Barberry Park

The Chicago Park District acquired this land in 1969 and transformed this once-vacant lot to parkland, improving it with playground equipment, a sand box, and a spray pool. Officially, designated Barberry Park in 1974, the park was one of a number of properties named for trees and plants at the time. An ornamental bush often used for hedges, the barberry has impressive vibrant fall foliage and long-lasting red berries that provide color throughout the winter. Historically, Arabs used the berries for sherbet, and probably knew the plant as berberys, meaning "shell," for its hollowed leaves. Barberries are also associated with the Berbers, who cultivated them on Africa's Barbary Coast. In 2012, the City transferred City-owned parcels that were located adjacent to the park to the District for the expansion of the park.For directions using public transportation visit www.transitchicago.com.