Ballard Park
A sizable green space in Tupelo featuring athletic fields, a skate park, and a new inclusive playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Ballard Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sizable green space in Tupelo featuring athletic fields, a skate park, and a new inclusive playground.
"Great park with a massive new playground, though trails and restrooms need attention."
👟 Watch Your Step on Trails
Be cautious of cracked asphalt on walking paths; use caution, especially under tree canopies.
🌳 Seek Shade for Playtime
The new playground offers some shade, making it a great spot for kids during warmer parts of the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New All-Inclusive Playground
West Tupelo
A brand new, spacious playground designed for all abilities, offering fun for younger visitors.
Scenic Walking Trails
Various locations within the park
Enjoy peaceful strolls through shaded paths and open green spaces, perfect for a daily dose of nature.
Athletic Fields & Skate Park
Designated areas
Equipped with fields for various sports and a dedicated skate park for active recreation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Playground Progress & Park Amenities
Trail Hazards & Maintenance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Watch Your Step on Trails
Be cautious of cracked asphalt on walking paths; use caution, especially under tree canopies.
🌳 Seek Shade for Playtime
The new playground offers some shade, making it a great spot for kids during warmer parts of the day.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared for cash-only parking, especially during tournaments or events.
💧 Check Water Fountains
Water fountains can sometimes be inoperable, so bring your own water bottle.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Watch Your Step on Trails
Be cautious of cracked asphalt on walking paths; use caution, especially under tree canopies.
🌳 Seek Shade for Playtime
The new playground offers some shade, making it a great spot for kids during warmer parts of the day.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared for cash-only parking, especially during tournaments or events.
💧 Check Water Fountains
Water fountains can sometimes be inoperable, so bring your own water bottle.
📍 Locate Storm Shelter
The storm shelter is dark grey and can be hard to spot; note its location beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ballard Park in Tupelo offers a mix of new amenities and areas needing improvement. Visitors appreciate the new, inclusive playground and the park's role as a community gathering space. However, concerns about trail maintenance, restroom cleanliness, and occasional inoperable water fountains detract from the overall experience.
"Ballard Park could be much improved with a better management team. The park is large with walking trails, baseball and soccer fields, a skate park, ponds and eventually a new kid’s playground.
Picnic tables have been removed near the construction area. Too often the water fountains are inoperable. The asphalt trail is so broken and cracked it is really a hazard for all of the seniors that get in their steps in the park. Be sure to use caution as you walk under the tree canopy…many falling limbs and branches from not pruning and cutting back the trees.
Storm shelter is available but may be difficult to locate since it is planted dark grey…a challenge to see during dark skies and storms.
With very few options in Tupelo, Ballard Park is one of just a couple options. With a little tweaking it could be much better."
Traveling G's
"The play are is nice because it's in the shade. Swing sets are newish. The picnic tables are falling apart though and the thing that bumped it from 4 to 3 was the bathroom. Even if it wasn't 85 and hot and sweaty. They are dirty, rusty, crumbling and not kept. Plus side the running water....everyone appreciates a flushing toilet."
Kayla Hobbs
"Such a beautiful park located in Tupelo,MS . Great views with a huge playground for the children. Nice performance stage, and still doing construction to expand some areas."
D Antonio Rogers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ballard Park is located in Tupelo, Mississippi. It's accessible by car, with specific directions often needed for tournament fields. Nearby dining options like Huey Magoo's are also noted.
Yes, parking is available, but be aware that it is cash-only, especially during events and tournaments.
Information on public transport to Ballard Park is limited. Driving is the most common method of access.
While the park is sizable, specific areas like the storm shelter can be challenging to locate due to poor signage or camouflage.
The new playground is designed to be all-inclusive, suggesting an effort towards accessibility. However, trail conditions may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ballard Park is generally a public park and does not require tickets for entry. However, parking fees may apply during specific events.
Specific operating hours for Ballard Park are not widely published, but it is typically open during daylight hours for public use.
