This large park is located south of 55th Street, west of Fairview Avenue. The 5.8 acre Barth Pond was constructed in 1978, as a joint venture with the Village of Downers Grove. The pond was originally developed to serve as a storm water detention facility, but also serves as a popular fishing spot. There are two parking lots associated with the park, one to the east of the pond and the other to the west, with a total parking capacity of approximately 80 spaces. The western parking lot primarily serves a playground with separate age 2-5 and age 5-12 play areas. The eastern parking lot serves a passive area that contains a picnic shelter and tables.
In 2008, the Park District constructed a boat launch for access to the pond. The boat launch is composed of large concrete steps leading into the pond, allowing boaters to step into their canoe, raft or other non-motorized boat. Park patrons who wish to use the boat launch should park in the West parking lot and follow the signs to the launch on the North side of the pond. The Downers Grove Park District requests that boaters use only non-motorized boats and obey all posted rules. Happy boating!
In 2011, the Park District completed a shoreline improvement project, which included removal of the deteriorated steel seawall, and replacement with stacked limestone and native vegetation. The project also included upgrading the existing gravel pathways to hard surface, and adding new sections of pathway along the pond edge. There is also a 0.45 Mile Walking Path in thisÂ
