Parks and Greenbelts Near W. Slaughter Lane in S/SW Austin
Residential and commercial development along W. Slaughter Lane in S/SW Austin has been dramatic in the past six years. The real estate along this corridor is land in demand. The continued development proves it. One thing that makes Austin special when there is development is the preservation of green space, and areas for parks and recreation. Circle C Ranch development was strong in this regard. It has many amenities not offered by other neighborhoods. So, where to you go in S/SW Austin to enjoy the outdoors if you live in other neighborhoods like Sendera, Deer Haven, Shady Hollow, Bauerle Ranch, Villages of Western Oaks, or Grand Oaks?
Some Circle C features can be enjoyed by non-residents. These include the Veloway, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Grey Rock Golf Club, Metropolitan Park, and some hike and bike trails. Here are brief introductions to Metropolitan Park and other key parks and green areas close to the W. Slaughter Lane corridor that you and your family can enjoy.
Metropolitan Park, located in Circle C Ranch at 507 W. Slaughter, is comprised of 545.78 acres on the Slaughter Creek watershed. Its features include soccer fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, shaded playground and picnic area, hike and bike trails, and a play field. This is a frequently visited place and is home to the Austin Youth Soccer League.
Dick Nichols District Park is located at 8011 Beckett Road across from the Villages of Western Oaks. Features include swimming pool, trail, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, playground, picnic pavillion and tables, and softball field. This 152.92 acre park is a very popular place for individual, family and group actvities.
The 305.58 acre Slaughter Creek Greenbelt, located south of W. Slaughter Lane and west of Manchaca Road, adds much visual appeal to the Bauerle Ranch neighborhood. One section is built at the edge of the greenbelt; another is on land surrounded by the greenbelt. There are no improvements in this greenbelt.
Mary Moore Searight Metro Park is a 344.8 acre park located at 907 W. Slaughter Lane, near South First Street. The park includes two trails (hike and bike, horse), playground, picnic pavilion and tables, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, 18-hole disc golf course, soccer and softball fields, and a fishing pier. The park is a good place for family outings, enjoying nature, and playing Frisbee (disc) golf. It is located on Slaughter Creek.
The Latta Branch Greenbelt is a 66.75 acre preserve that runs along three branches of Williamson Creek through the Villages of Western Oaks and Legend Oaks. It begins at 7910 Beckett Rd., across from Dick Nichols District Park, and stretches past Escarpment Blvd. Part of the greenbelt, developed as part of the Villages at Western Oaks, has a picnic area and a 1.9-mile hike and bike trail. The 36.12 acre Legend Oaks Park on the west side of Escarpment has no improvements.
Goat Cave Karst Preserve, located at 3900 Deer Ln. is a 7.9 acre reserve on the Williamson Creek watershed. Its karsts (two sinkholes and cave) feed the Edwards Aquifer. The Goat Cave opening was covered up years ago to keep people from falling into it. The opening has been restored, but access is prohibited by a tall chain link fence. Preservationists are hoping that bats which once inhabited the cave will someday use it again. This preserve has a walking trail.
The 18-acre Karst Preserve at the Village of Western Oaks has five caves and one sinkhole. Creatures that live in them include a blind beetle and a white millipede. This preserve, located just off Mopac at Davis Lane and La Cresada Dr., is in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. It has a trail system so the public can view its features.
I hope that this survey of S/SW Austin parks and greenbelts is helpful. If you are in the market for a home or wish to sell a home in this area, please give me a call at 512.913.1557.
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Jim Gilbert, REALTOR, Heart of Austin Homes
Licensed (#0536692) to sell Real Estate in the State of Texas
4501 Spicewood Springs Rd., #1029, Austin, TX 78759 * (512) 342-8744