Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park

History and Legacy

This sprawling 363-acre public park is located in southeast Austin, Texas, along the south bank of the Colorado River. The park, formerly known as Colorado River Park, was renamed in 2001 to honor Roy G. Guerrero, a highly respected representative of Austin Parks and Recreation who integrated Little League baseball games and advocated for Latino citizens.

Natural Landscapes

The park offers a diverse range of natural landscapes and recreational facilities. It features open lawns, wooded areas, and trails that provide access to the Colorado River.

The park's proximity to the river makes it an excellent location for wildlife observation, particularly for bird watching. Visitors can spot various bird species, including Red-Tail and Red-Shouldered Hawks, Belted and Ringed Kingfishers, Bald Eagles, and Great Blue Herons.

Recreational Facilities

The park houses a playground area with two structures: a smaller one designed for toddlers and a larger one with more obstacles and features for older children. Both playground areas are gated for safety.

The park also boasts a popular disc golf course, which, while enjoyable, can be challenging due to its length, with 7 of its 18 holes extending over 500 feet.

River Access and Trails

The park provides access to the Colorado River, including a small sandy area known as "Secret Beach", which, while not suitable for swimming, offers opportunities for wading and short walks along the river.

Several trails wind through the park, including paved nature trails suitable for biking, strolling, or using strollers.

Conservation Efforts

Local non-profit organization Ecology Action has worked to transform parts of the park, particularly the Circle Acres Nature Preserve area, from a former landfill and illegal dumping site into a thriving ecosystem.

Their efforts have included removing tons of garbage, planting native species, and creating hiking trails.