Rev Ernest D Butler Park

Reverend Ernest D. Butler Park began as West Ninth Street Park, on property leased by the City, and the first summer concerts sponsored by the Human Relations Committee were held here in 1968. In 1972 the land was still owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, but became a City park in 1973. West Ninth Street Park was re-named Reverend Ernest D. Butler Park in June 2005 in honor of Reverend Butler. Read about the life and work of Reverend Ernest D. Butler.

Quick Park Information

• Features: Playground, asphalt- and concrete-surface trail around the park, fitness stations, two unreservable picnic shelters, public art (mural) on comfort station, basketball court, grassy play area, drinking fountain (available seasonally).
• Ballfield: Reserve the Butler Park ballfield
• Restroom: Open seasonally (April through October) and when there is a special event at Butler Park. The restrooms are located approximately .13 mile on asphalt park paths from the parking lot near the playground and from the parking lot near the community garden.
• Property rules and hours of operation for Bloomington's city parks
• List of all reservable picnic shelters in city parks.

Parking

• One small parking lot near the intersection of West Ninth Street and North Elm Street. The lot has no marked parking spaces and no designated accessible parking spaces. This lot is adjacent to the Butler Park Community Gardens. 
• A second parking lot for approximately eight vehicles is located on North Fairview Street, north of West Ninth Street, This lot is on the east end of the park and is adjacent to the playground. 

Community Gardens

• In-ground garden plots in two sizes, and raised garden beds available for rent.
• Garden plot rental information.