North Oaks Park

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

About:
For the most part this park is a playground. There is a hike and bike trail here, but not much else.
Amenities:
Playground
Hike and Bike Trail

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
For the most part this park is accessible. At least as accessible as an outdoor venue can be.  Of course the playground isn't very friendly to persons with mobility issues. The Austin Parks Departments own website says the Hike and Bike Trail here at this location is not ADA.
Location:
900 Plaza drive
Austin, TX 78753

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Gus Garcia Park and Recreation Center

According to the City of Austin's website, the Gus Garcia Recreation Center held its Grand Opening on April 26, 2008, an event that was long anticipated by North/Northeast Austin. The Gus Garcia Recreation Center and park were chosen as part of the 1998 bond election package to develop Austin’s parks and greenbelts. Construction was due to begin in 2001, but a downturn in the local economy forced delays. The City put the Gus Garcia Park and Recreation center back on the list of budgeted projects in 2005, the original amount for funding was $5.5 million. The building was completed in March 2008. The center is named in honor of Gustavo “Gus” Garcia who dedicated more than three decades of his life to public service. He served as President of the Board of the Austin Independent School District, as a member of the Austin City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem and in 2001, was elected as Austin’s first Hispanic Mayor.

When the wife and I were there to take these photographs it appeared that some construction on the park was underway.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The recreation center is handicapped accessible and the park is accessible as an outdoor venue like a park can be.The Hike and Bike trail at this location is not ADA.

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
1201 E. Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
Phone:
512-339-0016
Open Hours:

• Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 9:00pm
• Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm; Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm
• Sunday closed

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Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dessau

photography by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
The community of Dessau was founded in 1854 by German immigrants, including the Wieland, Nauert, Nehring, Grosskopf, Krueger, Goerlitz, and Hennig families. The pioneers worshiped in private homes until this sanctuary was built about 1876. Labor and materials used in its construction were supplied by members of the community. Worship services were conducted in the German language until the mid-1900s. The church building and adjoining cemetery stand as reminders of the area’s pioneer German heritage.

photography by Kevin Surbaugh

Erected:
1984

Handicapped Accessibility:
Not very accessible. The driveway is gravel, making the parking lot hard to navigate, then the sidewalk is a series of small steps up. The only accessible way to get to the historical marker is the grassy incline, which for some would be hard to traverse. 

photography by Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
13300 Dessau Rd, Austin TX 78753
As you can see in the picture above, the marker is to the right of the front door. To find the church itself, turn in the driveway for the Cornerstone Baptist Church. The historical building will be found to the left of the more modern building. You will also find the old cemetery there in front of the old building. No idea if it is currently in use for anything. 


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Austin Mini Maker Faire

Coming up this Sunday May 5, 2013 is what appears to be one of the funnest events in Austin. No I'm not talking SxSw. I am talking about the event that allows you to see great things other people have made and also allow you to tinker at different things yourself. According to the events website,

The Tinkering OpenShop will be an area where you’ll enjoy the freedom to wander through a world of “Sure! We can totally do that!” as opposed to “Gee, I don’t know that sounds impossible…” You’ll get some real tools, real materials, and a helping hand to make sure your adventure is safe and fun. I promise y’all (all ages welcome) will love ripping some old stuff to shreds and then re-using it to make something for yourself!
- AustinMakerFaire.com

This is in fact the best DIY event, and we aren't talking home improvements here. No we are talking creativity like items operated by a single-board microcontroller to Robots. Sinply put it is the biggest "Show and Tell" in Austin for people of all ages. Best of all it's family friendly.

Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community.
- AustinMakerFaire.com

When:
Sunday May 5, 2013
10 AM - 6 PM
Admission:
Advance Tickets: $7/Child $10/Adult
At the Door: $10/Child $15/Adult
Handicapped Accessibility:
Palmer Events Center is fully accessible to persons with mobility issues.
Location:
Palmer Events Center
900 Barton Springs Road
Austin, Texas 78704


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What do think? Will you be there? Have you been in the past?

Round Rock Express Baseball

We love our sports in Austin. We have a number of farm teams, including the Round Rock Express in the suburban city of Round Rock. The team is the AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers (which they became affiliated with in 2010 after severing their affiliation with the Huston Astros) and owned by hall of fammer Nolan Ryan. Recently my beautiful wife and I attended a game. The night we went they happened to be having a tribute night for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. This commemoration was under the banner "Run Austin Love Boston."

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

(April 26, 2013) Austin area residents and Boston Marathon runners (David Garza, Maria Groten and Matt Harmatuk)
who symbolically finished the race at Friday nights Round Rock Express game.
photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The stadium is handicapped accessible, however, we could not reach our actual seats, but they have have accessible spots at the top of each section.

Not every night is a tribute night, but the games are still fun.
Ticket prices range from $7 to $16. Other ticket options include various packages where food may be included in the admission price.

Location: 3400 East Palm Valley Blvd Round Rock, TX
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What do think? Have you been to baseball game here?

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Editors Update: The Round Rock Express contacted me to send me a copy of the official video taken by their staff the night of this tribute. Below is that video.

