Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation

Mission Statement

The mission of the Berlin Parks and Recreation Department is to provide high quality leisure time services and facilities to the residents of Berlin and surrounding communities. This is accomplished through departmental programs and services, as well as the preservation and improvement of the local environment.

Parks (and adjoining restrooms) are open each year from May 15 to October 15. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND UPDATES:

We offer a variety of things to enjoy, with some subject to weather and/or seasonal opening and closing:

  • Parks
  • Riverside Walking Trail
  • Mascoutin Walking Trail
  • Playground Equipment
  • Fishing Locations
  • Riverside Campground
  • Shelter Houses
  • Volleyball Courts
  • Ball Fields
  • Horseshoe Pitches
  • Basketball Courts
  • Disc Golf Course

All are use at your own risk. Please see Campground Page for additional information.

Berlin Park Brochure

Parks & Recreation Office
108 North Capron Street
PO Box 270
Berlin, WI 54923
920-361-5437

Rebecca Bays
Senior/Recreation Programming Coordinator
rbays@cityofberlin.wi.gov

Senior/Recreation Programming Assistant
parkandrec@cityofberlin.net

Aquatic Center Manager
aquaticmanager@cityofberlin.wi.gov

Aquatic Center

The Berlin Aquatic Center 2024 Opening Date is To Be Determined

Berlin Aquatic Center Address:
255 Webster St., Berlin WI, 54923
920-361-5426 or Park & Rec office 920-361-5437

Aquatic Manager contact information: aquaticmanager@cityofberlin.wi.gov

Hours and Pricing Subject to Change

Regular Hours of Operation:

Monday – Saturday: Noon to 7 pm
Sunday: Noon to 5 pm

Daily Entrance Fees:

Children (age 3 & Under): Free
Youth (ages 4 to 17): $3.00
*Under 8 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult
Adults (18+): $4.00
Seniors (62+): $3.00

After 6pm, family of up to 5 members can swim for $5.00 total
Individual Season Pass: $45
Family Season Pass (up to five individuals): $100

Coupon books are $40 for 15 children’s pool passes

Passes can be purchased at the pool during business hours

NOTE: Purchasing an individual or family pass does NOT guarantee admission on days of poor weather, or when capacity is full.

Season Pass Application

Special Swim Hours

Early Bird Swim Monday – Friday:  6:00am to 8:00 am (Fee = $2)
Sunset Swim/Adults only Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Fee = $2)
Family  Swim (5 people max.) Everyday After 6:00 pm (Fee = $5)

Carry Ins

Carry ins are not permitted unless for a paid rental.  We do have a concession stand with many treats and drinks!

Features and Fun

The Berlin Aquatic Center has everything you need to have a fun filled day at the pool!

  • Locker rooms with changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms
  • Concession stand
  • Lounge chairs and picnic tables
  • Volleyball Court
  • Zero Depth Entry
  • Octopus Slide
  • Mushroom Waterfall
  • Kiddie Fountains
  • 170 foot Water Slide
  • 2 Drop Slides
  • Diving Boards
  • In Water Basketball Hoops

Flotation Devices

New in 2022, life jackets, water wings, suits with built in flotation and baby floats will be allowed provided the guidelines listed below are followed:

  • The flotation device is used for safety and not a toy
  • The flotation device is sized properly to the swimmer.  If the lifeguard deems the flotation device unsuited for the swimmer, the lifeguard will instruct the parent or guardian on how to fix the flotation device or ask for it to be removed from the swimmer
  • Flotation devices are not allowed on the slide
  • Flotation devices are not allowed in the deep end or deep end slides
  • Parents or guardian must stay with swimmer
  • Swimmer must be age 5 or under.  Special requests will be determined on a case by case basis

The Aquatic Center will not provide any form of flotation device.  The staff of the Aquatic Center and Recreation Department reserve the right to ask any individual who is not following the safety guidelines set in place to leave the premise.

Rental Information

The Aquatic Center is available to rent!  We have two different options.  See the flyer below!

