Large Shelters

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. The Shelter Reservations Guide includes details on seating and amenities.

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 
  • Penn Park
  • John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park (open through mid-November)
  • Vilas Park
  • Warner Park ("rainbow" shelter)
  • Westmorland Park