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Hope Martin Memorial Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 164 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterloo, Iowa · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Hope Martin Memorial Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

A large shelter with picnic tables & a water fountains sits in this park with a playground for kids.

What runners say about Hope Martin Memorial Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (164 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“This was surprisingly clean and was great time we spent walking around.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“There's parking on each side, usually not crowded, you can either enter On either side off Ansborough Ave.”

Nice little park has some restrooms and a little playground. Has a swing set for the kids lot of room to run and play

★★★★★ — Justin , Aug 2021

Nice little pond. To walk around and to fish in!! Question, what happened to the port-a-potty? It's gone!!! Always had one

★★★★★ — James , Oct 2022

This was surprisingly clean and was great time we spent walking around. Also was very quiet and best part was “no mosquitoes “ 🦟

★★★★☆ — S , Aug 2023

Decent sledding hill for kids, though it's not like there is much to choose from in this flat & boring locale.

★★★★☆ — Antonio , Jan 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 164 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“I always meet some cool people if you see this and have a dog let's meet up lmao”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“There's parking on each side, usually not crowded, you can either enter On either side off Ansborough Ave.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“There's parking on each side, usually not crowded, you can either enter On either side off Ansborough Ave.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Nice little park has some restrooms and a little playground.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

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🚰 Water fountains

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Hope Martin Memorial Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitewaterlooleisureservices.org
  • Phone+1 319-291-4370

Hours

Monday 6 am–10:30 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10:30 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10:30 pm
Thursday 6 am–10:30 pm
Friday 6 am–10:30 pm
Saturday 6 am–10:30 pm
Sunday 6 am–10:30 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Hope Martin Memorial Park

276-286 Fletcher Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701

Get directions

Running trails near Waterloo

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Greenbelt Lake

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Cedar River Exchange Park

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Bustling recreational park featuring baseball diamonds, riverside disc golf and a skate park.

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Liberty Park

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Park offering a children's playground, soccer, and picnic tables.

1.6 miles away

Tibbitts Park

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Local green space with baseball diamonds, a soccer field, playground & shaded picnic tables.

2.4 miles away

Katoski Greenbelt

4.4 ★★★★☆ 88 reviews

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Walking, biking and kayaking spot, with wooded trails and picnic areas, plus bluebells in the spring.

2.6 miles away

Rooff Park

4 ★★★★☆ 21 reviews

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.