The city parks within and around the BrykerWoods Neighborhood provide wonderful recreational opportunities and escape from the busy city. Natural green spaces located in the center of Austin, these parks offer a glimpse of what Austin was like many years ago. Read and learn more about the history of Austin's Creeks and the Greenbelt Trail system (AustinsCreeks.pdf 10MB). Each park has a variety of public facilities and paved walkways. Historic bridges crossing Shoal Creek are integral to the urban green space. Unique to the parks is also history significant to the city of Austin. And perhaps the most recognized features of these parks are the magnificent trees for which Austin and the Bryker Woods neighborhood are known.

Note - should you notice anything deserving of the Parks Department's attention (litter, graffiti, vandals, ect.) please contact the Parks Department (or Police #911 if the situation warrants). We must do our share helping the Austin Parks Department patrol our beloved urban parks and green spaces.

The BrykerWoods neighborhood happens to be located in a part of Austin where there is a tremendous diversity of running routes. See a list of some favorite Central West Austin running routes and learn of some new areas in the neighborhoods to run or bike!

Shoal Creek Park (between BrykerWoods Elementary & St. Andrews School)

This city park is located along Shoal Creek south of 34th Street. Distinguishable features include a large covered picnic pavilion, an "outdoor classroom" under a giant live oak tree, Zeriscaped gardens and a section of the Shoal Creek Hike & Bike trail. Shoal Creek passes through the park and a "low water" rock crossing permits travel across the creek at almost all times (except for flooding). Interestingly enough, along the creek exists a geologic fault zone which passes directly through the Bryker Woods neighborhood! The history of Shoal Creek also includes deadly flooding - on Memorial Day weekend in 1981, thirteen people lost their lives to floods along Shoal Creek.

  > Shoal Creek History and Greenbelt trail map

Seiders Springs Park (between 38th & 34th Streets)

Seiders Springs Park is named after Edward Seider, an early european settler to the immediate area. The park is located between Seton and Shoal Creek Hospitals. Picnic tables and park benches have been placed at Seider Springs Park. At this park begins the Shoal Creek Hike & Bike trail leading to downtown and Town Lake. Actual springs continue to flow from the limestone ledge on the east side of the creek (despite the close construction of the Seton hospital complex and parking lots). In the late 1800's a lake (called at the time Alamo Lake) and a bath house existed at Seider Springs. At this site also occurred one of the area's last indian raids in 1841 (see historical maker in the park).

  > History of Seiders Springs and bathhouse

Bailey Park (between Seton & St. Andrews School)

At one time this park was part of a neighborhood, however today this park is bordered by a hospital, a multistory office building and a private school. Notable park features include outdoor tennis courts (with lights), a sand volleyball court, a flagstone covered pavilion built in the 1930's, park swings, childrens wading pool and an area for baseball or softball. The park also has a wide open space for flying kites and other activities requiring a very large grassy area. In addition to the majestic oaks surrounding the pavilion, a wide variety of trees have been planted along the perimeter of the park.

 > Bailey Park History and additional information

Bryker Woods Park (the island at Jefferson & 34th Street)

Although not an official public park, this greenspace is central to the Bryker Woods Neighborhood. At one time a massive sycamore tree occupied center of the triangle. Unfortunately the sycamore did not survive the drought of 2009. The tree was removed and replaced by a beautiful Burr Oak tree. Also on this island is a neighborhood bus stop for the #19 Capital Metro bus. Fortunately within the last year there has been a renewed interest in the greenspace at Jefferson & 34th Street and discussion continues on what improvements can be introduced to this potential neighborhood "pocket park." Several residents throughout the neighborhood are pitching in to help clean-up the Bryker Woods Park! So when taking a walk in the neighborhood and you notice some litter in the greenspace at Jefferson & 34th Street... please help us keep this small urban park clean.

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Other Parks and Greenbelts within Central Austin

Read and see the history of Austin's Creeks and Greenbelt system (14MB pdf)

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