Parks

Parks & Open Space Plan (2025-2030)

Fitchburg's commitment to public recreation and open space provides residents with about 818 acres of parkland, open spaces, and recreation trails in at least 95 different areas. This includes parks, athletic fields & courts, natural areas, greenways, stormwater facilities, neighborhood recreational trails, a golf course, cemetery, and a community center. The County E-Way System, UW Arboretum, Department of Natural Resources Lands, and federal lands that are located in Fitchburg also provide a large acreage of open space for active and passive recreation.

Biking

Rules and Ordinances

Hours

Fitchburg Parks are open from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

Park Use

  • The speed limit is 15 mph on park access drives
  • Driving or parking motorized vehicles on parkland (grass or paved paths) is prohibited
  • No camping
  • No horseback riding
  • Moving park equipment is prohibited (applies to moving picnic tables from the shelter area to another area of the park)
  • Firearms and bows & arrows are prohibited
  • Dumping of trash or rubbish which was not generated from park use is prohibited
  • All recyclables must be placed in their proper container/receptacle
  • All sales of beverages, food, admissions, etc. must have prior City Council approval
  • Advertising or posting any notices, bills, or posters without a written permit from the City Council is prohibited
  • No Fireworks Allowed

Any deviation from the above rules must have prior Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department approval.

Pets

According to City Ordinance Chapter 56 (Article IV), animals are not allowed in city parks where signs are posted prohibiting their presence. In all other city parks, animals are allowed as long as they are restrained by rope, cord, leash, chain, harness, bridle, or other means of restraint. The owner or the person in charge of an animal shall immediately remove all refuse, dirt, foods, and/or excretions expelled, caused by, or left by any animal on any public property or private property and deposit same into proper refuse containers.

Alcohol

According to City Ordinance Chapter 60 (Article I, Sec. 60-4), alcohol is not allowed in any City Parks between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Alcohol is not allowed in any of the neighborhood parks. These sections of the City Ordinance do not apply if the Common Council waives the prohibition or if there are malt beverages being sold or consumed in conjunction with a Class "B" or Temporary Class "B" permit. Information about these permits may be obtained from the City Clerk's Department by clicking here.

Rentals (shelters, diamonds, fields, & courts)

  • The Park Commission does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group
  • Exclusive use of parking lots, playground equipment, or other park amenities/land is not included with rentals. All rented amenities will be listed on the rental permit
  • All rental groups must vacate rented facilities by the end time specified on their permit
  • Shelter reservation privileges end by 9:30 PM at the latest, clean-up may continue until parks close at 10:00 PM.
  • Persons reserving park amenities are responsible for clean-up prior to the end of their reserved time. The Fitchburg Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department will bill those not leaving parks in a reasonable state
  • User groups that have a valid reservation permit from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department cannot be displaced by groups that do not have a permit
  • Permission from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department must be received prior to placing any equipment, such as portable toilets, concession stands, tents, inflatables, petting zoos, etc., within a park

Forestry Ordinances

Article III: Trees and Shrubbery - planting, management, and removal of trees in public areas

Other Ordinances Related to Parks