Mary Bartelme Park — Attraction in West Chicago Township

Small, well-maintained and awesome green space -- parks are too rare and much-needed in the West Loop! Smart, modern, asymmetrical, criss-crossing path layout makes this 1 square block feel larger than its actual footprint. Nice variety of spaces that serve many: playground with colorful, fun, safe, modern equipment; clean fenced-in doggie park; mini plaza with a row of slanted, sculptural gates that spray a cooling mist which you can activate with a button (!); salvaged art deco architectural elements from a demolished building, repurposed into seating; areas with rolling grass hills and trees; native prairie plantings too. They also have regular community events for families and residents. There's so much packed into this little space, it's hard to believe! Major props to the designers who envisioned this place, and to the folks who built it, and the peeps that maintain its...

I'm a big fan of this park. Great little enclosed dog park although it can get a little crowded at times. I'm updating this review to remove a star because the dog park remains so crowded much of the time and I've lately experienced increasing instances of irresponsible owners letting an aggressive dog attack other dogs with little control. With so little space the close contact exacerbates the problem.

There's also a good sized playground for kids. Finally there is ample lawn space to chill and enjoy the day along with misting stations for the extra hot days. The lawn areas are hills so if you're looking for a place for sports I would head down the road to Skinner park instead.

There are also plenty of special events throughout the warmer months including food and drink (including alcohol) trucks, movie nights, and a great farmer's market on...

Great park for kids ages 4-12, but I'd say the majority is 4-8 yo kids. Lots of different equipment for all ages, elevation changes, motor skills challenges, or creative play. Enough comfortable spaces for parents to sit and watch too. Dog park run area is separate and fenced in. Signs say no dogs except in there, but there are dogs everywhere, so that part can get annoying with watching your step or around the kids in the large middle area between. Water mist from the artistic arches is nice in the Summer and a great food truck spot too. A few free parking spots around if you look hard enough, but you can always find a paid parking spot...