Heritage Heights Park

Play & Recreation

Set on Madison's east side, Heritage Heights Park spans a generous 8.11 acres of green space right next to Kennedy Elementary School and the serene Heritage Sanctuary.

Kids will love the playground designed for the 2-12 age range. Little ones seem particularly drawn to the climbing wall, quirky spider structure, and of course, the swings - a hit with the toddler crowd. If you're feeling sporty, head over to the basketball and tennis courts. Those tennis courts often double as pickleball courts too, for anyone looking to join in on that trending racket sport.

Winter Fun

When the temperatures drop, the park transforms with its seasonal ice rink. It's maintained through the Adopt Ice Partnership Program, with dedicated volunteers (the unsung heroes of winter recreation) typically working evening hours to keep the ice in skate-worthy condition.

This isn't just any ice rink - it's a NiceRink®, an above-ground setup with a framed liner that helps water freeze faster and stay frozen longer. This clever design extends the skating season, giving you more time to perfect those figure eights. During winter, the basketball court area gets flooded to create this frosty playground.

Gathering Spots

Planning a get-together? The park's picnic shelter can be reserved for events, making it great for birthday parties, family reunions, or just a well-organized lunch with friends.

You'll discover picnic tables scattered throughout for more casual use, and there's a drinking fountain to keep you hydrated. The open spaces are ideal for kite flying and picnicking, but you might want to bring your own shade - the park doesn't have many mature trees for cover. Note that there are no public restrooms here, so plan accordingly.

Natural Beauty

One of the park's hidden perks is its location near the Heritage Sanctuary, a pristine wooded area that showcases stunning trillium blooms in spring. This proximity lets you combine your visit with a nature walk through more untouched terrain.

The connection to these natural areas adds an extra dimension to your park experience, offering a nice balance between recreational facilities and more wild spaces. Just remember to pack some bug spray during warmer months - nature comes with its tiny residents too.

Room to Roam

Perhaps the most underrated feature is the park's expansive open grassy areas that give you room to breathe and play. These multipurpose fields welcome impromptu games of frisbee, soccer practice, or just sprawling out on a blanket with a good book.

These generous open spaces have made Heritage Heights a neighborhood favorite for Madison residents who want recreation options close to home without the crowds of larger city parks.