Renovations to Bartlett Park in St. Joseph will begin with demolition this week.

Julie Noel is the Special Events and Communications Coordinator for the City of St. Joseph Parks Department.

Noel said, weather permitting, demolition of part of the park’s equipment will start on Wednesday.

“Bartlett Park used to be the best park in town… and over the years, the playground has broken, we had a piece that’s broken down or parts have become unavailable and as those parts have become unavailable, we haven’t been able to fix them, so we just removed them to keep the park safe for the kids to play in,” Noel said. “It’s really needing a facelift and it also needs to be updated so that everyone can play on it regardless of ability or age.”

Noel said the renovations are possible because the Parks Department received a Land, Water and Conservation Fund matching grant for $250,000. Noel said the renovation will also include putting in a disc golf course that will start in Bartlett and run south toward South 28th Street. New bathrooms will also be installed in the park.

Noel said the Treehouse at Bartlett Park will not be removed and will remain open, but the playground area will be closed during renovation. Noel said anyone who usually uses the playground equipment at Bartlett Park is encouraged to use the playgrounds at Patee Park, Hochman Park, College Hill Park, John Lucas Recreation Center, Maple Leaf Park, Northside Complex, or South Park Complex during the renovation period.

Noel said the renovation is anticipated to be complete in the spring or summer.