By Nicole Graper
MSCR
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) pontoon boat rides are a great way to enjoy the Madison lakes. The boats are accessible and MSCR offers three ways to experience this unique program: boat rentals, drop-in rides and specialty trips. The program’s success is due to the work of 65 dedicated volunteers who drive and navigate the boats and last year logged more than 2,701 hours.
The MSCR Pontoon Program was established in 1982 by Chad Thom, MSCR community programs supervisor, who had the idea after teaching children with special needs to fish. The children were participating in an MSCR specialized day camp at Olin Park, and the fishing pier was in shallow water — not ideal fishing conditions. Thom thought it would be beneficial to try taking the group fishing on a boat, so he worked with the Madison Parks Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to get a boat donated. This allowed the children to fully experience fishing.
Since then, the pontoon program has grown and now serves more than 3,900 individuals. MSCR has three boats and relies on fundraising to purchase new boats and supplement equipment expenses. Friends of MSCR, a nonprofit organization, and program volunteers assist with donations.
Take advantage of this generous community work and plan a summer pontoon boat ride. Options include:
Drop-in rides
From June 25‒Sept. 29 drop in at the locations listed below. Please arrive 45 minutes early to sign in. First come, first served, $5 per person, children 3 and under are free.
- Mondays, Olbrich Park (Lake Monona only), 1:30‒2:30 pm and 2:45‒3:45 pm
- Tuesdays, Tenney Park Boat Pier, 5:30‒7 pm and 7:15‒8:45 pm (in September only the 5:30‒7 pm trip is offered)
- Thursdays, Tenney Park Boat Pier (Lake Monona only), 5:30‒7 pm and 7:15‒8:45 pm (in September only the 5:30‒7 pm trip is offered)
- Fridays, Tenney Park Boat Pier and UW Goodspeed Family Pier, 650 N. Lake St., 1:30‒2:30 pm and 2:45‒3:45 pm
- Sundays, Tenney Park Boat Pier, 1:30‒3 pm and 3:15‒4:45 pm
Free drop-in ride open houses will take place June 23, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15.
Specialty Trips
MSCR offers specialty trips with themes like Pirate Treasure, Fishing, Harry Potter, Superheroes, Limnology, Social History Tour, Geology, Sunset Cruise and more. Learn more and register at mscr.org.
Rentals
Rentals are perfect for reunions, work outings or celebrations. Large groups can rent up to three boats. Complete a Pontoon Rental Form at mscr.org.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available and families and non-profit organizations can request free tickets. Visit mscr.org or call 204-3020 for more information.
MSCR Accessible Program
The pontoon program is just one example of MSCR accessible recreation programs. Thom, who is retiring in June, also initiated the MSCR Adaptive Recreation, Inclusion Services, Soccer and Outdoor Adventure programs. In 2017, MSCR received a National Recreation and Park Association Award for its work on Adaptive Recreation and Inclusion Services. MSCR’s mission is to offer public recreation that is affordable and accessible. Go to mscr.org or call 204-3000 for more information.