While park entry is free, there may be fees for parking, especially during organized sports events or tournaments.
Information on booking specific areas like picnic spots or the performance stage is not readily available. It's best to contact local park authorities for event booking inquiries.
The new playground at Ballard Park is free to use for all visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the new playground, walk on the trails, utilize the athletic fields, and explore the skate park. Community events are also held here.
Picnic tables are available, though some have been removed near construction areas. They may also be in disrepair.
Some asphalt trails are significantly cracked and uneven, posing a hazard. Shaded trails are available near the baseball fields.
Restrooms are available but have been described as dirty, rusty, and crumbling, with inconsistent maintenance.
Yes, the new playground is a major draw for families. However, trail conditions and restroom cleanliness are factors to consider. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within Ballard Park itself. However, new dining options are being developed nearby.
Huey Magoo's, a chicken spot, is located across from Ballard Park on West Main in Tupelo.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the designated areas.
Food vendors may be present during special events and community gatherings held at the park.
The nearest noted dining option is Huey Magoo's, offering chicken. Other local eateries are likely available in Tupelo.
📸 📸 Photography
The new playground offers colorful backdrops. The walking trails, especially shaded ones, and open green spaces provide scenic photo opportunities. +1
The park has natural elements like trees and ponds, offering potential for nature photography, particularly on the shaded trails.
Yes, photography is generally permitted during events, but be mindful of performers and attendees.
While not explicitly noted for grand vistas, the park offers pleasant green spaces and riverfront views in some locations (though this may refer to a different Ballard Park).
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the playground itself is a highlight, parents should be aware that there isn't extensive shade directly over the play area, so plan accordingly for sunny days. When visiting with children, consider the park's trail conditions. Some walking paths are cracked and uneven, so keep a close eye on little ones if you plan to explore beyond the playground. The restrooms have also received mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, so it might be wise to be prepared.
🚶♀️ Active Adults & Fitness Enthusiasts
If you prefer a more shaded and potentially smoother walking experience, the trails near the baseball fields have been noted as being more shaded and pleasant.
🌳 Nature Lovers & Casual Strollers
Keep an eye out for community events that might be happening, as these can add a vibrant atmosphere to your visit.
+1 While the park's primary focus isn't on extensive natural landscapes, it provides a welcome green escape within Tupelo. Remember to bring water, as fountains can sometimes be out of order. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ballard Park's Amenities
+1However, visitors should be aware of the park's maintenance status. Reviews indicate that some of the asphalt walking trails are in poor condition, with significant cracks and uneven surfaces, posing a tripping hazard. Tree maintenance is also a concern, with reports of falling limbs. The park's restrooms have also been described as needing significant upkeep.
Despite these challenges, Ballard Park remains a valuable community resource. Its large size and diverse offerings make it a popular spot for locals. With ongoing construction and potential for improvements, it's a park that continues to evolve.
Community Events and Local Flavor
+2These events often create a lively atmosphere, showcasing the community spirit. Visitors attending these events can expect a more bustling environment. It's also worth noting that new dining options are emerging near the park, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
While the park itself may have some maintenance issues, its role in fostering community engagement and providing a space for local gatherings is undeniable. The park's proximity to new eateries adds to its appeal as a destination for both recreation and local flavor.
Ballard Park: A Tale of Two Locations?
Another Ballard Park is mentioned in Melbourne, Florida, highlighted for its stunning riverfront views and proximity to the Eau Gallie River, often featured in real estate contexts.
There's also a Ballard Park in Ridgefield, Connecticut, praised for its gardens, walking paths, and family-friendly atmosphere, often cited as a must-visit spot. +2Finally, a Ballard Park in Newport, Rhode Island, is listed among fall foliage hikes, suggesting a more natural, scenic setting.
When planning your visit, ensure you are referencing the correct Ballard Park based on your travel destination to manage expectations accurately.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit