Woodlands Park in River Place is a beautiful park, but it’s not one that most of us would stumble upon if we weren’t looking for it. Which is, of course, part of the charm. Located at the very end of Big View Drive, River Place residents know and proudly claim this great park. But for others in the Lake Travis area that have never been, it’s definitely worth the windy, scenic drive to get there.
One of the things that make Woodlands Park so unique is its setting, located right by Lake Austin. There’s an inlet of water where you can sit and watch the turtles and ducks mozie on by. Picnic tables sit near the water, along with swings and plenty of giant trees for shade. There’s also a nearby bridge that you can stroll across for a better view of the lake. I’ve seen people fishing, eating lunch, reading or even working on their laptops by the water. It’s the perfect spot to escape and feel like you’re in another place without having to drive too far.
And of course, it IS a park so there’s no shortage of playground equipment for kids to climb and play, along with tennis courts and a practice soccer field. There’s a covered pavilion, restrooms, grills and a long, winding downhill sidewalk that goes to the bottom. Kids on scooters love this! Going downhill, anyway (the uphill part isn’t as fun — but that’s a good life lesson).
Another cool thing nearby is the Board Walk, located directly across the street. There’s a little pond, benches and access to River Place Trail, which provides one of the best and scenic hikes in the area.
So if you’re near River Place, or heck — even if you’re not — it’s worth the drive to visit this cool park. You can play, picnic, climb and hike surrounded by one of the best views around.
