FLATONIA PARKS

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

C

ity parks and open spaces improve our physical and psychological health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. Flatonia’s abundance of family friendly parks is a boon for both visitors and residents alike, and a source of pride for Flatonia Mayor Bryan Milson.

“Parks have always been important to me,” added Milson. “Most cities our size don’t have the abundance of parks that we have here in Flatonia. As we budget money for the parks, we’re always trying to improve what we have.”

CENTRAL MEMORIAL PARK

“Three trees have been planted in the park in memory of people from our community,” said Milson. “We refurbished the gazebo a few years ago. It’s a really nice, quiet park. I know you wouldn’t expect that with it being downtown, but it really is.” In addition to the gazebo, Central Memorial Park also features sitting benches, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant sidewalks and painted murals showcasing Flatonia’s history. There is a short walking trail and a well-maintained grassy area that is pooch friendly, complete with a pet waste station and conveniently-located garbage bins.”

Central Memorial Park is located at 118 East South Main Street.

Top left, G. F. & Audrey McWhirter Park’s pavillion; top right, the gazebo at Central Park; bottom right, a popular disc golf course awaits visitors at 7-Acre Park.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY HENDERSON

RAILROAD PARK

Located in Railroad Park, Flatonia Tower No. 3 is a two-story rail tower constructed by the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad in 1902 to serve as a switching tower at the intersection with the San Antonio & Aransas Pass line. Texas began its numbering system for rail switching towers in 1901 and Flatonia’s was number three after that date.

“Flatonia Tower No. 3 is very historic and means a lot to the town,” said Milson. “It was the exchange tower between north and south, east and west, at the crossroads in Flatonia. We also have a caboose, picnic tables and a walking trail. It’s a nice place to hang out.”

In addition to the railroad memorabilia, there is another attraction that is unique to Flatonia.

“My favorite part is the old jail,” shared Milson. “It is the oldest wooden-structured jail in Texas that is still standing. It’s not always open to the public, but you can still see in it. It was a two-cell jail. It’s just something you can’t see anywhere else. I don’t know if Dillinger or anyone like that was in it, but you never know!”

Located in the Flatonia National Historic District at the corner of 108 West South Main Street, Railroad Park is bordered on the north by the Union Pacific rail line, on the east by Penn Street and on the south by East South Main Street.

G. F. & AUDREY McWHIRTER CITY PARK GARBADE PARK

At McWhirter City Park, visitors can enjoy a splash pad, swimming pool, pavilion for parties and reunions, a softball field with a concession stand, a covered basketball court and a sand volleyball court.

“It’s a really popular park,” added Milson. “There’s also another gazebo, barbecue pits and picnic tables, and a playground with a playscape. Lots of folks enjoy the walking trail that connects McWhirter Park with 7-Acre Park.”

G. F. & Audrey McWhirter City Park is located at 1135 East US Highway 90. Donated to the city by the Garbade family in the 70s, Garbade Park houses the little league field, a concession stand, and a playground.

“The park equipment in Garbade Park is well suited for younger kids,” shared Milson. “There are teeter totters, slides, and swings.”

This two-acre park is located at 1255 East US Highway 90.

FLATO PARK

7-ACRE PARK

Although not yet established, plans are underway for a new pocket park that will be named Flato Park.

“Where 1st Street ends into South Penn Street, that is where Flato Park will be,” shared Milson. “Our plans are kind of up in the air right now. We know there will be some sort of equipment that covers a pretty broad spectrum of kids, but we don’t have a plan together for the park just yet.”

Located at 111 Garbade Lane, 7-Acre Park features a multi-purpose soccer field, skate park, walking trail, picnic tables, sitting benches and a popular disc golf course.

“It’s an 18-hole disc course that people come from all over to play,” said Milson. “There are six baskets, but if you play them in the correct order, there are 18 different holes. People come from Smithville, Gonzales, Bastrop and even Austin to play disc golf here because there are not that many around. The multiuse soccer field is also used for pee wee football, baseball and T-ball … a variety of sports.”

The caboose is a rare find and popular attraction at Railroad Park.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on the parks in Flatonia, contact City Hall at 361-865-3548.

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