Madison residents may recall that six tennis courts closed in May 2024 at Vilas Park. This was due to the city’s risk manager deeming them unsafe for play, due to significant cracking and weed growth. The courts there currently have no nets, and fencing prevents anyone from entering.
However, pickleball players (and tennis players) should take heart, because the courts are scheduled for full demolition and replacement! In fact, the Vilas Park master plan calls for the six prior tennis courts to be replaced with four tennis courts, four dedicated pickleball courts, and a basketball court as part of a new outdoor sport complex (the existing basketball court would be removed).
There is, unfortunately, no timeline as of yet being contemplated for completion of the Vilas Park master plan. Before the Vilas Park master plan can be implemented, the cultural resources plan will have to be approved by the Madison Park Commission, according to Madison Parks Public Information Officer, Ann Shea. The planning, design, and construction work for any improvements at Vilas Park will follow the guidelines identified in the cultural resources plan.
