Collier Park

We were driving over to find Hamlin Pharmacy. We missed the turn and was doubling back when we found this park.

The pool was opened and being used. We just wished we had brought our swim suits. The park has a big child size climbing wall. This park must be a favorite for birthday parties. We saw three different tables decorated complete with pinatas.

Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

This is another park that it mentioned in Birding Corpus Christi book. The book warns that the park is prone to break ins. There are numerous signs stating that the area is "Under Surveillance". On one side is a boardwalk beside a freshwater channel that is the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant. It flows into Oso Bay. We saw dozens of white pelicans grouped together. There were many smaller bird "fishing" along the shore. Some birds were so small I wondered if they might have been "chicks".

We walked over to the trail that leads thru the park. It is a pleasant walk. We saw a very red bird but not sure if it was a cardinal. There were many lizards racing along the path. At the other end of the trail I actually was able to hang from the monkey bars. I think I could have hung longer if I'd been wearing some gloves.

Paris

My niece Kristi went to Paris.

West Guth

In honor of the first day of spring, we went to West Guth park in Corpus Christi, which is located just off of I-37 between Carbon Plant Road and Rand Morgan Road. Never could find the carbon plant. The park has a duck pond with some noisy and aggressive inhabitants, a nice concrete walking trail, a disc golf course, numerous picnic areas, a swimming pool (public), a pavilion, a senior center and plenty of open space. The duck pond has a bridge on the east side that crosses over to an area bordered by a public school. This particular bridge was guarded by a battalion of feisty geese but we managed to cross over without major goose attack. There are also numerous rolling hills to walk, run or crawl up. The trail itself also has hills to present a varied walking/running challenge.

Lake Findley

For our 12th anniversary we decided to drive over to Alice, Texas and see the sights. My bird watching book suggested we check out Lake Findley. It also said we needed to get a permit from city hall before going out to the lake. We found city hall but it was closed. It was Saturday so it wasn't very surprising. Across the street was the police department. We walked over there but were unable to find anyone either. But fortunately there was a garage sale going on in the city hall parking lot. John and I wander over to some of the people working at the sale and asked them about the permit. A local woman said she had never heard about needing a permit so we were able to drive out to the park without a permit. Of course we checked out the junk. They were selling anything for a quarter. We managed to find five dollars worth of 25 cent stuff. John was pleased with a bunch of CDs he found.
We drove out to the lake. It has a levy around it so you cant see it as you drive up. It is the water reservoir for the city. There are several large picnic benches. There are many cypress trees that are a pleasant change from the usual mesquite. You can canoe on the lake. We watched a group with a small boat preparing to launch out on a voyage. We liked the place and felt it was worthy of a return visit.
For lunch we ate at Danny's. It was a Mexican food restaurant. John and I had the enchilada lunch special for only $3.99 (a lotta food for little $$$). We spent 20 buck and that included a generous tip for our waitress.

City Beach

We drove over to the beach. The sign said the sand conditions were poor so we did not want to drive very far on the beach. Because it was so cold and windy very few people were out. We walked a little along the shoreline. I saw quite afew shells etc. I didn't gather anything which is very unusual for me. I was concerned because of the beach parking permit requirement. We didn't have one and didn't want to get a ticket. I think the cold weather probably would keep the permit enforcement patrols to a minimum but we didn't want to risk it. We didn't stay very long. Next time we will get a permit and explore the beach.

Community Park

We drove over to Port Aransas to visit some of the parks. The first one we stopped at was the Community Park. There is a 1.1 mile walking/jogging trail. Along the front part of the trail are many exercise stations. The back half of the trail goes thru a birding area with a couple of observation area. This is one of the best maintained parks we've been to in South Texas. It was a cold day and very few people were out. A woman walking her dog was concerned about some teenage boys. She thought they had guns. They did have paintball guns. Also there is a skateboard park and a heated swimming pool.

Paradise Pond

This is the last park we visited before leaving Port Aransas. It is very difficult to find. There aren't any signs on the street. It isn't a very large park. The park is sandwiched between houses and businesses. There is a raised boardwalk leading you thru a wooded area. Three observation areas are positioned along the boardwalk. They look out over an open area. Currently the area was dry but according to the signs during some seasons it is a water/lake area.

Indian Point

Indian Point Park and Sunset Lake park are connected together. We parked at Sunset Lake and walked over to Indian Point Park. Creepy bit of history, A mass grave for dead from the storm of 1919 were buried in the park, (bodies have been moved to a cemetary now) There are two boardwalks and a large fishing pier. Admission is a $1 per person/pole. We did not go out on the pier even though no one was present to take our money.
We saw a couple of dolphins out in the water. Looked like Flipper and a friend.

Sunset Lake Park

We drove over to Portland for the day. Sunset Lake park has a jogging and bike trail along the shoreline. We saw four pink spoonbills. Three were together as a group and when we returned to the car the fourth on was visible from the parking area. Many people were fishing along the shore. I even saw one guy fly fishing. Only time I've seen it is on the movie, A River Runs Thru It.

Bentsen Rio Grande State Park

We drove to the valley today to visit this park. It is a good place to bird watch. We saw lots of birds. The best was seeing three javelinas, an armadillo, and a big black snake. I was surprised to see the snake. I thought they were hibernating for the winter. This snake was laying out in the sunny part of the path. At first glance it looked like a stick.
We decided to walk around the park rather than rent a bicycle. We didn't see all of the park. According to my pedometer, I walked almost five miles. We plan to return to the park again and next time we will rent bikes.

St. Andrews

We were looking for a short cut thru a back street over in Corpus and came across this park. There is a playground with toys. One looks like a ship. There is a large open field that several people were playing fetch with their dogs. One guy was walking three weiner dogs. There is also a tennis court.

Labonte Park

The park is located in Nueces county. It is along the river. We walked down to the dam. It is an area that keeps the salt water from the bay from going up river.

Doddridge Park

The park is along Ocean Drive/Shoreline in Corpus Christi. It is a great place to just sit and feel the breeze and look out at the water.

Flato Park

The park is located in Kleberg county. It has a covered picnic area, a playground, and basketball court. I also found a homemade pipe hidden in a tree.

Hazel Bazemore Park

The park is located in Nueces county. It has several places for bird watching. There are a series of trails. It has many picnic tables that are along the river. It looks like a good place to go fishing.

Dick Kleberg Park

We saw several types of birds in the park. Even saw a cardinal, John's clan animal. We walked on the path by the water and noticed a sign that an alligator had been seen in the water. We didn't see it but thought we saw Bigfoot by the Lion. LOL It was very quiet and peaceful in the park. The anchor is still in the park. The airplane and firetruck are gone. The tennis courts have been converted to a skate park but looks to need serious repair. Otherwise everything seems to be the same.

Marina

We walked around on the T Head and thought we would ride on the boat but were told that they only go out if there are 30 passengers. The lady said counting us there were two people interested so far.

Selena

We also saw Selena. I thought her statue was in the middle of the street. So I was surprised to see her on the T head.

"The Nina"

We walked around on the T heads and spotted a ship from Columbus' fleet. John was ready to stage a protest, but we had other things to do.

Artesian Park

Another small park in Corpus Christi. It located across the street from the newspaper. John could hear the presses running.

Cole Park

Saturday we visited Corpus Christi and drove along the bayfront. Cole Park has an elaborate wooden structure for the kids to play on. It large enough for big people too. The view of the water is fantastic. Cole park is one of many parks running along Ocean Drive/Shoreline.

Amistad Park

We went again over to Bishop to check out another small park. This one has a walking trail around the perimeter. There is a field with one football goal, a volley ball net, and a backstop. There are three basketball courts with goals and new nets on the other side of the park. The playground toys appear to be new.

Bishop City Park

We decided to check out the parks over in Bishop. This one is on Business 77. It is quite nice for a small town. There are baseball, and basketball fields. There are several nice playground toys. The park needs some care. It looks like the last time anything new was added was in the last century. There is a very nice nature trail with bird viewing areas. The trail had just been mowed and there was still areas with very tall grass. I guess unusually wet summer could account for the really tall grass and unkept look of the park.

