PARKS & RECREATION
Bartow’s family friendly parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and fun.
HERITAGE PARK
Located at the intersection of Church and Depot Streets, Heritage Park began as a town square surrounding an artesian well whose overflow filled an ample brick horse trough. The circular trough still remains, and a replica of the original well house was, built in 1976 to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of the founding of The United States. Mrs. Eunice Smith Bryant, a Bartow native of many talents is responsible for this park’s development. She designed the space and drafted the well house construction drawings, based on historical photos. With the help of Mr. Charles Salter, she made Heritage Square a reality. The shady, inviting park contains interesting historical markers about Bartow’s place in history, a play area for children, as well as picnic tables and seating under the trees. Many people stop to read the park’s whimsical signpost, whose directional arrows tell you the distance to other towns and places named for Francis S. Bartow.
FRED C. EVANS, JR. MEMORIAL PARK
In 2011, the town’s former baseball field was transformed into a park for all ages. Boasting equipment you might expect to find only in a major city’s recreational facility, The Fred C. Evans Memorial Park has a play unit for children, ages two-to-five, and a separate play unit for ages twelve-to-fifteen. Also, there is a half basketball court. The park is encircled by a walking track that includes a variety of innovative exercise stations for both seniors and adults. Handicap accessible restrooms are on site, and there are two pavilions for family events and other gatherings. The larger of the two pavilions seats up to 100 for a meal. Both pavilions have picnic tables, grills, and access to electricity and water. This gated park also has a parking area for 15 vehicles and close-by additional parking. A pavilion may be reserved by contacting City Hall (478-364-3300). Bartow is proud of its well-designed and well-equipped park for all ages. This recreational facility is dedicated to the memory of the town’s strong supporter, long-time town councilman and lifelong resident Fred C. Evans, Jr. He will be greatly missed.
ADDITIONAL PLAY AREAS
There are two additional play areas on opposite sides of U.S. Highway 319/Georgia 78 just as it reaches the Williamson Swamp Creek Bridge.
On one side is a full-size basketball court. On the other side is yet another grouping of play equipment for youngsters.
Bartow invites you, your family and friends to come enjoy all of its parks.