Harris Playground Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Harris Playground Park is located in the city of Madison, Wisconsin and is a great place for families to visit.
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Summary
The park has a playground, basketball court, tennis court, and a large open field for activities. The park also has a splash pad, making it a great place to cool off on hot summer days.
One of the main attractions at Harris Playground Park is the natural spring that runs through the park. This spring feeds into a pond that is home to several species of fish, turtles, and birds. Visitors can also explore the walking trails that wind through the park and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
Another interesting feature of Harris Playground Park is the historic shelter house. Built in 1939, the shelter house is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture and is open to the public for events and gatherings.
The best time to visit Harris Playground Park is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. The park is also a popular spot for community events, such as the annual "Party in the Park" celebration in June.
In summary, Harris Playground Park is a beautiful and fun destination for families in Wisconsin. With its playground, splash pad, walking trails, and historic shelter house, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the natural spring and pond, which provide a unique opportunity to observe local wildlife.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Digby Center Park
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Sampson Playground