Everything’s Free When Zilker Park Celebrates 100 Years This Sunday

It’s an unfortunate irony. We tend to put off doing and seeing the things that are in close proximity to us. We know the view from Mount Bonnell is arguably the best in Austin, but we haven’t been there in ten years. We’ve thought about taking a boat tour during bat season, but we’ve never done it. Those things are “too touristy,” and that’s not cool.

For too many of us, so it goes with Zilker Park. Never mind the huge events. Every day of the year, there’s something to do there: Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature & Science Center, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, the Zilker Zephyr. 

As of this weekend, you’re out of excuses for putting off a visit to Zilker Park and its many activity centers. “In celebration of Zilker Park’s 100th anniversary, Austin Parks Foundation, along with a collaborative group of organizations that operate within the park, is excited to announce the first ever Free Day taking place on Sunday, April 9,” a press release from the organization declared.

What’s Happening on Sunday During Free Day?

Keep reading for all the details from the organization!

“During this special Free Day celebration, Austinites and visitors will enjoy the park activities we know and love such as the Zilker Zephyr and Barton Springs Pool at no cost as well as several one-time-only activities, including special programming at Austin Nature and Science Center. To learn more about the free amenities and special events happening on Free Day, visit the event website.

“Additionally, an interactive sculpture in honor of the centennial anniversary will debut. The sculpture, consisting of two zeros, will allow patrons of Zilker Park to pose as the number one, making for a fun photo opportunity. The sculpture will live by Rock Island at Zilker Park and will rotate around the park for special events.

“Several restaurants on Barton Springs Road will take part in the special celebration by donating a percentage of the day’s sales to the Zilker 100 campaign, helping to fund future improvements in the park. Participating restaurants include Chuy’s, Shady Grove, JuiceLand, Sno-Beach, SquareRut Kava bar, and Juliet. Trudy’s trailer will also be participating by giving out free waters per purchase for guests to take along as they enjoy Free Day activities.

“The Zilker 100 celebration will begin with a proclamation reading by Austin City Council during the Caretaker’s Cottage grand opening at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, and Free Day activities will start as early as 5 a.m., when Barton Springs Pool opens, and vary throughout the day. The community is invited to celebrate this special anniversary and explore all Zilker Park has to offer by enjoying Free Day and posing with the Zilker 100 sculpture. Street teams will surprise park patrons throughout the day with Zilker 100 swag such as shirts, hats, and more.”

Zilker Park is a place for making memories, a part of almost every Austinites’ story. Let’s celebrate this park together on Sunday during Free Day. We’ll see you there!

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

What is your favorite memory from Zilker Park?