Pool Rental Information 

Pool Rental Application

Pool Closures 

The Berlin Aquatic Center reserves the right to close early based on weather and attendance. If the pool is closed to due attendance, the pool will reopen the next day. Reopening for weather will be assessed on an as needed basis. For the most up to date information check our Facebook Page at Berlin Aquatic Center

Job Applications

Available Positions for Summer 2022:

  • Park Grounds Keeper and Maintenance

Applications:

Recreation Programs

Summer 2024 Activities

Council has redistributed the funds for recreation activities to other areas of the city.  There will be no summer activities moving forward.  We will still be offering shelter house rentals and campground reservations.

Important Summer Forms:

Parks

Location Acres Shelter-
house
Picnic
Tables
Benches Nature
Area
Trails
Boat
Launch
Open
Play
Areas
Softball
Baseball
Fields
Playground
Equipment
Fishing Restrooms Swimming
Pool
Volleyball

Riverside Park

38
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Nathan Strong Park
1.6
X
X
X
X
Forsyth Park
1.3
X
X
X
X
Longcroft Park
3.1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Firefighter’s Park
0.3
X
Volunteer Park
0.2
X
Mound Street Park
1.3
X
X
X
X
Berlin Locks
 62.1
X
X
X
X
X

City Park Map

Mascoutin Valley Recreation Trail Map

Riverside Park

Riverside Park, one of the premier community parks in east central Wisconsin, stretches approximately 3,700 feet along the east bank of the Fox River in the northern portion of the city. At 38 acres, the park is Berlin’s largest park facility. The park is heavily used by boaters, fishermen, campers, picnickers, and athletes; and provides access to the Fox River for snowmobilers during the winter months. It also accommodates softball & volleyball leagues, youth programs, and hosts a number of community events and festivals.

Facilities include two lighted softball diamonds and an unlighted youth baseball diamond, each improved with electronic scoreboards and bleachers; five volleyball courts, four of which are lighted, a 9 hole disc golf course with two pad placements; over 2,000 feet of sea wall with boat moorings; a double boat launch; state-of-the-art basketball courts with glass backboards; 8 lighted horseshoe courts; 22-unit RV camping area with electronic hookups (20, 30, & 50 amp service), picnic tables, shoreline moorings, water supply, and dump station; three, large shelter houses with restrooms; electricity and parking; a concession stand; five children’s playground areas; picnic tables and grills; flower beds; Clarke School Museum; a state historical market; and park system maintenance facility. Local civic groups have made major contributions towards the park’s development.

Nathan Strong Park

Locally known as East Side Park, this 1.6-acre neighborhood park is located east of the downtown. Surrounded by many large and historically important homes from Berlin’s past, the park is a focal point for local parades and roadside travelers.

Facilitates in the park include a Victorian gazebo with electricity, an 1800’s War Memorial, lighted fountain, picnic tables and benches, play equipment, drinking fountain, lighted walkways and authentic Civil War cannons.

Forsyth Park

Located west of the downtown, this 1.3-acre site functions as a small neighborhood park for residents in this portion of the city. Facilities include play equipment, picnic tables and benches, flower beds, lighted walkways, and a drinking fountain.

Longcroft Park

Longcroft Park is located on the west side of the Fox River in the downtown area. The park features the Berlin Aquatic Center, which has become an area attraction since its construction. Other facilities at this 3.1-acre park include a small boat launch and picnic tables & grills.

This park also includes a 190 ft. long pedestrian bridge linking Longcroft Park to the other side of the Fox River.

Firefighter's Park

Located near the east edge of the downtown, this 0.3-acre site serves primarily as a rest area and city information site. Facilities include benches, a drinking fountain, a flagpole, and a flower bed. A nativity scene graces the park during the holiday season. The park also features a recently constructed memorial dedicated to men & women firefighters, past and present.

Volunteer Park

The city maintains a small 0.2-acre site on Huron Street in the central downtown area which serves as a resting spot. Facilities include an information sign, flower planters, benches, and a walking path to a city parking lot.

