Shelter Reservations
Reserve park shelters for casual events, staff retreats, or celebrations!
Most shelters are available to reserve mid-April to mid-October. Reservations for 2027 open Monday, November 2.
Reservations include only the shelter you are using, not the entire park. Privacy is not guaranteed. If you are interested in reserving an entire park, please visit Special Events.
Locations
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Review Policies, Projects & Fees
Before making a reservation, review:
- Reservation policies
- Shelter prices
- Projects: As we continually improve our park system, some projects may affect a nearby shelter.
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Reserve
Reservations for 2026 are now open. Reservations for 2027 open Monday, November 2.
You can also reserve:
- Phone: 608-266-4711
- In person: Parks Office, 330 E Lakeside St
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
You must pay in full when making a reservation. Online and phone payments are credit card only. In person, pay by credit card, cash, or check.
Special use permits are required for amplified sound, temporary structures, and alcohol in an alcohol-free park. You can buy these permits when making your reservation.
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After Reserving
- Verify all information on your receipt and immediately notify Madison Parks of any errors.
- Read all accompanying attachments. You must follow all park rules.
- If you need a temporary structure permit, you must contact the Diggers Hotline and return the completed application before your reservation.
How to Create an Online Account
- Go to WebTrac, and select Create Account.
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- Answer all required questions.
- Click Save when you've completed the form.
- Remember or record your Household Number (top right) for future account assistance.
Shelter Rules
The following are prohibited at Madison Parks shelters:
- Dogs or other animals
- Glass, including glass bottles
- Fasteners (painter's tape is acceptable)
- Firearms or weapons
- Balloons
- Water features (dunk tanks, sprinklers, water balloons)
- Throwing streamers, glitter, confetti, bird seed, or rice
- Driving on grass or parking near shelter
- Vending (see Special Event Permit)
- Alcohol in an alcohol-free park; an alcohol permit may be obtained with a reservation
Review also Park Rules.
Setup & Cleanup
- Locked shelters may only be accessed during reservation hours; additional fees for early or late access will be charged. Storage of personal items outside of reservations hours is not allowed.
- Use only painter's tape or freestanding decorations; do not use nails, staples or glue.
- Most shelters provide banquet or picnic tables. Check with Parks staff at the time of your reservation for details.
- Lights and outlets vary at each location. Check with staff at the time of your reservation for details. Open-air shelters with lights are on a timer.
- Additional fees may be charged for staff cleanup, park damage or policy violations.
Changes & Cancelations
- Canceling a reservation made on Opening Day will result in a 50% refund at most. Opening Day for 2026 reservations was Monday, November 3, 2025.
- Cancelation requests must be submitted at least 11 or more days before event date.
- No refunds are given if the request is submitted 10 days or fewer before event date.
- Changes can be made by calling the Parks Lakeside Offices at 608-266-4711.
- Cancelation requests must be submitted to parks@cityofmadison.com or in writing to:
- Madison Parks - Cancelations
330 E. Lakeside Street
Madison, WI 53715
- Madison Parks - Cancelations
| Number of Days Before the Event | Change Date or Location | Cancel |
|---|---|---|
| 28+ | 85% credit transfer (see Credits) | 75% refund |
| 11 - 27 | 75% credit transfer (see Credits) | 50% refund |
| 10 or fewer | No credit or refund | No refund |
| Undesirable Weather* | No credit or refund | No refund |
Credits
All credits on your account must be used by October 15 of the year issued. After October 15, credits will be removed from your account.
Weather Information
If the National Weather Service issues a Watch, Warning, or Advisory on the day of your reservation and you do not use the space, you may submit a refund request in writing within three (3) business days after your event.
Requests that meet the criteria will receive an 85% refund and 15% credit on your account (good through October 15 of the year issued).