Zilker Park is an Austin Gem

submitted: Nov 24th 2008 | by: Dane Smith | Total views: 5 | Word Count: 638

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Zilker Metropolitan Park is perhaps the brightest jewel in Austin's golden crown of parks and other outdoor venues. It is 351 acres of endless amusements for all ages and interests. There is something for every season of the year, from the Trail of Lights at Christmas to a dip in the cool waters of the spring-fed pool on a steamy summer day.

It can be hard to pick a spot to begin exploring, but Barton Springs Pool is probably the best known attraction in the park. The three-acre pool is an average sixty-eight degrees year around. The grassy hills sloping down to the pool's edge offer shady spots to put down a blanket for a day of swimming and picnicking with family and friends.

The underground spring that feeds the Barton Springs Pool is part of Barton Creek, which winds its way to join Lady Bird Lake. The gazebo at Lou Neff Point, where Barton Creek flows into Lady Bird Lake, is a great place to sit and feed the ducks while getting a view of the interesting architecture in downtown Austin. Enjoying the tranquil waters of the lake that flows across the northeast edge of Zilker Park, it is fun to watch people row by in the kayaks and canoes available for rent.

The Beverly Sheffield Education Center is a popular stop for school field trips. It offers the Splash exhibit, which demonstrates how the Edwards Aquifer, an important water source for the Austin area, was formed. The educators at the center also give students the nitty gritty details about bugs and plants. Any given weekday will find youngsters roaming Barton Creek looking for insects, small fish and minnows among the pools of algae and mud. With long nets in hand, they can furrow out creatures hiding in the hillsides around Zilker Park.

Another popular place in Zilker Park for field trips is the Austin Nature and Science Center. Located on the west side of the park, this attraction is dedicated to offering exhibits, educational programs and recreational fun exploring the natural world. There are a variety of live animals native to Texas on exhibit, like Martha the coyote and Gandolf the owl. Most of these cute creatures have found a home at the Nature Center after being rescued from well-meaning people who tried to make them into pets. Along with viewing the animals, children can dig for bones in the Dino Pit and use scientists' tools in the Naturalist Workshop.

For the plant lovers, there is the quiet beauty of the Zilker Botanical Gardens and the Zilker Nature Preserve. A place can be found for quiet meditation or a quick sketch among the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, the Taniguchi Oriental Gardens and the Mabel Davis Rose Garden. The preserve offers sanctuary for native plants and animals.

Located in the heart of the park are the large wooden playscape and the Zilker Zephyr miniature train. Young and old will get a kick out of the drums and giant xylophone that are part of the playscape. The 25 minute train ride is a great way to see the park and wave at the walkers and runners along the trail as the Zilker Zephyr travels the water's edge. There is also a snack bar and large picnic pavilion.

The list of park attractions goes on and on, including the Zilker Hillside Theater and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Whether it's flying a kite, playing a game of soccer on one of the 12 sport fields, or a friendly game of disc golf, there is an almost endless array of things for Austinites of any age to enjoy at Zilker Park.

About the Author

Escapeso realty is a small company in Austin Texas. They provide advice and assitance to people looking to invest in Austin real estate. Their website provides a search of the Austin MLS along with information on mortgage interest rates.

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