Madison Reporter

Madison Parks, in collaboration with Dane County Parks, is organizing a permit-free weekend on January 18 and 19, 2025. Typically required permits for activities such as having dogs in parks, disc golf, and lake access will be waived during this period.

The initiative includes several activities. Dog owners can take advantage of nine off-leash dog parks without the usual permit requirement for leashed dogs where allowed. For those interested in ice fishing, Madison provides numerous accessible sites that coincide with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Free Fishing Weekend.

Disc golf enthusiasts are invited to play at Hiestand Park's course without needing a permit. The weekend also features events like "Groove & Glide" at Elver Park on Friday evening and a Candlelight Hike at Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park on Saturday. Additionally, there is a "Learn to Fish" event scheduled at Brittingham Park on Sunday, which requires advanced registration.

Ice skating facilities with warming shelters will be available at Elver, Tenney, and Vilas from Friday through Sunday. These locations offer skate rentals and concessions with varying hours throughout the weekend.

A winter clothing drive is ongoing until January 31. In partnership with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc., Madison Parks is collecting new or gently used winter clothing at select locations including their Central Office.

It's important to note that cross-country skiing typically part of this free weekend remains unavailable due to closed ski trails.

Madison Parks manages over 280 parks covering nearly 6,000 acres offering diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, golfing, swimming, skating, skiing among others.