with temporary fencing is in place and the adjacent playground and beach are closed. Due to the construction safety zone, we are unable to access the beach area with equipment for maintenance and no water quality testing will be done this summer at this location.  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
Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. See RESTROOMS to view locations.  

ACCESSIBILITY
Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches. 

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

• No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
• Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
• Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches, see Park Rules for further details.
• Children under 5 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
• Toys are allowed but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
• The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. 
• Boats are not allowed in the swim area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
• Fishing is not allowed in the swim area.