About Goodman Park
Goodman Park offers a well-rounded outdoor experience featuring a playground, an acclaimed swimming pool suitable for all ages with unique 'learning to film' classes, and abundant natural shade from trees. It's a convenient 15-minute drive from Madison and provides access to city bikes and volleyball courts, making it more than just a standard park.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a combined playground and pool experience with ample shade.Parents and children interested in unique recreational learning, such as 'learning to film' classes.Picnics and casual outdoor gatherings, especially if also swimming.Individuals or groups looking for access to city bikes and volleyball courts.Softball leagues, as it's a popular location for them.
Why families love it
- Swimming pool highly rated as great for kids of all ages.
- Offers unique 'learning to film' classes for both parents and children at the pool.
- Abundant natural shade from trees makes it comfortable for summer afternoon visits.
- Located conveniently, just a 15-minute drive from Madison.
- Features city bikes on site and volleyball courts, adding to activity options.
- Small sun shelter available, ideal for picnics near the playground and pool.
Insider tips
- Be aware that pool access is required for restrooms, so plan accordingly for children.
- Prepare for 20-30 minute 'safety checks' at the pool every two hours, which temporarily close the pool.
- Consider the playground slides might be uncomfortable for some users.
- If using the nearby beach, manage expectations regarding cleanliness.
- Utilize the ample tree shade for comfortable visits during sunny weather.
- Bring your own picnic to take advantage of the small sun shelter and potentially avoid perceived pressure to buy food during pool breaks.
Good to know before you go
- Families needing free, easily accessible public restrooms outside of pool operating hours or without paying pool admission.
- Visitors sensitive to playground slides that 'kinda hurt your back'.
- Those who prefer uninterrupted swimming, due to frequent 20-30 minute 'safety checks' at the pool.
- Expectations for a pristine beach area.
- No public restrooms are available outside the pool area; access requires a pool entrance fee.
- Crowds
- The park is described as a 'popular softball location for leagues', indicating potential for crowds in those areas, especially during league games. No specific crowd levels mentioned for the playground or pool.
- Value
- The park itself appears to be free to access. However, there is an entrance fee for the public swimming pool, which also grants access to restrooms. City bikes likely involve a rental fee. One reviewer noted perceived pressure to buy food during pool 'safety checks', suggesting potential incidental costs at the pool.
- Food
- A 'small sun shelter perfect for a picnic' suggests outside food is permitted in the park area.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- The pool conducts regular 'safely checks' every two hours for 20-30 minutes, indicating a focus on pool safety.
What parents say
"This park is just 15 min drive from Madison. Nice place for kids to play around. Beach is not clean but I see it's not clean everywhere around madison. The place has lot of trees so you get a shade for summer afternoon. Will visit this place again. There are other parks and trails nearby."
a year ago
"I really enjoy this park and swimming pool. They have really great classes for learning to film both for parents and children. The pool is really great for kids of all ages."
3 years ago
"There is playground equipment and places to walk. No public restrooms, besides the pool which can only be accessed with a pool entrance fee. There is also a public pool. There are city bikes at this location as well. Volleyball courts too. I don't see pavilions. Some places are shady and others are sunny."
9 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More best outdoor playgrounds in Madison
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Elver Park
4.6(857)4.6 out of 5 stars, 857 reviews1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Brittingham Park
4.6(512)4.6 out of 5 stars, 512 reviews829 W Washington Ave, Madison
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Dream Park Playground
4.7(403)4.7 out of 5 stars, 403 reviews5323-5447 Healy Ln, Monona
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Garner Park
4.6(381)4.6 out of 5 stars, 381 reviews333 S Rosa Rd, Madison