601 Elm Drive, Madison WI 53706
Sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts on Observatory Drive, near Cole Residence Hall and across the street from Steenbock Memorial Library.
Hours of Operation
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, November 27 – Tuesday, March 31 | CLOSED |
FAQs
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
How do I reserve the courts?
As is the case for all Rec Well facilities and outdoor spaces, the turf field can be reserved for special events by student organizations, university departments or community groups. To rent space, fill out our Special Events Request Form online. On this site, you will also find policies, procedures, requirements, and pricing.
Is sports equipment available for checkout?
No, but you are welcome to bring your own equipment for use. Any equipment requiring stakes is not permitted on the turf.
Can I bring my pet?
Service animals are permitted on the West Recreation Fields. No other pets are allowed on the courts.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
When do the lights shut off?
The lights are scheduled to remain on during scheduled programming such as Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, or special events. When these programs are not scheduled, the lights are operated by a push button between the sand volleyball and basketball courts. They can be turned on between sunset and 10p.
Can I have food or drinks on the courts?
Water in sealable and shatterproof containers is permitted within the facility, but no other food or drink is allowed.
Are drones allowed on the courts?
In accordance with UW-Madison Policies and Guidelines and FAA requirements, drones are not allowed on in the Observatory Recreation Area.
Getting There
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Parking
Linden Drive Ramp (Lot 67) (1 minute walk): located at 2002 Linden Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit.
- Linden Drive Ramp (Lot 67) (1 minute walk): located at 2002 Linden Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit.
- Observatory Drive Ramp (Lot 36) (1 minute walk): located at 1645 Observatory Drive. Controlled at all times, limited visitor parking availability, pay at gated exit.
- Lot 12 (2 minute walk): 1850 Linden Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
- Lot 37 (1 minute walk): 651 Elm Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
- Lot 39 (2 minute walk): 1811 Linden Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
- Lot 35 (1 minute walk): 655 Babcock Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday.
- Lot 34 (3 minute walk): 1480 Tripp Circle. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday
- Lot 58 (1 minute walk): 1975 Willow Drive. Controlled 7am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday, Free after 4:30pm & all day Saturday and Sunday. Timed parking stalls may be available.
For more information on campus parking, check out the parking website for maps, restricted parking times, and more
Bus
- Convenient bus lines include route A, B, 80, 81, 82, 84
Biking & Walking
- The Howard-Temin Lakeshore Path
- Bike and moped stalls are available in front of Cole Hall