Glenwood Park

Glenwood Children's Park is a unique green space located in Madison, Wisconsin. Situated along Glenway Street, this 2.89-acre mini park has an interesting history and distinctive features that set it apart from typical urban playgrounds.

Originally a sandstone quarry in the early years of Madison's development, the site was repurposed into a park in the 1940s. It is said that stone from this quarry was used in the construction of North and South Halls on the University of Wisconsin campus. By the 1920s, the abandoned quarry had become a picturesque glen, catching the attention of local park enthusiasts.

In 1943, the Louis Gardner family purchased the site for public enjoyment. The park's design was influenced by noted landscape architect Jens Jensen, known for his naturalistic style. In 1949, Jensen supervised the park's renovation, which included removing non-native species and adding flowering shrubs and trees. He also incorporated "council rings" as play elements for children, aligning with his vision of creating a wild space for kids to explore nature.

The park's terrain is characterized by steep, forested slopes - a remnant of its quarry past. This topography contributes to the park's charm and provides a unique play environment for children. A notable feature is a large storm culvert at the north end, which runs under the former Illinois Central Railroad grade (now the Southwest Commuter Bike Path). This culvert, with its beautiful stone arch, bears a chiseled date of either 1887 or 1889.

Glenwood Children's Park was designated a City of Madison landmark on April 14, 1975, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. Despite its small size, the park plays a role in the local ecosystem, functioning as a significant upstream tributary in the Wingra Watershed.

The park faces ongoing challenges with erosion due to increased stormwater runoff from urban development in the surrounding areas. Over the years, various measures have been implemented to manage this issue, including the installation of storm pipes and inlets.

Today, Glenwood Children's Park continues to offer a natural play space for children, preserving Jensen's vision of connecting urban youth with nature. Its unique history and design make it a distinctive feature in Madison's park system.