Bartelme (Mary) Park
4.7(1,124)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1124 reviews Chicago, IL
About Bartelme (Mary) Park
Bartelme (Mary) Park is a small, contemporary urban park offering a children's playground, a dedicated dog park, and picturesque city views. It's a versatile spot for quick family outings, picnics, and hosts popular community events like a Saturday Farmers Market and cultural festivals such as Diwali. Its lit-up walkway makes it pleasant for evening visits.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Casual family outings and picnics.Families with dogs looking for a dedicated play space.Quick visits to a playground without needing a large, all-day venue.Evening strolls or walks with kids/dogs due to the lit-up pathway.Experiencing local community events like the Saturday Farmers Market.
Why families love it
- Features a children's playground suitable for young to mid-range kids.
- Includes a dog park equipped with a plastic water pool and running water during summer months, plus free poop bags available at two locations.
- Has a lit-up walkway, making it ideal for pleasant evening strolls.
- Regularly hosts a popular Farmers Market on Saturdays, along with other community events like Diwali.
- Offers beautiful urban views, appealing to visitors interested in photography or scenic relaxation.
- Provides plenty of seating options throughout the park.
Insider tips
- **Bring a picnic:** Outside food is allowed, making it perfect for budget-friendly meals on the grass.
- **Visit on Saturdays:** Experience the Farmers Market for local goods and a lively atmosphere.
- **Consider an evening visit:** The lit-up walkway offers a nice ambiance.
- **Prepare for paid parking:** Ensure you have payment ready for street parking.
- **For dog owners:** Take advantage of the dog park's water amenities, especially during warmer months, and the free poop bags.
Good to know before you go
- **If you're seeking extensive, all-day entertainment:** The park is described as 'small' and may not offer enough variety for a full day of activities.
- **If you require free, dedicated on-site parking:** Parking is paid street parking.
- Described as 'small,' parents seeking a large park with extensive activities for extended visits might find options limited.
- Parking is paid street parking, which may require prior planning for payment.
- Crowds
- The park hosts popular events like the Saturday Farmers Market and Diwali, attracting 'kids, dogs, families, singles,' indicating it can be lively and well-attended during these times. It managed safety protocols during COVID-19, suggesting it can handle a steady flow of visitors, but no explicit 'very crowded' warnings were given outside of event contexts.
- Value
- Entry to Bartelme (Mary) Park is completely free. The primary cost will be for paid street parking. With amenities like a playground, dog park, and hosting free community events, it offers excellent value for a no-cost urban outdoor experience.
- Food
- Outside food is allowed, as evidenced by a review mentioning a picnic on the grass.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility features beyond a general 'lit-up walkway' were mentioned. Standard urban park accessibility should be expected.
- Safety
- A 'lit-up walkway' contributes to safety during evening visits. No other specific safety features like staff supervision or first aid were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"I had my own picnic on the grass here. There is a DIWALI event being held here."
4 months ago
"Fun, fun and fun..... my kids loved it and they had a good time."
5 months ago
"My daughter, dog, and I enjoyed this small park one evening. There is a playground, a lit up walkway, a large steel archway art piece with plenty of sitting for its size and a dog park with a plastic water pool and running water in summers. Our dog enjoyed the park and it was nice to find free poop bags at 2 sides. Small but nice. We 3 will visit again. By the way...paid street parking."
2 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More best outdoor playgrounds in Chicago
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Lincoln (Abraham) Park
4.7(20,612)4.7 out of 5 stars, 20612 reviews500-5700 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Bison's Bluff Nature Playground
4.7(1,526)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1526 reviewsSpring Valley, 1111 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Indian Boundary Park
4.7(1,145)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1145 reviews2500 W Lunt Ave, Chicago
Best Outdoor Playgrounds Walsh (John) Park
4.7(698)4.7 out of 5 stars, 698 reviews1722 N Ashland Ave, Chicago