Olive Jones Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Olive Jones Park offers a thoughtfully designed outdoor space catering to a wide range of children's ages within a city setting. Its unique value lies in providing two distinct, yet connected, play areas – one securely enclosed for toddlers and another with varied equipment for older kids and middle schoolers – all within a larger fenced perimeter. The ample open space encourages energetic play, making it ideal for families seeking to burn off energy in a safe, accessible environment without cost.
Key Highlights
- ✓Features two distinct, connected playgrounds: an enclosed area specifically for toddlers with black metal gates, and a 'wide open' playground for older children.
- ✓The entire park area is large and fenced in from the streets, providing a significant safety measure.
- ✓Includes a large blacktopped area suitable for active games like tag or basketball, connecting to the main playground.
- ✓Offers a very climbing-oriented jungle gym, appealing to middle schoolers and older children (ages 8-10 were pleased).
- ✓Provides multiple single benches (5+) and a couple of picnic tables for parent seating and eating.
Standout Features
- ⭐Dual-zone playground design (toddler and older kids) that are connected yet distinct.
- ⭐High level of safety with an enclosed toddler area and the entire park fenced off from streets.
- ⭐Expansive blacktopped area for versatile games beyond the playground equipment.
- ⭐Handicap Accessible facilities.
- ⭐Ample seating with multiple benches and picnic tables.
- ⭐Well-maintained and colorful aesthetic, described as 'well done for being a park at this city location' and 'pictures online didn't do the park justice'.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Bring your own water bottles and snacks** due to the complete lack of drinking fountains.
- →**Plan for restroom breaks before or after your visit** as there are no bathrooms at the park.
- →**Consider visiting outside of 3pm-3:30pm on weekdays** if you prefer to avoid the after-school program crowd, although they are well-monitored.
- →Utilize the side street parking; it's reported as easy access.
- →Take advantage of the varied play zones if you have children across different age groups, as they connect.
Things to Consider
- ⚠There are NO BATHROOMS or DRINKING FOUNTAINS available on-site, which is a major drawback for families with children.
- ⚠Can experience crowds from an after-school program (approx. 20 kids, 3rd-5th grades) between 3pm-3:30pm on weekdays.
Price & Value
Olive Jones Park is a public park and is FREE to access, offering excellent value given its comprehensive features for multiple age groups and strong safety measures. There are no mentioned hidden costs.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Yes, the park is Handicap Accessible.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and drinks are permitted, implied by the presence of multiple benches and picnic tables. However, there are no drinking fountains on-site, so visitors must bring their own beverages.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available on side streets and is described as 'easy access'.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Can experience moderate crowds from an after-school program (approximately 20 kids, 3rd-5th grade) between 3pm-3:30pm on weekdays. These groups are reported to be 'monitored well by school aids'. No other specific peak times are mentioned.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The entire park is fenced in from the streets, enhancing overall safety.
- •A dedicated toddler area is securely enclosed with black metal gates.
- •After-school programs present on weekdays (3pm-3:30pm) are 'monitored well by school aids'.
- •Separate play areas help distribute children and minimize conflicts between different age groups.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families who require on-site restrooms or drinking water for their children.
- • If you prefer an entirely private or secluded play experience during peak after-school hours (3pm-3:30pm on weekdays).
- • If you anticipate a lengthy stay and cannot manage without hydration or restroom facilities.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Playgrounds are routinely inspected to assess equipment conditions and repair safety concerns (as part of the Madison Parks system-wide replacement initiative).
📅Booking Policy
- • Basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis for general use.
- • Leagues or tournaments for basketball courts require online reservation.
🚗Parking Information
- • No specific parking information provided for the park.
What People Say
What's Great
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Amy Hintz
6 years agoSEE PARK DETAILS AT END Visited 10.22.18 following doctor appointments near AFCH and S Park St. Beautiful fall day! Pictures online didn't do the park justice so I added some. It's well done for being a park at this city location. My girls (ages 8 and 10) were pleased. There was plenty in the space to be satisfied, create an obstacle course or simply to run! Colorful area! painted on the backdrop of the playground that reads, 'Choices you make today shape your world tomorrow.' PLAYGROUND: Fun! Different things to try. Two different playgrounds next to each other for toddlers verses older children (they connect). The toddler area is enclosed with black metal gates for safety. The other playground is wide open (within large fenced area from streets) and connects to a large blacktopped area for playing tag or basketball (any game). There was an after school program there when we arrived; maybe 20 kids about 3-5th grades from 3pm-3:30pm monitored well by school aids. There is a school connected to the large basketball/open area but is not an issue playing at the park. The aids said the park is about 3-4 years old. EATING: Multiple Single Benches (5+) and Couple Picnic Tables PARKING: Side streets - easy access BATHROOM and DRINKING FOUNTAINS: None DISABILITY: Yes Handicap Accessible
Thomas Ley
4 years agoGreat Park for young kids! It is fenced in on all sides and has a separate play area for younger children. Good for middle schoolers to with a very climbing oriented jungle gym
Mark Wochos
5 years agoLots of options for the kids. Great place to get some energy out before or after a Badger football game.
Susan Hobart
2 years agoThis is a child friendly and curiosity supportive park attached to Randall Public School.
Andrey Nevinskiy
a year agoGood playground and great school.
Contact Information
Olive Jones Park, 1810 Regent St, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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