Glenwood Children's Park

From Quarry to Playground: A Brief History

Believe it or not, this little 2.89-acre park was once a bustling sandstone quarry during Madison's early days. In a cool historical connection, stone from this very spot reportedly ended up in North and South Halls at the University of Wisconsin campus.

By the 1920s, nature had reclaimed the abandoned quarry, transforming it into a charming glen that caught local eyes. In 1943, the Louis Gardner family purchased the site with the wonderful intention of preserving it for public enjoyment.

A Natural Designer's Touch

The park bears the influence of Jens Jensen, a renowned landscape architect with a passion for natural designs. In 1949, Jensen personally oversaw renovations, removing non-native plants and introducing flowering shrubs and trees that better reflected the local ecosystem.

One of Jensen's signature touches was the addition of stone "council rings" as play elements. These reflected his philosophy that children should have wild spaces to explore and connect with nature. The steep, forested slopes you'll see throughout the park are actually remnants of its quarry origins.

Lesser-Known Parks

At the north end of the park sits a large storm culvert running under what was once the Illinois Central Railroad grade (now the Southwest Commuter Bike Path). Take a closer look at the beautiful stone arch and you might spot a chiseled date from either 1887 or 1889.

The park's historical significance didn't go unnoticed - it was named a City of Madison landmark on April 14, 1975. Despite its modest size, this little green space plays an important ecological role as a tributary in the Wingra Watershed.

Play and Exploration

While the playground here is simple and small, its natural setting perfectly complements Jensen's vision of connecting children with the outdoors. The equipment may not be elaborate, but the surrounding environment offers something more valuable - a genuine nature experience in the midst of the city.

The wooded areas invite exploration, but be aware that some paths can be steep or uneven. You'll often spot local dog walkers enjoying the trails that provide a natural corridor between neighboring residential areas.

Preservation Challenges

Like many urban natural spaces, the park faces ongoing challenges with erosion, primarily due to increased stormwater runoff from surrounding development. Over the years, various measures including storm pipes and inlets have been installed to help manage these issues.

Today, Glenwood Children's Park continues as a quiet natural retreat, staying true to Jensen's original vision of providing urban children with access to nature. Its unique history and thoughtful design make it a special, if somewhat hidden, gem in Madison's park system.