This past weekend, my family and I went to experience Zilker Park. Zilker Park is known as "Austin's most loved park" according to the history page.
What's the history behind Zilker Park? A.J. Zilker deeded 35 acres to the City of Austin in 1918. In 1932, Zilker agreed to give another 330 acres if the City of Austin paid $200,000 for the acreage that a military school that was formed during WWI was located on. They agreed, the land was all joined together, which creates the current Zilker Park.
The 82nd Annual Zilker Park Kite Festival is already slotted for next year, March 7, 2010 so get your kites ready!!
We had a lot of fun. We went on the Zilker Zephyr train ride. This is a 25 minute train ride through the park overlooking the Barton Springs where you can see people running, walking, biking, walking their dogs, canoeing down Town Lake, and much more...
Here are some pictures through all the trees while on the train.
The Natural Springs of the Barton Springs was a little chilly, but Alyssa still dipped her feet in the water with Daddy.
They have a huge Park, hence the name, that is anchored by this old Fire truck.
Many things surround the actual park like the Zilker Botanical Gardens and the Austin Nature and Science Center. There was even a little theatre that was having a show the night we were there, but did not make it back, Zilker Hillside Theatre.
You definitely can't see everything on one trip so I'm sure we'll be back many times to see many more exciting exhibits and have more fun!
**Are You Packed Yet?**
Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.
Donna, great family photos and one of my favorite Austin parks. I love swimming in Barton Springs too.
Donna, I always find it interesting to find the story behind some of the parks we all enjoy. Good job!
Gary, Thanks! Mike kept saying the water was "cold" but it was showing to be 82 degrees!
Paul, Thank you!
Hey, Donna. Looks like you all had a great time, especially Alyssa. She is getting so big. Love it, Jim
We were just there a couple of weeks ago! HEre's a pic....
Hi Donna... Zilker Park is one of my favorites and one of the things I miss about living in Austin.
Jim, Yes, she seems to love any and everything we do that doesn't require her to sit still!
Cheri, Looks like you guys had fun too!
Steve, I just can't believe they charge to park and charge to get in... it should be one or the other.
Donna,
Great story and pictures. We live directly across from a city park. Nothing like Zilker; however it is still very nice.
Richard, I never really cared about the distance to a park before... but now I'm hating that my closest park is 1.3 miles away. A bit too far to walk to because who wants to walk that far to get back after you've been playing hard!