Los Hermanos Flores Park

We have moved to Kingsville. There are fewer parks in Kleberg county and will not take too long to visit them all. This park has a basketball court, several toys, swings and jungle gyms for kids to play on. It also has several lions. I have always liked the lion water fountain. As a child I worried that it might bite me while I drank. LOL

Kenedy Park

This is a small park on the corner of Kenedy and 14th. It needed to have someone come and mow it. The grass was very high. The landscaping needed to be tended to also. The park looks almost like an overgrown lot.

Thompson Park

The last of the three parks we visited on Sunday. We didn't wander around because of the number of people. I just took picture and left. There are many toys for kids to play on and a basketball court.

The Cabin

The family has relocated to south Texas. Here is a picture of the rustic garage apartment I'm living in for awhile. I didn't get a chance to visit all the parks in the Houston area. I will now be checking out the what is in Kingsville/Corpus Christi area.

Collins Park

We stopped by at this park just to take the photo. It is just down the street from mom's new apartment. It has many toys on the playground. I think it has one of the tallest slides that I've seen. We will have to come to this park again when we come back to Houston for visits.

HEB Kid Fit Park

This is a new exercise area in Nottingham park. There are several sizes of equipment for young kids and adults. There is a small climbing wall. I even climbed up a couple of "steps". I was happy to realize I could do it.

There is John sitting on the curb around the climbing wall. The gnome is blocking the wall.

Fry Road Park

We were on our way back home and I noticed this park on the Key Map. the park is near Saums and Fry. It is a very nice park. There is a small walking trail, play ground toys, restrooms, and lots of parking for a pocket park.

Katy City Park

This park is next to Mary Jo Peckham park. You can see John in the background over by the restrooms. The park is ok but Peckham park is much nicer. The park has playground toys, baseball and a dog park.

Bill Archer dog park

We decided to check out this new dog park. We did not bring Zip with us. It has been too rainy. There was so much water/puddles we could not walk around the whole park. It is very large. The website said 17 acres. There are two sections for small and large dogs. Zip would have to go to the large dog part. There are water hose with spray nozzles to clean your dog after playing. John used them to clean his muddy (dogs) feet.

My new gnome is from Donna, a Swapbot friend. He has traveled all the way from British Columbia, Canada.

Bigfoot Post Office

Stopped off at Bigfoot on the way to Pearsall. There was a small park across the street but didn't see a sign.

Southdown Park

We drove over to Pearland today and visited Southdown Park. I want to call it Sundown park. It has a Water Splash park but currently it is closed for repairs. Apparently the pine bark mulch clogs the pipes etc. I like the recessed water park area. It allows a little privacy.

Next to the park is an enclosed Bark Park for dogs. There are some agility equipment. We noticed most of the dogs were just sniffing each other rather than running around.

There is a a sidewalk weaving around the park. There are exercise stations scattered along the pathway. The city has also landscaped many areas along the walk. The park has many covered picnic tables, a large pavilion area, and a event center.

Dow Elementary

The school in the background is being renovated. It looks like it will be made into townhouses/loft apartments. I don't imagine this park will be here much longer just looking at the changes occuring in this neighborhood.

In front of the "school" is an unusual Virgin sculpture made out of aluminum cans.

Tony Marron Park

The last park of the day. We just came upon it without planning to visit. There is a trail running along the bayou. We did not walk on it but it appears to go for quite a ways. The playground had very new equipment. I liked the small climbing wall. We need to return again to this park and check out the fountain/splash? park. It wasn't operating today but it looks to be a really interesting design.

Fox Park

John was parked in the street and I hurriedly took the picture. This park is just a small grassy space. It is barely larger than the sign.

Eastwood Park

A small park that I just took a picture of the sign.

John T. Mason Park

Park of the month for March

The park is over 100 acres and is divided into three areas. We did not visit the part across 75th street. A lot of construction is taking place in this park. Some of the projects are a lighted soccer field and a series of trails along Brays bayou. The park currently has a pool, disc golf course, indoor basketball, soccer fields, tennis courts, and community center.

