Quann Park

For Madison, Wisconsin residents, finding a convenient, spacious, and welcoming place for their canine companions to run free is essential. Quann Park, located centrally in the city, stands out as a highly valued off-leash dog park that delivers on all fronts. This expansive park is not just a patch of grass; it’s a dynamic hub where dogs can unleash their energy, socialize with fellow canines, and enjoy the great outdoors, while their human counterparts connect with a friendly and engaged community.

What makes Quann Park particularly appealing to locals is its unique blend of urban accessibility and ample natural space. Situated near downtown Madison and the Alliant Energy Center, it offers a large off-leash area that feels expansive, providing plenty of room for dogs to play fetch, practice commands, or simply enjoy a good run. As many regular visitors attest, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, there's always enough space for both play and training, highlighting its versatility and capacity.

The park's atmosphere is consistently praised by its users. It’s a place where "other owners are always super welcoming" and dogs are described as "total sweethearts," fostering a positive and inclusive environment. This sense of community makes Quann Park more than just a dog exercise area; it's a social gathering spot where people and their pets can forge connections, turning routine walks into enjoyable daily rituals.

While Quann Park shares its grounds with other facilities, its dedicated dog off-leash areas are thoughtfully integrated, offering a distinct experience. It’s a testament to Madison’s commitment to providing valuable green spaces for its residents and their beloved four-legged family members, ensuring they have a fantastic place to stay active and happy in the heart of Wisconsin’s capital city.

Quann Park is conveniently located at 1802 Quann-Olin Pkwy, Madison, WI 53713, USA. This prime location places it strategically within Madison, making it highly accessible for residents living downtown, near the Alliant Energy Center, and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Its central position minimizes travel time, allowing for more frequent and spontaneous visits, which is a significant advantage for busy dog owners.

The park is nestled between John Nolen Drive and Park Street, and is tucked away between Olin Avenue to the north, the Alliant Energy Center and Expo Way (formerly Quann-Olin Pkwy) to the east, Bram Street to the south, and Wingra Creek Parkway to the west. This makes it easily reachable by various routes. For those driving, there are parking options available. The primary recommendation is to park at the Goodman Park Facilities building at the end of Wingra Creek Parkway and cross the pedestrian bridge over Wingra Creek, which provides easy access to the main dog field. Alternatively, the Quann parking lot is at the end of Expo Way, near the tennis complex. A small number of unpaved spaces are also available near the community gardens on Bram Street, though this requires a short on-leash walk to the dog park.

Quann Park operates with generous hours, typically from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, year-round. This extensive timeframe provides ample opportunity for visits at any time of day, accommodating diverse schedules from early morning walks to evening play sessions. It's important to note that while the park is largely dedicated to off-leash dog use, its proximity to the Alliant Energy Center means that parts of the park, including some parking areas, may occasionally be utilized for overflow parking or other events, which could temporarily affect access. However, even during such times, a significant portion of the dog park typically remains open.

For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the Wingra Creek bike path runs between Quann and Goodman parks, offering an additional accessible route to the dog park. This excellent connectivity enhances its suitability for Madison locals seeking an active lifestyle with their pets.

Quann Park Dog Park, as a key component of the Madison Parks system, offers a range of essential services and amenities designed to facilitate a positive and convenient off-leash experience for dogs and their owners.

• Spacious Off-Leash Area (33 Acres): The primary service is a significant 33-acre designated area for off-leash dog exercise. This expansive space, one of Madison's largest, provides ample room for dogs to run freely, play, and interact without the constraints of a leash.

• Fenced Sections: The off-leash area is primarily enclosed with a 4-foot chain-link fence around its perimeter, ensuring the safety of dogs within the designated play zones. The main field is divided into a large eastern field and a 7-acre western section, separated by a freestanding fence with multiple gates, allowing for varied use.

• Water Fountain: The park is equipped with a water fountain, providing a convenient source of hydration for dogs during their playtime. While sharing water is not recommended due to potential disease transmission, the presence of a fountain is a valuable amenity.

• Dog Waste Bag Dispensers: To promote cleanliness and responsible pet ownership, dog waste bag dispensers are available throughout the park, making it easy for owners to clean up after their pets. This is complemented by readily available waste receptacles.

• Benches: Benches are strategically placed within the off-leash area, offering comfortable seating for owners to rest, observe their dogs, and socialize with other park users.

• Trails and Varied Terrain: The park includes trails and open prairie areas, offering diverse surfaces for dogs to explore. A smaller, semi-enclosed section provides access to Wingra Creek and a blacktopped path for accessibility, allowing for varied types of walks and exploration.

It's important to note that while Quann Park offers significant open space, parts of it are prairie with fewer mature trees, meaning shade might be limited in certain areas. Users are also advised that some lower loops of the park can get muddy, particularly after rain. The park's usage is shared with the Alliant Energy Center, which occasionally utilizes parts of the park, but designated dog areas are typically maintained for off-leash use.

Quann Park Dog Park stands out among Madison's off-leash areas due to several distinctive features and highlights that enhance the experience for dogs and their owners:

• Expansive 33-Acre Off-Leash Zone: One of its most significant highlights is its considerable size, encompassing 33 acres dedicated to off-leash dog activity. This makes it one of the largest dog parks in Madison, providing ample room for dogs to run, play, and explore without feeling crowded, even during peak times.

• Central and Convenient Location: Situated in downtown Madison, near the Alliant Energy Center, Quann Park is exceptionally accessible for a large portion of the city's population. This convenience allows for daily visits and makes it an easy destination for pet owners from various neighborhoods.

