Brittingham Park

Key Highlights

• ✓Two (or more) distinct playgrounds on opposite ends of the park, offering varied play experiences.
• ✓One playground area features an 'interesting bouncy surface', providing a unique and potentially safer play environment.
• ✓Another playground includes ramps and a 'course' designed for older kids, perfect for games like 'the floor is lava'.
• ✓Direct lake access for activities such as fishing (all year, including ice fishing), walking, and scenic views.
• ✓Large, clean, and fun playground facilities.
• ✓Big gazebo available for family get-togethers, picnics, and other events.
• ✓Large fields used for sports like ultimate Frisbee and general ball play.
• ✓Sand volleyball courts available for use.
• ✓Park is located right off a bike trail, offering additional recreational opportunities.

Standout Features

• ⭐Accessible park design, including ramps for easy access.
• ⭐Multiple, distinct playgrounds catering to different ages and play styles.
• ⭐Unique 'bouncy surface' on one of the playground areas.
• ⭐Scenic lake views and opportunities for fishing, walking, and enjoying sunsets/sunrises.
• ⭐Large, multi-purpose fields for sports like ultimate Frisbee and general play.
• ⭐Availability of sand volleyball courts.
• ⭐Spacious gazebo ideal for family gatherings and events.
• ⭐Two fire pits, potentially for gatherings or warmth.
• ⭐Convenient location directly off a bike trail.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Alcohol is prohibited in Brittingham Park unless an alcohol permit is obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
• • Glass containers are never allowed when alcohol is present in any Madison Park.
• • At the reservable open-air shelter (829 W. Washington Ave.), alcohol is prohibited unless an alcohol permit is acquired with the reservation.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • No lifeguards are on duty at Brittingham Beach.
• • Always check the website for current lake water quality test results (OK/CLOSED) before swimming; on-site signs may be outdated.
• • No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area at Brittingham Beach.
• • Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed in the beach swim area.
• • Toys are allowed at the beach, but their use may be restricted for safety.
• • Boats are not allowed in the designated swimming area (defined by outer buoys).
• • Fishing is not allowed in the designated swimming area.
• • Dogs must remain on a leash when traveling to/from vehicles to the inside of the off-leash dog park area.
• • Dogs are prohibited near playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, and in or near park shelters.
• • Bring your own water for dogs; sharing water is not recommended due to risk of parasites/disease. Do not leave water or water bowls.
• • Fires in general parks must have a spark arrestor/heavy screen to contain embers/sparks, at least 10 ft. clearance from combustibles, not create nuisance smoke, be continuously monitored by an adult, and have a readily available extinguishing method.
• • Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any reservable shelters; violators may be considered trespassers.
• • Slacklining/hammocking rules: allowed sunrise to 30 mins prior to sunset; temporary use only (never unattended/overnight); only on trees >1' in diameter and 4.5' high; tree protection (min. ¼" thick by 10" wide carpet, foam, or towels) required at connection points; never tether on Oak, Hickory, or Birch trees; never in conservation parks. Park Rangers can remove setups deemed harmful or dangerous.
• • The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
• • South side poles and fencing at pickleball/tennis courts have been replaced with temporary 6ft fencing due to significant metal corrosion posing a safety hazard.

📅Booking Policy

• • Basketball, multipurpose fields, tennis, and volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, unless reserved for leagues/tournaments (online reservation required for leagues/tournaments).
• • Shelters and pavilions are reservable mid-April through mid-October (with exceptions). Reservations can be made online (credit card), by phone (608-266-4711 - credit card), or in-person at Parks Lakeside Offices (credit card, cash, check).
• • Full payment for shelter reservations is due at the time of processing.
• • Picnic shelters, if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis (day-of signage posted).
• • Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy; reservations cover only the facility, not the entire park or other amenities.
• • Required permits (e.g., amplified sound, alcohol) must be obtained when placing a shelter reservation; an alcohol permit without a reservation is not given.
• • Public improvements/construction may occur during reservations, but Parks Division attempts to schedule around events (not a guarantee).
• • Daily or annual dog permits are required for the off-leash dog park and may be purchased online or by calling (608)266-4711.
• • A dog license is required for all visiting dogs.

🚗Parking Information

• • Parking lots available for park programs/events during park hours (4:00 am - 10:00 pm).
• • 3-hour parking limit in all park lots (as posted).
• • No parking after hours (10pm to 4am); overnight parking prohibited.
• • Motorized vehicles are not allowed to drive or park on grass or near shelters.
• • Violators of parking rules are subject to a fine.
• • Parking lot available at Brittingham Beach (701 W. Brittingham Pl.) and at the reservable shelter (829 W. Washington Ave.).