There’s Fun for the Whole Family at Dane County’s Badger Prairie Park

by Sofia Zapata, age 16

Summer and fall field trips to Dane County parks are a tradition for Simpson Street Free Press student reporters. We like to tell our readers about the various parks and outdoor recreation opportunities available in Dane County. As we explore and discover, we find endless story ideas and things to write about for our popular “Where in Dane County” series.

We’ve written about Badger Prairie County Park before. At 317 acres, this is one of Dane County’s largest parks. It’s located just west of Madison, near Verona. We recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park to see new additions at the park and hear remarks from local officials.

The event took place at the park shelter and playground located at 4654 Maple Grove Drive in Verona. We learned that improvements at the park include a new and accessible playground for kids and families. Restrooms have been upgraded and now include changing stations. The park shelter has also been improved and the parking area has been expanded.

One reason we like this park is because it’s so close to Madison’s southside. It’s easy to get to and has a variety of trails so you can get out and explore nature. There are many hiking trails, and the park connects to the Military Ridge State Trail and the Ice Age Scenic Trail. There is also an eight-acre dog park and a two acre small-dog park. Badger Prairie Park also includes trails for mountain biking.

While we were there, we noticed how large the new play area is and how well it’s put together. The play area includes a climbing structure, bridges, and many other features that make it fun for children of all ages. There are picnic tables and other amenities located throughout the park. Badger Prairie County Park is also home to Reddan Soccer Park, managed and operated by Madison Area Youth Soccer Association.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony County Executive, Melissa Agard, said the improvements at Badger Prairie Park reflect Dane County’s commitment to high-quality public spaces.

“By adding features like poured-in-place playground surfacing, wheelchair-accessible drinking fountains, and adjustable adult changing tables, we are helping ensure our parks are welcoming, usable, and enjoyable for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities,” Agard said.

Badger Prairie County Park is conveniently located between Madison and Verona. The main park entrance is near the intersection of County Highway PB and US Highways 18/151. Just a short drive from south Madison, this park is a special place with plenty of outdoor spaces for the whole family to enjoy.

[Sources: WKOW Ch. 27 News; Simpson Street Free Press Archives; danecounty.gov]