Saturday, June 13, 2009

Park Extravaganza!

Now that summer has FINALLY arrived, Clayton and I have loads of time to enjoy the local parks in the Austin area. My friend, Tessa, sent me a list of parks & pools that a friend compiled using a Stay-@-Home Dads website and a Moms with Multiples website. It is very extensive. I thought it would be fun to write an occasional review on the parks as we visit. Here are a couple of parks we've visited most recently.

BRENTWOOD PARK (off of Burnet Road in Austin):

This park is located next to Brentwood Elementary School. It has large shade trees, plenty of swings and a large playscape with a ramp. It is pushed back from the road with lots of field space for an energetic 16-month old. Here are a few recent pictures:







The Verdict: We really like Brentwood. The ramp on the playscape makes it very toddler friendly. Clay was able to navigate all by himself with ease (this is becoming more and more important as he pushes for independence). It has small steps that are great for short legs and lots of field space for him to run and explore without me having to protect him from traffic. We've been back 3 or 4 times! I give it 5 stars (on a 1 - 5 star rating system).

BEVERLY SHEFIELD PARK (off of Burnet in Austin)

As you drive in, the park is located around the corner from the pool and tennis courts (The pool, by the way, is fantastic. They allow floats). It has two playscapes and lots of shade trees. It has a big playscape with a ramp and a smaller playscape under a canopy of trees. The only draw-back about the big playscape was that there were a few drop offs (dangerous for fearless 16-month olds) and getting to the big slides were a challenge. You have to climb this wiggly, round ladder thingy. All in all, Clayton was very independent at this park, too.









The Verdict: Highly Recommended! It was another great park for a toddler. A lot of the newer parks that we've attempted have the playscapes too high off of the ground. This one was low to the ground, secluded from urban noise and traffic, and near a sweet pond with turtles. I also give this one 5 stars!

Check back for future park review updates!


1 comment:

Meghan said...

Clayton is so precious! Wish we were in Austin testing out new parks with you!!