Prepare to bask in a little more greenery, Austin folks. The Duncan Neighborhood Park, located at 900 W. 9th St., is throwing a grand ribbon-cutting soiree that's open to the public this coming Saturday, April 13, striking 11 a.m. on the dot. And remember, it's an al-fresco affair so ditch those stiff collars for something more comfy.
Now, don't go thinking this is just any old park spruce-up. The city's Parks and Recreation Department has confirmed that the green light for this overhaul was given by the 2012 Prop 14 Park Bond and the 2018 Prop C Park Bond, with a little chit-chat and guidance courtesy of the Old Austin Neighborhood Association and the Shoal Creek Conservancy, according to the City of Austin. Turns out, residents had a say in this – fancy that!
Here's the scoop: Duncan Park is now boasting features that cater to both the lounge-on-a-blanket and break-a-sweat crowds. Imagine wheeling from 9th Street to 10th without a hiccup on an ADA-accessible path or linking up with the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail – it's all part of the new digs. And for BMX riders itching for a thrill, they've gone and dumped 420 cubic yards of fresh soil for all those jumps and tricks. In a move that's a tad genius, this soil shuffle also gave birth to a spanking new wetland feature, complete with an overlook for nature buffs to gawk at, as per the City of Austin.
But wait, there's more. In addition to the primo BMX conditions, fresh picnic setups, a water fountain, benches, and a batch of leafy friends aka trees are peppering the scene. They've even got meadows now – two, to be exact – all to amp up that natural vibe and tick the bio-diversity box. And let's not forget the wildflowers putting some color back in nature's cheeks. This isn't just lipstick on a park – it's a full eco-friendly glam makeover using native flora to up the ante on water quality.
