--- title: "Tenney Park" url: https://stacklist.com/card/64c941ab-4104-44e1-ad1c-97d57c5d5f03 source_url: "https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/find-a-park/tenney" stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/00746be3-0ce8-4f7d-bef5-5780286a6638 summary: "Tenney Park is a 38.12-acre recreational facility in Madison, Wisconsin, offering diverse activities including swimming, fishing, sports, boating, and nature walks along Lake Mendota. The park features athletic fields, courts, beach access, boat launches, and seasonal amenities like a frozen lagoon and warming shelter." tags: "tenney-park, madison-parks, recreation, lake-mendota, outdoor-activities, sports-facilities, community-space" key_entities: "Tenney Park (location), Madison, Wisconsin (location), Lake Mendota (location), City of Madison Parks (organization), Dane County Parks (organization), Public Health Madison & Dane County (organization), John Wall Family Pavilion (concept), solar photovoltaic system (technology), Tenney Locks (concept)" classification: "reference" content_hash: "sha256:0f6039a54b0fa155ad66b0dd8f8633404c27a512bd069d03221751ca77c0a908" acp_version: "0.2" token_counts_approximate: 1205 visibility: public agent_accessible: true status: "final" --- # Tenney Park Tenney Park 1414 E. Johnson St. Madison, WI 53703 Directions Acres: 38.12 With its friendly atmosphere and impressive display of storybook scenery Tenney Park serves as a place to socialize, a peaceful recluse, and a place to just be. It's an excellent place to watch boats launch, seagulls flock, let the children play at the park, or just catch up on some reading. Under the narrative trees share a picnic on the plush, green grass while enjoying the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Mendota. Tenney Park is also a fantastic place to toss out a line for fishing, swim at the beach, or play a game of one of your favorite sports such as soccer, softball, or volleyball. Take stroll down the winding paths by foot, by bicycle, or rollerblades. In the chilly winter months, after gliding across the frozen lagoon, rejuvenate with a snack in the warming shelter. With its beauty and versatility in every season, this historic park is sure to be a favorite throughout the year! Alternate addresses: 402 N. Thornton Ave. (shelter); 1330 Sherman Ave.; 1501 Sherman Ave. (boat launch parking) Alcohol 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. In 2023, the City of Madison Engineering Division installed a roughly 25 kW solar photovoltaic system at the John Wall Family Pavilion at Tenney Park. The system consists of roof-mounted modules and will produce an estimated 30,000 kWh per year and will generate 80% of the building's electricity usage. Bird & Nature Adventures : Explore this park with a free, volunteer-led, guided nature walk offered monthly and year-round. Tenney Locks The Tenney Locks are owned and operated by Dane County Parks and typically open May through October. Please see Dane County Tenney Locks for a schedule and permit fee information. The John Wall Family Pavilion is used as a City of Madison polling location and during elections is closed to all other activities. At this Park Skip accordion group Expand all Athletic Fields & Courts Most athletic fields and courts are available first-come, first-served. You must reserve fields and courts online for leagues, lessons, or tournaments. Basketball Full Courts: 1  Definitions: Full Court = 50' x 84' and Full Small Court = 44' x 74' Multipurpose Field 2 fields, 1 backstop Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. They may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved. Tennis & Pickleball Courts: 3, asphalt, lighted Volleyball Courts: 1, sand By beach Beach 1330 Sherman Ave. Swim Ropes: Yes Shoreline: Lake Mendota There are no lifeguards on duty. Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors the lake water quality Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check beach water quality . Beach Shelter 1300 Sherman Ave. Beach Shelter Information Please review reservation policies , shelter prices , and current park projects before reserving. Boat Launch 1601 Sherman Ave. Access Lake Mendota. A Lake Access Permit is required. Canoe and Kayak Launch Access Lake Mendota. Canoe and Kayak Storage Store your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. Reserve storage space Fishing People 16 years and older need a fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR . Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. Learn more at Public Health Fish Advisories . Frozen Lagoon   Closed for Season 402 N. Thornton Ave. Frozen Lagoon Information Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice. Hockey Rink   Closed for Season 402 N. Thornton Ave. Hockey Rink Information Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice. John Wall Family Pavilion 402 N. Thornton Ave. John Wall Family Pavilion Information Please review reservation policies , shelter prices , and current park projects before reserving. Playground Two playgrounds. With 160+ playgrounds throughout Madison, you are never too far from a playground. Playground design and amenities vary by park.  Restrooms at Beach Shelter   Open 1300 Sherman Ave. Restrooms are open approximately 10:00am to 8:00pm; beach restrooms 11:00am to 7:00pm.  Restrooms at John Wall Family Pavilion   Open 402 N. Thornton Ave. Restrooms are open approximately 10:00am to 8:00pm; beach restrooms 11:00am to 7:00pm.  Was this page helpful to you? * required Yes No Why or why not? Leave this field blank