Mound Street Park

Mound Street Park is a small neighborhood park serving residents of the southwestern portion of the city. Facilities at the 1/3-acre site include play equipment, picnic tables and benches, and open play area. The park is in need of additional landscaping.

Berlin Locks

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owns 62.1 acres of land adjacent to the Fox River and former lock site south of the city. Facilities include two boat launches with parking (one above and one below the dam), a handicapped accessible fishing pier, a restroom facility, lock remnants, the former lock tender’s house, and a gauging station.

Park Shelters

The City of Berlin Parks & Recreation Department will accept reservations for shelter houses on a first-paid, first-serve basis at City Hall or the Senior Center. All reservations require an application filled out with payment consisting of (1) cost of rental fee + (2) $100.00 refundable deposit (per site requested). Please do not issue two checks, only one check with the total amount is needed.

Shelter Houses are available for rental every year from May 15 to October 15.

The 2022 reservation fee structure is as follows:

FEE SCHEDULE
Prices are per day
Monday –
Thursday
Weekend/Holiday
up to 249 guests
Weekend/Holiday
250+ guests
Riverside Park North Shelter #1
Riverside Park South Shelter #2
$75 resident
$100 non-resident
$100 resident
$150 non-resident
$150 resident
$200 non-resident
Nathan Strong Park Gazebo $75 resident
$100 non-resident
$100 resident
$150 non-resident
Not
Applicable
Riverside Park North Diamond Shelter $75 resident
$100 non-resident
$100 resident
$150 non-resident
Not
Applicable
Veterans Gazebo $75 resident
$100 non-resident
$100 resident
$150 non-resident
Not
Applicable

For more information or to pick up a reservation form contact the Berlin Parks & Recreation Department at 920-361-5437 or parkandrec@cityofberlin.net

If you notice a problem with a shelter, please contact the Parks Department at 920-361-5436 during the day. On evenings and weekends please contact the Berlin Police Department at 920-361-2121 and they will page the park duty person to address your request.

Campground

Open May 15 – October 15

CAMPGROUNDS ARE OPEN!

The Campgrounds may close periodically due to flooded sites and standing water.

Reserve a spot by calling  Berlin’s Park & Recreation Department at: 920-361-5437 or email us at parkandrec@cityofberlin.wi.gov

Riverside Park, one of the premier community parks in east central Wisconsin, stretches approximately 3,700 feet along the east bank of the Fox River in the northern portion of the city. At 38 acres, the park serves as Berlin’s primary park facility. The park is heavily used by boaters, fishermen, campers, picnickers, and athletes, and provides access to the Fox River. It also accommodates softball & volleyball leagues, youth programs, and hosts a number of community events and festivals. Facilities include two lighted softball diamonds and an unlighted youth baseball diamond; five volleyball courts; over 2,000 feet of sea wall with boat moorings; a double boat launch; a 9 hole disc golf course with 2 pad placements, state-of-the-art basketball courts with glass backboards; 8 lighted horseshoe courts; 22-unit RV camping area with 22 electric hookups (20, 30, & 50 amp) and firepits, shoreline moorings, water supply, restrooms with showers, and a dump station; three large shelter houses with restrooms and electricity; five children’s playground areas; and Clark School Museum. Local civic groups have made major contributions towards the park’s development.

Nestled along the shore of the Fox River is your opportunity to escape the pressures of every day life and return to a simpler time and place. The City of Berlin is located a mere 20 miles west of Oshkosh. With a population of 5,300 residents, Berlin was voted best small town in Norman Rockwell’s Wisconsin Trails. Berlin gives a feel of days gone by.

Berlin Aquatic Center offers a way to have a great time escaping the summer heat. Within the same park area as the pool, the newly renovated Longcroft Park includes 900 ft of shoreline with 5 fishing stations and a paved walkway with many native plants to enjoy. Berlin Locks Park is another favorite spot for many local anglers. Only a short distance from the campground, Berlin’s downtown features specialty shops, restaurants, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, as well as one-of-a-kind stores not found in big cities. Having recently been placed in the National Register of Historic Places, Berlin’s Nathan Strong Park has many outstanding Victorian homes nearby; so take a walk and enjoy outside viewing of these beautiful homes.

