Zilker Park
Encyclopedia
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:
Events:
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
(near Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool
Barton Springs Pool is a man-made recreational swimming pool located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The pool exists in the channel of Barton Creek and is filled by water from Main Barton Spring, the fourth largest spring in Texas...
and Lady Bird Lake) that comprises over 350 acres (142 ha) of publicly owned land. It is named after its benefactor Andrew Jackson Zilker
Andrew Jackson Zilker
Andrew Jackson Zilker was a political figure and philanthropist in Austin, Texas, after whom Zilker Park was named. He was the last private owner of Barton Springs....
, who donated the land to the city in 1917. It was developed into the park during the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
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
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
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
Austin City Limits Music Festival
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual three-day American music festival that takes place in Austin, Texas at the city's central public park, Zilker Park...
and the Zilker Park Kite Festival.
Attractions within the park include:
- Barton SpringsBarton SpringsBarton Springs is a set of four natural water springs located on the grounds of Zilker Park in Austin, Texas resulting from water flowing through the Edwards Aquifer. The largest spring, Main Barton Spring supplies water to Barton Springs Pool, a popular recreational destination in Austin...
pool - Zilker Botanical GardenZilker Botanical GardenThe Zilker Botanical Garden is a botanical garden of varied topography located on the south bank of the Colorado River at 2220 Barton Springs Road, near downtown Austin, Texas, USA....
- The Zilker Zephyr miniature train
- Zilker Hillside Theater
- Zilker Summer Musical (every summer at the Zilker Hillside Theatre)
- Umlauf Sculpture GardenUmlauf Sculpture GardenThe Umlauf Sculpture Garden is a museum and outdoor sculpture garden centered around the artistic works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf. Located at 605 Robert E. Lee Road in the Zilker neighborhood of Austin, Texas, the garden is adjacent to Austin's Zilker Park.In 1985, Charles and Angeline...
- 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 FestivalAustin City Limits Music FestivalThe Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual three-day American music festival that takes place in Austin, Texas at the city's central public park, Zilker Park...
- 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