Kennedy Park

5202 Retana Dr, Madison, WI 53714
22 acres | 8.9 hectares

Interactive Park Map

Preparing map...
Playground
Field
Parking

About the Location

Green Spaces & Sports Galore

Found on Madison's east side, Kennedy Park sprawls across nearly 23 acres of community-friendly terrain. It's a popular spot for neighbors and youth sports enthusiasts alike.

The park has plenty of breathing room with its wide open spaces, including multipurpose fields where you'll often spot soccer games unfolding on weekend mornings. Local leagues have made these verdant patches their second home for practices and friendly matches.

Play Areas & Pathways

Kids gravitate toward the playground area, a lively spot where neighborhood children climb, slide, and make new friends. The rubber mulch surfacing provides a softer landing for enthusiastic jumpers, and the slides are a popular feature with the kids.

A paved trail meanders through the grounds, conveniently connecting to Kennedy Elementary School. It's meant for your morning jog, afternoon stroll, or casual bike ride. If you're into photography, this path offers some genuinely picturesque angles of the park's natural beauty.

Natural Elements

Back in 2008, something special happened here. Local volunteers rolled up their sleeves alongside Parks conservation staff to plant native prairie species within the park's meadow areas.

Their hard work has paid off, adding both ecological value and natural charm to the landscape. The generous tree canopy across the park offers welcome shade during those warm Wisconsin summer days.

Amenities & Facilities

The centerpiece for many gatherings is the substantial sun shelter, equipped with multiple picnic tables, electrical outlets, and a drinking fountain. With capacity for 50-70 people, it's no wonder this spot becomes command central for birthday celebrations and community get-togethers.

Sports options abound with a well-maintained basketball court, tennis courts (which cleverly double as pickleball courts), and a volleyball court. If you're shooting hoops or serving aces, there's something for everyone regardless of athletic preference.

Bookworms will appreciate the Little Free Library stationed within the park - take a book, leave a book, and enjoy reading in one of Madison's pleasant green spaces.

Good to Know

Four-legged friends are welcome at Kennedy Park, but do keep them leashed at all times to comply with local rules.

As for facilities, you'll come across a portable toilet occasionally available, but there aren't permanent restroom structures on site.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Basketball CourtPickleball CourtSoccer FieldTennis CourtVolleyball Court

Nature & Wildlife

Dog-Friendly AreaOpen Grassy AreaWalking Trail

Visitor Services

Paved PathsPlayground

Food & Gathering

Drinking WaterPicnic AreaShelter

Photo Gallery

Share your photos of this park

ParkMagnet Score

Good Park

Park Size

22 acres | 8.9 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:4AM-10PM
Tuesday:4AM-10PM
Wednesday:4AM-10PM
Thursday:4AM-10PM
Friday:4AM-10PM
Saturday:4AM-10PM
Sunday:4AM-10PM

Weather

Near Kennedy Park

Top Restaurant Picks

Zen Ramen Lounge

0.6 miles

4674 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716

Authentic Japanese restaurant serving flavorful ramen bowls with rich broths and fresh ingredients in cozy surroundings.

China Inn Restaurant

0.6 miles

4702 Cottage Grove Rd #1302, Madison, WI 53716

Affordable Chinese eatery serving generous portions of traditional dishes including noodles and seafood.