• Community-Focused Atmosphere: Reviews consistently praise the park's friendly and welcoming environment. Dog owners often form social connections, creating a vibrant community feel. This positive atmosphere enhances the experience for both humans and their canine companions.

• Variety of Play Areas: The off-leash area is divided into sections, including a large main field and a separate western section, allowing for varied types of play. A smaller, semi-enclosed area offers access to Wingra Creek and a blacktopped path, providing diverse exploration opportunities.

• Essential Amenities On-Site: The park is equipped with essential conveniences such as dog waste bag dispensers, benches for seating, and a water fountain for hydration. These practical amenities contribute to a comfortable and hassle-free visit for all users.

• Prairie Landscape with Trails: Primarily a prairie environment, Quann Park offers natural trails and open fields. This unique landscape provides a different sensory experience for dogs compared to heavily wooded or manicured parks, encouraging sniffing and exploration.

• Shared Use with Alliant Energy Center: While primarily a dog park, its shared use with the Alliant Energy Center means it's part of a larger civic hub. The dog park's accessibility is maintained even during AEC events, ensuring consistent availability for dog owners.

These features collectively make Quann Park a highly valued and suitable option for Madison locals seeking a spacious, convenient, and community-oriented off-leash experience for their dogs.

As a public dog park managed by the City of Madison Parks Division, Quann Park does not offer commercial promotions or discounts in the traditional sense. Instead, access and usage are governed by a city-wide dog park permit system, which provides value and ensures the maintenance and oversight of these public spaces.

To use Quann Park Dog Park, along with other designated off-leash areas in Madison, dog owners are required to purchase a valid dog permit. These permits can be acquired online or by calling the Madison Parks Division directly. The current fee structure for 2025 permits is as follows:

• Daily Permit: $8.00 - Ideal for occasional visits or for those trying out the park.

• Annual Permit: $43.00 - This is the most economical option for regular users, valid from the time of purchase through December 31st of the calendar year.

• Annual Senior (65+) & Disabled Permit: $20.00 - A reduced rate for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.

• Annual Military/Veteran Permit (New!): $20.00 - A special rate honoring military personnel and veterans.

• Replacement Permit: $20.00

A significant "special offer" related to these permits is their participation in the Cooperative Dog Park Program. This means that a permit purchased from the City of Madison Parks is also valid for use in designated dog parks within Dane County Parks, the City of Sun Prairie, and the City of Middleton. This inter-municipal agreement greatly expands the range of off-leash opportunities available to permit holders across the greater Madison area, enhancing the value of the annual permit.

In addition to the park permit, all dogs visiting Quann Park (and other Madison City Parks) must possess a valid dog license. Madison residents can obtain their dog licenses through the City of Madison Treasury Office, while dogs visiting from other areas are welcome with proper licenses and/or vaccinations from their home municipality. Park Rangers have the authority to request proof of these at any time to ensure the health and safety of all park users. It's also worth noting that dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations are prohibited from the park.

Occasionally, Madison Parks or Dane County Parks may offer "Free Fun Weekends" where activity permit fees are waived for a limited time. These events provide a great opportunity for new visitors to experience the parks without a fee, though these are typically announced close to the event dates.

For general inquiries, information regarding dog park permits, rules, or any other questions related to Quann Park and the Madison Parks system, you can contact the Madison Parks Division.

Address:

1802 Quann-Olin Pkwy, Madison, WI 53713, USA (Physical location of the dog park)

General Inquiries (Madison Parks Division):

Phone: (608) 266-4711

Mobile Phone (Madison Parks Division):

+1 608-266-4711

Office Hours (Madison Parks Division):

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Park Hours:

4:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily (Applies to Quann Park and its dog park area)

After Hours, Weekends & Holidays (Park Rangers):

Phone: (608) 235-0448 (For non-emergency park-related issues or concerns)

For the most current information, including updates on park conditions, specific closures due to Alliant Energy Center events, or changes to permit requirements, it is always advisable to visit the official City of Madison Parks Division website (cityofmadison.com/parks) or the dedicated Quann Park dog park page (quann4dogs.weebly.com).

For dog owners in Madison, Wisconsin, Quann Park Dog Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued local amenity that perfectly balances urban accessibility with expansive off-leash freedom. Its central location makes it incredibly convenient for residents living downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods, transforming a daily dog walk into an easy and enjoyable outing.

The park's considerable size, encompassing 33 acres, ensures that even active dogs have ample room to run, play, and explore without feeling confined. This vast prairie landscape, with its trails and open fields, provides a stimulating environment that allows dogs to engage their natural instincts for sniffing and running. The presence of essential amenities like waste bag dispensers, benches, and a water fountain further enhances the comfort and convenience for both pets and their human companions.

Beyond its physical attributes, Quann Park is celebrated for its welcoming and friendly community. Reviews consistently highlight the positive interactions among dog owners, fostering a genuine sense of camaraderie that enriches the daily experience. This social aspect is a significant draw, turning regular park visits into opportunities for both dogs and their owners to make new friends.

While a permit is required, the annual pass offers excellent value, particularly with its cooperative program that grants access to numerous other dog parks across Dane County. This makes Quann Park not just a standalone attraction but a gateway to a wider network of off-leash opportunities. Despite occasional shared usage with the Alliant Energy Center, the park maintains its primary function as a dedicated and accessible haven for Madison's canine population. For locals seeking a spacious, convenient, and community-rich environment for their beloved dogs, Quann Park truly stands as a premier choice in Wisconsin's capital city.