Shelter Reservation Policies and Cancelations

What to know BEFORE making a reservation.

• Important: Review the Changes & Cancelations policies below (fees may apply).
• Full payment is required when making a reservation; payment methods include credit card, cash or check; credit card required for online and phone-in reservations.
• Required permits for amplified sound, temporary structure, or alcohol (see Parks Rules for locations) may be purchased when placing a reservation. Permits must be obtained at least ten (10) business days before reservation date.
• Reserving a shelter does not reserve the entire park and does not guarantee absolute privacy, as public amenities must remain accessible. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please see Special Events.
• Parks Projects may impact a nearby shelter. Be sure to review this website before reserving and prior to your reservation date.

What to know AFTER making a reservation.

• Verify all information on your receipt and immediately notify parks of any errors.
• Read all accompanying attachments; all policies and rules must be followed.
• Temporary structure permits require contacting Diggers Hotline and returning completed application.

Rules

• Strictly Prohibited (see Park Rules for additional information):
• Glass
• Fasteners (painter’s tape is acceptable)
• Pets/Animals
• 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, selling goods/services (see Special Event Permit)
• Alcohol in an alcohol-free park; alcohol permit may be obtained with reservation

Setup and 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 (fees apply)

• Canceling a reservation made on Opening Day will result in a 50% refund. Opening Day for 2026 reservations is 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

	28+ days before event	11-27 days before event	10 or fewer days before event	Undesirable Weather*
Change date or location	85% credit transfer**	75% credit transfer**	No refund	No refund
Cancelation	75% refund	50% refund	No refund	No Refund

*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)

**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.

More Information