Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park on Slaughter Creek

Location: Southwest,
In/Outdoor: Outdoor
Activity level: Varies

Features: Circle C Metropolitan Park on Slaughter Creek is a large (545-acre) park located in the Circle C neighborhood but open to the public. The park features a playground with 2 playscapes with slides, swings, and a jungle gym. There are also picnic tables, two sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, three soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a greenbelt that originates in the park.

Cost for a family of four: free

Best for ages: all

The Experience: This is one of the rare parks we found that actually had shaded playscapes! Most of the benches and picnic tables were also in the shade. We were excited to see a jungle gym, as they are rarely found on playgrounds nowadays. It is large and dome-shaped and fun to climb on. It was fun to walk down the trail a ways after playing on the playground. The trail from the playground goes by a strange fenced-off area through which a cave can be seen. Information from www.austinexplorer.com indicates that the hole is a karst, or hole in the limestone, that usually feeds into an aquifer. The park appeared to get a steady amount of usage, from families playing on the playground, to young people walking their dogs or running, to groups of young people playing disc golf. Although it was not crowded when we were there, it appeared to have the potential to get quite crowded.
Before you go: Put on sunscreen, and bring bottles of water. It is better to wear tennis shoes so the tiny pebbles don't get into your sandals or the kids' sandals and cause discomfort.

How to go cheaper: Not possible.

Birthday Parties: Do it yourself. There are no pavilions or barbecues, so a small party would be better.

Accessibility: Coming soon.

Fun Factor: 8/10
Yum Factor: N/A
Value Factor: N/A

The Lowdown: A park with shaded a shaded playscape and a jungle gym in a nice neighborhood.

Hours: dawn until dusk daily

Website: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/parkdirectory.htm

Address: 6301 West Slaughter Lane, Austin Map: Google Map Phone: N/A