Mary Bartelme Park

Mary Bartelme Park, located in Chicago's Near West Side, is a 2.71-acre urban green space that seamlessly combines historical elements with innovative, modern design. Previously the site of an old infirmary, the park revitalized a single city block into a multipurpose area catering to diverse community needs. Its design features strong diagonal paths that intersect to create distinct zones, including a fountain plaza, an open lawn, a children's play area, a sunken dog park, a viewing hill, and a secluded seating area.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by five stainless steel arches that release a fine mist of water on warm days, providing a cooling effect while symbolizing the gateway to the park. This feature is not only aesthetically striking but also uses low-flow technology to conserve water. Nearby, the children's play area offers ADA-compliant equipment that promotes creative, non-linear play. Pets are accommodated with a unique sunken dog park outfitted with artificial turf, ramps, and a continuously filling oversized "dog bowl."

The park also includes a six-foot-high viewing hill, which provides panoramic views of the park and the Chicago skyline, making it a popular spot for photography. Surrounding the enclosed seating area are native plants and terracotta elements salvaged from the infirmary that once stood on the site. Sustainability is prioritized through features such as permeable pavers for stormwater management and photocatalytic materials that reduce air pollution.

Though there are no regular structured activities, the park is a hub for community events, such as movie nights and holiday celebrations, and serves as a serene retreat for locals and visitors. Named after Mary Bartelme, Illinois' first female judge, the park honors her commitment to social reform, with its design making subtle nods to her legacy.