Enjoy your stay, and be sure to take in all we have to offer whether it is a ball game in the evening, a swim in the pool, boating and fishing on the Fox River, or a leisurely afternoon in historic downtown Berlin.

Directions

For GPS directions, the address is 161 W. Waushara Street, Berlin, WI 54923

From East: come into Berlin on Hwy 91 go right on Wisconsin St. to Waushara, left on Waushara. Waushara dead ends into campground.

From North or West: Come in on Hwy 91 or Broadway and make a left onto Wisconsin and then a left on Waushara.

From South: Follow Hwy 49 South into Berlin. Make left onto Huron St. Right onto Wisconsin and then a left onto Waushara St.

Forestry

BERLIN STREET TERRACE TREE POLICY

The street terrace (area between the street and your property line) is a place where utilities are buried, snow is stored, street lights are installed, and city trees are planted. The city has ordinances about what is allowed to be planted in the terrace areas. The following needs to be adhered to if you are planning on planting a tree in the terrace area.

  • A permit must be obtained from the City Forester, Berlin City Hall, 108 N. Capron Street.
  • Trees must be approved by the City Forester prior to planting.
  • Terrace area must be wider than three (3) feet in width.
  • Trees must be planted a minimum distance of sixteen (16) feet apart and a recommended twenty-five (25) feet apart from an intersection.
  • Terrace trees must be planted between the back of the curb and the front of the sidewalk.
  • Evergreens are prohibited from being planted, this would include: Cedar, Spruce, Pine, Fir, etc. In addition, other prohibited trees are: Cottonwood, Box Elder, and Mulberry. Including: Shrubbery, ground cover other plants not considered to be a deciduous leaf tree within the terrace areas whose growth is not in excess of eight (8) inches above the top of the nearest curb.

Unlawfully planted trees, trees, plants or shrubs planted within a terrace or planting easement without authorization and approval of the City Forester may be removed.

Any alterations, including: trimming or removal of trees in the terrace area which residents or contractors are planning on completing, MUST HAVE A PERMIT and be approved by the City Forester prior to any work being started. There are strict regulations on trimming of trees in the terrace area.

Information available on planting, pruning, and general care: The City Department of Public Works will trim and remove hazardous trees located in the terrace area as deemed necessary by the City Forester or their designee and as time permits. If a citizen feels a tree in the terrace area may be hazardous or trimming is needed, contact the City Forester.

Sec. 78- 48 PROHIBITED ACTS.

(a) Damage to Public Trees. No person shall, without the consent of the owner in the case of a private tree or shrub, or without a written permit from the City Forester in the case of a terrace area tree, public tree or shrub, perform or cause to be performed, any of the following acts:

  1. Secure, fasten or run any rope, wire sign, unprotected electrical installation or other device or material to, around or through a tree or shrub.
  2. Break, injure, mutilate, deface, kill or destroy any tree or shrub, or permit any fire to burn where it will injure any tree or shrub.
  3. Permit any toxic chemical, gas, smoke, oil or other injurious substance to seep, drain, or be emptied upon or about any tree or shrub, or place cement or other solid substance around the base of a tree or schrub.
  4. Remove any guard, stake or other device or material intended for the protection of a public tree or shrub, or close or obstruct any open space about the base of a public tree or shrub designed to permit access of air, water and fertilizer.
  5. Attach any sign, poster, notice or other object on any tree, or fasten a wire, cable, rope, nail, screw or other device to a tree, except the city may tie temporary “no parking” signs to trees, when necessary, in conjunction with street improvement work, tree maintenance work or parades.
  6. Cause or encourage a fire or burining near or around a tree.

There are three city owned and operated ball fields located at Riverside Park.

Ball Field Map

Ball Field Use Application Form