Recently, the City of Austin opened the newest piece of the ever changing Town Lake Park (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/0799/tnlake0799.htm) and I am here to tell you it is a real jewel!  We can all be truly proud of this urban-oasis, and it is just another reminder of the proud and sophisticated city we are evolving into.  It has been a long time in the planning and construction, as you can see if you click on the link above, but it was well worth the time and effort.

 You can access the park in several ways; there is parking available from Riverside Drive between South Lamar and South First Street, and there is also parking behind the Dougherty Arts Center on Barton Springs Road as well as public parking at the (relatively) new Community Events Center.  Don’t forget, it is also okay to leave the car at home, and arrive by foot-power, or on your bike or as a happy diversion from your usual jogging route.

The park is people and pet friendly with water fountains with ground level (for the pooch) access, mid level (for the kids) access and grown up level (for the grown ups) access.  Never saw those before, but they were well used every time I have visited.

 Strolling through the park makes people smile and say hello!  It is a happy place, and people feel the connection.  The big highlights of the park right now are the ‘dancing water fountains’ which is a real kiddo paradise, and the ‘observatory point’ which is arrived at in a circuitous route round and round up a slight and easy incline.  The views, both of the happy little squirts (human and liquid) and the ever changing Austin skyline are wondrous and awe-inspiring.  After you visit during the daylight hours, you will want to make a trip at dusk, when the colored lights play along with the water jets.  Just BEAUTIFUL!  Don’t be surprised if you see me playing in the water, fully clothed, with a great big goofy smile on my face.  It is one of my achievable goals!

 Have fun!