When all the work is completed this will be a fantastic place to visit again.

Wright Bembry Park

The last park we visited today. It is a very small one (pocket park size). This neighborhood is rapidly changing. On one side of the park was a street with older small homes and on the other side were brand new homes being built. I imagine if we were to return later this year the both blocks will be rebuilt with all new homes.

Halbert Park

Just took photo of sign. We did not walk around this park. It has a basketball court. You can see a couple of people playing in the background. There was also a small playground area. But it doesn't really have a parking area. Another reason we didn't linger.

Proctor Plaza Park

This is a tiny park in a historic Heights neighborhood. There is a covered basketball court that does not have any hoops or backboards. I don't think many people play basketball over here. Several yuppie type families with young children were the only people at the park. It also has a walkway around the park and some tennis courts.

Montie Beach Park

The wet weather has kept us from gnoming. Today is a beautiful day. First stop is Montie Beach park. Not a sign of any type of water so don't know where the beach is. :)
There is a small hill by the playground. John says the park is much improved from the olden days. Today an organized group of men were playing soccer. There is also a baseball field.
A 5/8th mile walking trail goes around the perimeter of the park.

Pocket park 12005 Kimberly

Just a sign and some stakes marking a fence to be installed. It was kinda hard to find. Kimberly dead ends every other block. Easiest way to get there is to turn south at Memorial City Mall. I guess it would have been easier too if we'd used my new Key map.

Eldridge Park

It has been quite awhile since we have gone gnoming. I guess the "holidaze" and the "icicling" and the wet weather have kept us house bound. I guess getting my trusty canine companion, Zip may have also contributed. I'm still getting familiar with him. I also need to "train" him to walk better on a leash. Right now he isn't the best at following me as a pack leader.

Eldridge park is located in Sugar Land. The park has a bunch of soccer fields. There are two brick buildings. Looks like one could be use for parties, weddings etc. The other is an outdoor picnic type one. (maybe a concession stand?) On Sunday it looked like it was being used as a meeting area for an Asian Church. Along the side of the buildings was a small playground area.

There is a 0.4 of a mile paved trail around a pond with a spray fountain. We walked the loop five times to complete 2 miles. There was a large compass rose embedded in the sidewalk. It is located next to a pier. There were a number of ducks sitting around that we joked about possible being made into Peking Duck if they weren't careful. It was kinda cold, windy, and muddy so we didn't go to the farthest areas of the park. It looked like all that was at the back was more soccer fields.

Meyer Park

We stopped off at this park after visiting my brother's for Christmas. It was sooo cold maybe not that cold just very windy. The park is on both sides of the road. We wandered around on the South side of the park. Several people playing soccer and their dogs were the majority of visitors. Quite afew birds were in pond on the east side. We saw three Nutria running and swimming.

We plan to return again and explore both sides more thoroughly.

Emancipation Park

Emancipation Park is not far from Baldwin park but in a very different neighborhood. We drove by a pool. We didn't walk around this park. John used the portapotty while I quickly took this picture. Several homeless people were sitting around this park with their shopping carts beside them.

Baldwin Park

November park of the month. The city has really made many improvements. John says this used to be a real bum's hangout. There is a gravel path around the edge of the park. A gazebo like structure with welcome written in many languages is in the middle of the park. The playground is only two toys for very small kids. But the park has about four "dogie bag" dispensers located along the paths. The best feature of the park are the trees. Huge old oaks cover the entire park in a wonderful shade. One particularly old tree almost looks and feels like it might reach out and grasp you in its woody fingers.

Taylor park

This is the November park of the month according to the city's website. It is fairly isolated. Perfect place to dump stuff like about a dozen old tires. The park has about a mile of trails wandering around the park. Several bird blinds are scattered around. If the mosquitoes weren't so bad I might have been tempted to stay and see if I could spot some birds.

After windy Wednesday, the city really needs to send out people to clear the trails of all the limbs and branches.

We liked the park. I am sure we will return again to visit and watch birds.