Austin’s City in a Park

Austin’s City in a Park

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department may be the ultimate park that any person interested in Austin real estate or visiting the place may ever need to go to. The park measures hundreds of thousands of acres featuring fun-filled activities and sceneries for people of all ages. There are several locations to choose from as well as well-trained personnel who maintain the safety and beauty of the area.

Park Description


The parks system began together with the founding of Austin way back in 1839. Some of the first parks in the area included Republic Square, Wooldridge Square and Brush Square. In 1875, more park developments began in the city with land donations and support from well-known personalities and generous benefactors. The mission of the department is to provide, protect and maintain a system that lets the Austin community enjoy cultural and recreational activities and sights. The department has received a number of awards and recognitions for great services.
After over a century, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department handles over 16,680 acres of land which includes 206 parks, 12 preserves, 74 miles of hike and bike trails, 172 sport fields, 117 miles of lake patrol, 90 playgrounds, 17 recreation centers, 2 beachfront facilities, 6 golf course, 108 tennis courts, 47 swimming pools, 6 amphitheaters, 4 museums, 3 senior activity centers, 1 nature and science center and 1 garden center. These are all located around making Austin truly a city within a park.

Exciting Hike and Bike Trails
There are around 74 miles of hike and bike trails throughout the park system featuring the most scenic landscapes in Austin. Several trekkers, joggers and biking teams visit from all around the country to experience the various trails with friendly weather all-year-round. Almost all parks in the system has trails that link to others. Great places to try are Blunn Creek, Barton Spring, Dove Springs, Gaines Creek, Eilers Park, Great Hills, Mount Bonnell, Mayfield Preserve, Quail Creek, Perry Park, Scofield Farms, Springdale, Red Bud Isle, Town Lake and Zilker Neighborhood.

The Trail of Lights

Zilker Metropolitan Park at Barton Springs Road features the Trail of Lights Festival every year which is considered as a holiday celebration in the city of Austin. The festival occurs usually during the first week of December just in time for Christmas. Highlights of the event include a candlelight path, nativity scenes, dance performances and the Yule log. There is also a 5K run, lighting of the Zilker Tree which is the largest man-made tree and contests for the children.

Off-Leash Bliss
Dog-lovers get to enjoy a total of 12 off-leash areas located throughout the city. Included in the list are Auditorium Shores, Bull Creek District Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Far West, Northeast District Park, Norwood Estate, Red Bud Isle, Onion Creek District Park, Shoal Creek Greenbelt, Walnut Creek District Park, West Austin Park and Zilker Park.


People need to follow a few simple guidelines when bringing their furry friends; like the need to pick up after pets for cleanliness and constant supervision of owned animals. Other areas still allow pets which need to be leashed no longer than 6 feet. Violations shall result in a fine no more than $500.

Joe Cline is a professional real estate broker, investor, and REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Austin, Texas.

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