Take Our Park Survey, Please!

The Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of gathering input across the city to create "Comprehensive Plans" for respective greenbelts and park within communities. A survey for the North Star greenbelt and Gracywoods Park is on-line and the neighborhood association would appreciate your taking a few minutes to participate and have your voice heard.

You might be surprised to learn there are greenbelts and parks within the city that do not have walking paths, a drinking fountain, no Mutt Mitt dispensers, no trash cans, no more than one park bench, no workout equipment, street parking, no picnic tables or shaded pavilions and literally only two trees. You might also be surprised to learn that those neighborhoods or communities do not want anything other than what they currently have. Sometimes we lose sight; we have a tremendous amount to be grateful for to have such a nice greenbelt and park so close by that have many amenities, wildlife, trees and irrigation to water those trees. We have individuals, a neighborhood association and a neighborhood garden club all of who take pride in what we do have and when they are able, volunteer their time to help the neighborhood association and community continue to be good stewards of the greenbelt and parks in our area.

The North Star comprehensive plan will reflect the vision of our community and could include additional amenities, structures or other ideas that you include with your survey responses. Add anything you want to see (shade coverings over park benches that have no mature trees nearby, plant or tree identification markers, kiosks, a dog park, a plaque to dedicate a tree, bench or bridge, a succulent garden - add anything you think of). Keep in mind the fact that submitting an idea does not guarantee that it will become part of the plan. All community input will be provided to PARD; they will review it, look at the viability of the submittal and provide us with a draft for the community to review and approve before the plan is solidified. Cost and maintenance will be big factors in what the Parks department agrees to fund and support from Gracywoods input.

Your engagement is important; please take a few minutes to participate in this survey.

Warblers in the 'Woods

Over on his blog, GracyWILD, Dr Nazor has penned a piece about that most controversial of Austin avians, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, featuring fine photographs of the fowl as it rested in his pecan tree.

Volunteers Wanted for GWNA's First-Ever Fourth of July Parade!

That’s right, GWNA, will be presenting our first annual Fourth of July Parade. We need volunteers to help organized and produce this family-oriented event. Flags, food, fun and new friends are guaranteed. If you would like to help make this event happen, please contact us at events@gracywoods.org.