Crowley Park, Richardson

On a post-dawn walk through Crowley Park, I noticed it has something for everyone.

Whether you picnic with friends in the pavilion,

flop down for some “me” time,

or hit the trail that circles the park

for a flower-flecked walk or run,

you’ll find views that thrill

and views that soothe.

Have tots with energy to burn? The park has two play areas, this one ringed with trees.

Takin’ a breather without robin the bank

means you sit on a deck

watching ducks and turtles gather.

At ~58 acres, Crowley Park is the second largest of Richardson’s neighborhood parks. What strikes me is the city’s meticulous care in keeping the place pristine. Add me to Yelpers who love Crowley Park.

***
Correction: In the original post, I stated that Crowley Park is Richardson’s largest. But it isn’t. Breckinridge Park (~417 acres) is. I love Breck, too!
– Gita, 13 May 2017

Bob Woodruff Park, Plano – South Pavilion

No sun, but still a Sunday!

Parking lot panorama

Peaceful pavilion

Feeling grove-y

How old is the tree at left? Hint: At least as old as the U.S. constitution

225+ years. Wow!

Bob Woodruff Park, Plano – North Pavilion

Bob Woodruff Park, Plano – North Pavilion

It’s a Sun-day!

Wakey, wakey

Behold a bunch of Bob Ross do’s.

Plan a party.

Enjoy the pier and now.

Jog the 0.9-mile trail around the lake.

Have a beautiful day!

These shots are all from the North Pavilion side of Bob Woodruff Park. Here’s a location map. As I was driving home, a gorgeous grove by the South Pavilion called to me, but my to-do list was louder. Stay tuned for a separate post with photos.

Added 27 November 2016: Bob Woodruff Park, Plano – South Pavilion

Lovely La Villita

One of my favorite places in DFW is La Villita in Irving. A lake glistens at its center, and the Trinity River flows less than a quarter mile to the east. You’ll see migratory Canada geese form giant Vs in the sky in the fall and again in the spring.

Check out the townhouses west of the lake …

and the houses east of it.

I lived in an apartment complex on the south side of the lake. Nature was very much a part of La Villita. Dozens of cedar waxwings chose the trees I could see from my balcony to sun themselves one spring morning. Another time, heavy rain brought an enormous number of egrets to the river nearby. I go back now and then to take in the calming effect of the lake and the Tuscan colors around it.

Then a short walk to Campion Trail to sit by the river under this grand, cooling, grounding tree (leftmost in pic below) after last month’s lunch appointment in Irving.

Walk by La Villita’s play/picnic area to Campion Trail, which flanks the Trinity River.

Strength, grace, infinite intelligence

Wildflower Breck

April showers brought April flowers to Breckinridge Park in Richardson, one of my favorite places on the planet.

A few clicks from April 30th:

Spring paints Breck red, white, and blue-tiful

Work up a sweat or simply reflect

Pretty purple palette pleases

Creek bank holds interest

Give me mauve

Micro moment in the meadow

Nature, master of fine arcs

Bee-ready, pistils cocked

Color me happy

Pick a picnic spot

 

Breckinridge Park, Richardson – bare beauties

A winter’s day. Nip in the air. Leafless wonders out there.

Mesh tops

Sunbathing trunks

Stripped trees

Feel alive.

Love soda-licious

Happy Valentine’s, dear reader! Love is definitely in the air at Tom Thumb where 12-packs of Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero soar in a Texas-sized display by the checkouts. I had a fizz-ical reaction to this splendid stack and its effervescent kisses in red, silver, and black.

Be still, my beating heart.