Buddington-Benedict-Sheffield Compound

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
Albert and Rebecca Buddington built the first part of this compound as their home c. 1860. In 1921, it became the home of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who served as University of Texas Professor and President. Delia Edwards, a later owner, commissioned Arthur Fehr to alter the original house and design an adjacent Rustic-style cottage with a fireplace mantel carved by Peter Mansbendel. Wilhelmine Sheffield, who bought the property in the 1940s, added another house and an enclosing wall, as well as ironwork crafted by Fortuanat Weigl and his company.


Erected:
2004

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker can be seen from a wheelchair, but it could be hard to access, due to it's location. It seems when they placed the marker in 2004, well after ADA laws were passed, no thought was given to handicapped person having an interest in this. The marker is located on the outside wall of 500 W. 34th, but can only be seen if you enter and go to the front of the carport. So if cars are parked there forget about seeing it if you are handicapped.

Location:
500-508 W 34th St, Austin TX 78705

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What do think about this attraction?

Eeyore's 50th Annual Birthday Party - April 27, 2013

Eeyores Birthday Party is a fund-raiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. Some of these groups will be selling hot and cold food (including vegetarian), soft drinks, juices, spring water, and Texas beer at the event. Look for commemorative Eeyore Birthday Party T-shirts.

1. Please wear a costume. There will be costume contests and other games with prizes for children of all ages.
2. Artists will be doing face painting and temporary tattoos.
3. Musicians playing non-amplified instruments are invited to play.
4. There will be Maypoles for the young and young at heart.

About:
Eeyore's Birthday Party is an all day festival taking place annually right here in Austin, since 1963. It typically occurs on the last Saturday of April in Pease Park. It includes live music, food and drink vending which benefit local non-profit organizations, attendees in colorful costumes, and large drum circles. The event is a family friendly festival that is named in honor of the Eeyore character from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.


When:
Saturday, April 27, 2013
11:00 a.m. until dark.
Children's Area from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Live Music from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
In case of rain event will be held Saturday, May 4, 2013


Handicapped Accessibility:
Handicapped parking will be available at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets, special needs buses will be available.

Pease Park is accessible, however some venders/attractions may be set up in grassy areas that may be hard to navigate for some persons with mobility issues. 

Parking:
Don't even think of trying to park at the Park.
There will be absolutely NO parking available at the park. Please take the bus, ride a bike, or walk!
Parking is FREE at the state parking garage "E" and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets where our shuttle buses will pick you up and return you all day long!!! Handicapped parking is also available at the same location, special needs buses will be available.

Website:
www.eeyores.org

Location:
Pease Park
1100 Kingsbury Street

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All Saints' Episcopal Church

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Inscription:
This edifice stands on the mid-1840s land grant of former Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar, and near the official residence of the second Bishop of the Diocese of Texas, the Rt. Rev. George Herbert Kinsolving (1849-1928). Aided by the Bishop and his wife Grace, the Diocese of Texas bought this land as site for a residence for women students of the University of Texas. Built in 1897, that structure called “Grace Hall” was in use for nearly 70 years.

All Saints’, erected in 1899 as a chapel for Grace Hall, was dedicated to the memory of the Rt. Rev. Alexander Gregg (1819-93), first Episcopal Bishop of Texas. Austin architect A.O. Watson designed the Gothic Revival structure of native limestone. Its stained glass windows of Medieval Mosaic style are recognized as fine examples of American art.

By 1910, All Saints’ had become a parish in the growing university neighborhood. In time, three of its Rectors became Bishops. The crozier of office of Bishop Kinsolving stood in the chancel for 35 years. He was revered as the founder, benefactor, and lifelong friend of the parish. As he had wished, his body was buried beneath the altar in 1939.

Erected:
1975

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

Handicapped Accessibility:
The marker is at street level making it accessible to persons of all mobility issues.

Location:
 209 W 27th St Austin, TX 78701

What do think about this attraction?

Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

Peter & Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House

photo by Kevin Surbaugh

The Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House is an historic home in the Hyde Park Historic District in Austin, Texas, United States. It is also a part of the Shadow Lawn Historic District, a subdivision within the Hyde Park neighborhood established by Hyde Park founder Monroe Shipe.
The house was built in 1925 by Peter Mansbendel, a master carpenter who personally added carved-wood decorations to the home. Mansbendel also carved wooden doors for the mid-century restoration of the Governor's Palace in San Antonio, and provided work for Austin's first permanent public library in 1933.
The house is located at 3824 Avenue F. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
- Wikipedia

Hours:
Not open to the public


Location:
3824 Avenue F
Austin, TX 78751


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Fun Times for Those Who Attended The Attic Film Fest 2013

The 2013 Attic Film Fest is now in the books.  The Audience Choice Award went to M. Legend Brown and Hiding in Plain Sight, which officially releases May 7, 2013. Dallas Jenkins, son of best selling author Jerry Jenkins won several awards from the judges for both of his entries What If... and The Ride (which won't be available until later this year). Below is the 22 minute video of the awards presentation, delivered by Steve and Amy of Spirit 105.9.



Organizers say that attendance at the sixth annual film festival was down, but submissions for entry was up. Personally, I am hopeful that next year will be the biggest year yet in ticket sales.

M. Legend Brown winner of the Audience Favorite Award
at Attic Film Fest.
Photo by Kevin Surbaugh

What do think? Did you make it to the Attic Film Fest this year? Will you try to attend next year?