Bartlett Park

Bartlett Park is one of the most developed and appealing of the neighborhood parks. Covering 24 acres in a charming established residential neighborhood, Bartlett Park truly has something for everyone. There are lovely picnic shelters and tables nestled under the mature trees and within the charming landscaping if you just want to sit and enjoy nature. The hiking/biking trails on the site take you through the park and there is plenty of open space to run or throw a frisbee. There is an inclusive playground that welcomes everyone to enjoy themselves. Two lighted ballfields with restrooms and concessions have made Bartlett one of the most popular sites for baseball and softball in the city. 

In the late 19^th and early 20^th century, many businesses and well-to-do citizens donated land to the city of St. Joseph for use as public parks. In 1908, the Bartlett Brothers Investment Company donated 20 acres that became the nucleus for the current park; an additional four acres was added in 1921. This park was needed as the population centers of the city were moving eastward. Between 1908 and 1911, the Parks Department invested more than $10,000 in the development and beautification of the park. Elaborate landscaping and substantial structures were installed, making the park an immediate hit with the citizens of St. Joseph. In 1920, Independence Day was celebrated at the park with a parade of boy scouts. Political candidates used the park as a popular venue for speeches and rallies and churches held services under the trees during the summer. During fine weather, the park was regularly used for family reunions, jolly picnics, and club meetings. It has also been the site of several events marking the Christmas holidays.

The landscaping was such that noted landscape architect George Burnham, who was advising the city on its parks and parkway system, suggested that Bartlett Park be the site of a botanical garden. A large stone pavilion, designed by noted local architect Rudolph Meier, served as the site of numerous municipal band concerts until it was demolished in 1947 due to the disintegration of the stone. The original path that wound its way through the park was open to both those who wanted to take a stroll as well as those who wanted to ride their horses.

     In the 1950s, improvements to the park included the construction of a new restroom building, new picnic facilities, and the installation of a playground on the top of the hill on the east side of the park. In 1956, responding to citizen concerns about “beer parties” the flower beds and rock drive at the northwest corner were removed.

     In 1956, the Park Board designated land at the top of the hill in the park for use as a Little League ball field. In 2002 St. Joseph’s new high school baseball field was constructed at the park. To this day, Bartlett Park has some of the most popular ball diamonds in the city.

     Central to Bartlett Park’s identity is its long-standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity. In 1973, events associated with Black Week activities sponsored by the Black Citizens for Progress were held at the Park. In 1977, the “Walk for Mankind,” an event to support global healthcare began at the park. In 2014, a “Treehouse for Everyone” opened at the park. The $35,000 cost of the playhouse was funded by a number of community agencies and private donations. Its purpose was to provide a place for children of all abilities to play together. In 2017, the old – traditional – playground was removed and a new, inclusive playground connected to the treehouse was installed. In 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, ground was broken for a new shelter sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. These together make Bartlett Park a place that welcomes everyone!

“New Bartlett Park,” St. Joseph News Press, April 16, 1909.

“Special Ordinance No. 5160,” St. Joseph Gazette, April 16, 1909.

“Independence Day is Properly Observed,” St. Joseph News Press, July 5, 1920.

“’Tis Senatorial Week,” St. Joseph News Press, July 26, 1922.

“Concert Tomorrow Night,” St. Joseph News Press, July 9, 1928.

“Jefferson Club Picnic,” St. Joseph News Press, July 2, 1932.

“At Bartlett Park Monday,” St. Joseph News Press, June 23, 1934.

“Christmas Program Will Be Presented at Bartlett Park,” St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 11, 1935.

“First of Services,” St. Joseph News Press, July 4, 1937.

“Park Board Sets Aside Bartlett Tract for Use by Little League,” St. Joseph News Press, March 10, 1956.

“Lewis Reunion,” St. Joseph News Press, Sept. 7, 1960.

“Black Week Event Held,” St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 18, 1973.

“First ‘Walk for Mankind’ at Bartlett Park Saturday,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 28, 1977.

“Flower Beds Adorned Bartlett Park,” St. Joseph Gazette, April 1, 1988.

Scott Dochterman, “Bartlett Park Field Set to Open Monday,” St. Joseph News Press, March 21, 2002.

“Postcards from the Past,” St. Joseph News Press, Feb. 20, 2006.

Kristin Hoppa, “Railing Goes Up on ‘Treehouse for Everyone,’” St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 21, 2014.

Kristin Hoppa, “Singing Christmas Tree Brings a Little More Light this Year,” St. Joseph News Press, Dec. 22, 2014.

Brendan Welch, “City Parks to See Improvements,” St. Joseph News Press, Dec. 7, 2017.

Lauren Kahl, “Bartlett Park Officially Completed,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 26, 2018.

Clayton Anderson, “New Shelter for Bartlett Park,” St. Joseph News Press, Sept. 13, 2020.