Zilker Metropolitan Park is a recreational area in the heart of south Austin (near Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Lake) that comprises over 350 acres (142 ha) of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor Andrew Jackson Zilker, who donated the land to the city in 1917. It was developed into the park during the Great Depression in the 1930s. The park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, both of which run next to the park. The park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on 1997.
The large size of the park makes it a capable venue for large scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival.
Attractions within the park include:
- Barton Springs pool
- Zilker Botanical Garden
- The Zilker Zephyr miniature train
- Zilker Hillside Theater
- Zilker Summer Musical (every summer at the Zilker Hillside Theatre)
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden
- Zilker soccer and volleyball fields
- Zilker polo field
- Nature Center
- Numerous historical markers and sites, concession stands, and picnic areas.
Events:
- Zilker Park Kite Festival
- Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Annual Rugby Tournament
- Zilker Gardens Festival
- Ballet in the Park
- Blues on the Green
- Freedom Festival and Fireworks
- Zilker Park Fall Jazz Festival
- Zilker Park Tree Lighting and Trail of Lights
- Austin Shakespeare Festival
- Annual Summer Musical (broadway musical) in the park
- Barton Springs diving championship
Famous quotes containing the word park:
“Mrs. Mirvan says we are not to walk in [St. James’s] Park again next Sunday ... because there is better company in Kensington Gardens; but really, if you had seen how every body was dressed, you would not think that possible.”
—Frances Burney (1752–1840)