The Children’s Park
900 S Broadway
Tyler 75701
The Children’s Park is a little haven between downtown Tyler and the shopping areas of South Broadway.
It is a small memorial park where the names of local children who have died are inscribed on stones that encircle the park. It has some amazing bronze statues, a water feature running through the park, lots of flowers and shrubs and places to sit and be peaceful for a while.
Alternatively, you can bring your children and they can run around, paddle in the stream and have fun in the beautiful surroundings. We have picnicked here as a family and enjoyed it’s beauty. There are steps down to the park – it has a sunken garden feel – but also access for wheelchairs and strollers. There are places to stop and reflect and also picnic benches but my children preferred to climb up the waterfall and sit on the rocks at the top to eat their sandwiches! There is no playground but if that is what you are looking for then just a hundred yards down the road you will find Bergfield Park which has swings and climbing equipment.
The park is run by the City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department and funded by the Children are a Gift Foundation. It has been in Tyler for 5 years. Annual events are held including a teddy bears picnic for families who have lost children and it is possible to reserve the park for your special event.
One note of advice. With the water, trees and grasses, this is also a very popular hang out for mosquitoes – the mean East Texas kind who need more than one bite! Repellant is a necessity in summer and fall.
If you know someone who has lost a baby or young child or even someone with a special needs baby who may be grieving and needing support from others in a similar situation – then there is a local organization that can help. ‘Glory Babies’ is part of the Children Are a Gift Foundation. This is the way in for anyone wanting to place a stone commemorating a lost child at the park too.
www.childrenareagift.com has more information.