It isn't hard to find beautiful nature spots in Austin, Texas. Much easier than in many other cities around the world. But no matter how beautiful the spot it is still in the middle of a constantly moving metropolis. Norwood Dog Park, while not the most beautiful or scenic spot in Austin, is a place where the ground is free of pavement and even contains a decent number of trees.
Photo courtesy of austinparks.org
The park is set on the corner of Riverside and I35. Nobody waiting for the light to turn green on the access road would even know it was there unless they were looking right into one of the holes in the foliage on the chain-link fence surrounding the park right as a dog walked by. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said in reverse. Though trees, bushes, and ivy have been left to grow along the fence bordering I35, the road still makes it's presence known through the roar of traffic, an occasional car horn, or a flash of light reflected from a windshield.
The park is divided into two sections, one for small dogs and the other for the general public. When the park is busy it's hard to find a parking spot but always worth the walk to make your best friend happy. The people are nice for the most part but it isn't a very social scene. Dog owners pick a spot under a tree and play with their phones or play with the dogs that come up to say hello. Nobody really talks to each other while our dogs become instant friends. It is almost as if these people are sacrificing time that they could be using at home on something much more enjoyable for themselves in the comfort of air conditioning, but instead choose to sweat it out in the Texas heat so that their dog can enjoy the outdoors for an hour or two.
The Norwood Dog Park is usually full of mutts and college age people from the surrounding area (with exceptions, as in any case). When people go to other nature spots in Austin they can sit under a tree and soak in the beauty of the Texas plants and (sometimes) wildlife. While I wouldn't necessarily call the dog park a "nature spot," anybody sitting under the trees there could, if they wanted to, soak in some of the natural sights of trees, birds, and canines abound. But that isn't why these people are outdoors. While it is possible to enjoy nature at this park, it isn't the driving factor that brings you out here. It is the love of your furry friend.
My Dog Ziva
Why did you say "mutts" in your last paragraph? That word is usually used in the derogatory sense. Other than that, sounds like a nice enough place to have a picnic or something.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the Norwood Dog Park before. I will definitely have to go now. It seems very interesting, and it amazes me how people in Austin are so friendly and such huge dog lovers. It seems like a great idea to take your dog to a place where only small dogs can go.
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