Don’t know Eilers Park? Friends of Eilers Park want to change that. They have adopted the small park adjacent to Deep Eddy Pool this year and aim to turn it into the setting that Deep Eddy Pool and its community deserve. This parkland on Lady Bird Lake enjoys a rich and colorful history, but today it is underutilized. The Friends have been assessing needs and making plans for making the park more attractive and inviting. They have a vision of a family place for children of all ages. Play areas will be surrounded by Texas wildlife friendly garden spaces.
The group’s goals are to beautify the landscape, increase access to the park (through decreasing the impact of the ramp that meanders from the top of the hill), and improve the playspaces. First on their fall to-do list is to plant shade trees to replace the old cottonwoods that have been removed. Then monthly workdays are scheduled to continue removing invasive plants and replacing them with native trees, perennials, and wildflowers. A recent Austin Parks Foundation grant will provide funds to begin plantings; TreeFolks is providing the shade trees. As future fundraising allows, structures in the park will be improved.
The FOEP’s celebration/fundraiser, “Gander for the Geese” is set for Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Cosponsors include Runtex, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Parks Foundation, and the Friends of Deep Eddy.
To kick off the event, there will be a KidsK Fun Run for children 0-12 years old. This will be a non-competitive adventure-type run held within the confines of the park. Costumes are welcome! All entrants will receive Gander for the Geese T-shirts, goodie bags, and free drinks. Participants will be entertained with music by two local groups: the Chaparral Dixielanders playing New Orleans jazz and the Polkadillos with Central Texas style polka music—and the Chicken Dance, of course. Registration for the KidsK is $10 in advance and $15 at the event. Go to active.com to register.
Local restaurants will be offering food and drinks. Free activities include chalk art, garden projects, and art with Abracadoodle. The Mad Potter will offer tile art for $10 a tile. Plans are to decorate the sides of the ramp with local community members’ uniquely decorated tiles.
The FOEP have recently set up a webpage. For more information about Gander for the Geese and other planned activities, a history of the park, and contact information for those who might like to join this effort, go to http://www.friendsofeilerspark.org.
