A naturally temperate climate and rolling hills make Austin the perfect city for golfing. Home to Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw, Austin boasts some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the nation. Course designers include Crenshaw, Kite, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazzio and Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Click here for a list of Austin area golf courses.

Austin has children and grownup leagues for all major sports including soccer, softball, bowling, frisbee (ultimate) and basketball. Also available to the younger set: Little League Baseball and Pee Wee Football.

The YMCA of Austin has five sites with workout equipment, pools, indoor basketball courts and more.

Austin boasts several golf courses for frisbee golfers, including one in Central Austin that winds along the banks of beautiful Shoal Creek, linking up some of the city's most pleasant greenbelt parkland.

Beginning in downtown Austin and stretching 150 miles west and north into the Hill Country of Central Texas lie the Highland Lakes, a chain of lakes created by seven dams along the Colorado River. Within a short drive of the city — or a full day-trip excursion — Austinites have access to boating, waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, canoeing, fishing and swimming in some of Texas’ most beautiful surroundings.

The City of Austin alone boasts 14,300 acres of parks. The hills west of the city include more than 7,566 public acres. Here you can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking and other land-based activities. Citizens can enjoy the natural beauty of Austin year-round at a variety of lakes, preserves and trails. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water during the hot summer months!

AUSTIN PARKS

Commons Ford — Trails on 215 acres. 614 Commons Ford Road, 974.6700.

East Metropolitan Park — A 273-acre park with a swimming pool, basketball court, playscapes, concession stands, hiking trails, eight multiple-use ball fields, and three ponds suitable for catch-and-release fishing. Southeast of Manor at Burleson-Manor and Blake-Manor roads, 854.9383.

Emma Long — Camping, swimming, boat ramps and volleyball located along Lake Austin. 1600 City Park Road, 974.6700.

Veloway — A 3.1-mile course for inline skating and cycling; walking, jogging and pets are prohibited. 4900 LaCrosse Ave., 974.6700.

Walter E. Long — Fishing, boating, camping, volleyball. 6614 Blue Bluff Road, 974.6700.

Zilker Park — This 400-acre park is home to the Barton Springs swimming hole and connects to Town Lake Park. Disc golf, trails, volleyball. 2100 Barton Springs Road, 974.6700.

Arkansas Bend — This 323-acre untouched park on the north shore of Lake Travis offers hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking and lake access. Sylvester Ford Road.

Bob Wentz — A favorite location for water sports, plus an adjacent 150-acre tract that is maintained as a natural area. Comanche Trail.

Cypress Creek — A favorite spot for boating, picnicking and fishing on Lake Travis. RM 2222.

Hamilton Pool — Historic swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall. Hamilton Pool Road.

Hippie Hollow — Features a steep, rocky shoreline and spectacular views of Lake Travis. The only clothing-optional public park in Texas is popular for sunbathing and swimming. Comanche Trail.

Mansfield Dam — A primary access point for boaters on Lake Travis. Central recreation area also offers picnic sites, a playground, horseshoe pits, chess tables and a panoramic view of the Lake Travis basin. Mansfield Dam Road.

Mary Quinlan — 5.8 acres of rolling hills with 200 feet of shoreline access, including the only public boat ramp for several miles on Lake Austin. Quinlan Park Road.

Milton Reimers Ranch Park — Almost three miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River and more than 18 miles of trails. Rock climbing, mountain biking and fishing also popular. Hamilton Pool Road.

Pace Bend — More than nine miles of shoreline along Lake Travis with a wide range of recreational opportunities. Pace Bend Park Road.

Sandy Creek — A 25-acre park ideal for swimming, nature walks, birding, camping and fishing. Lime Creek Road, Volente.

Selma Hughes — Offers several shady picnic areas with nice views of the upper reaches of Lake Austin. Selma Hughes Road.

Webberville — Fishing, picnicking, horseback riding and access to the Colorado River. Park Lane, Webberville.

OTHER AREA PARKS

Georgetown — Pickett Trail at Blue Hole Park and the San Gabriel Park trails, which are concrete and granite for smoother walking. (512) 930.3595, www.georgetownparks.org.

STATE PARKS

Bastrop State Park — Camping, cabins, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course, fishing, swimming pool, 8.5-mile hiking trail. Summer passes available. Bastrop, (512) 321.2101.

Blanco State Park — Camping, screened shelters, swimming, fishing, picnicking, boating along the Blanco River. Blanco, (830) 833.4333.

Buescher State Park — Camping, screened shelters, recreation hall, hiking, biking, lake (fishing and non-motorized boating), picnic tables, group picnic pavilion. Smithville, (512) 237.2241.

Colorado Bend State Park — Park rangers lead cavers on walking tours at 9:15 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; crawling tours at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month. Tours last nearly three hours. Fishing, swimming, hiking and primitive camping also available. Between Lampasas and San Saba, (325) 628.3240.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Hiking, tent pads, restrooms, showers, picnic area, rock climbing, primitive camp sites. 16710 RM 965, Fredericksburg, (325) 247.3903.

Guadalupe River State Park — Fishing, canoeing, tubing, picnicking, hiking, equestrian trail, bird watching. Two-mile guided tour of the Honey Creek State Natural Area at 9 a.m. Saturdays. Park Road 31 west of Spring Branch, (830) 438.2656.

Hill Country State Natural Area — Undeveloped natural area with 40 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Tent sites, equestrian campgrounds, group lodge with equestrian facilities. Southwest of Bandera, (830) 796.4413.

Inks Lake State Park — Hiking trails, golf, primitive backpack area, campsites with water and picnic tables. Paddle boats and canoes can be rented. Park Road 4, about 10 miles west of Burnet, (512) 793.2223.

Kerrville-Schreiner State Park — Eight miles of hiking trails, camping, screened shelters, one cabin, group facility areas, primitive campsites, swimming, lighted fishing. Three miles southeast of Kerrville, (830) 257.5392 or (830) 257.2267.

LBJ State Park — Near the LBJ Ranch, which is the LBJ National Historic Park. Tours start from the state park. Nature trails, wildlife enclosures, historic exhibits, two lighted tennis courts, swimming pool, picnic sites. Stonewall, (830) 644.2252.

Lockhart State Park — One and one-half miles of hiking trails; nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, campsites with water, electricity and sewage, picnic areas, recreation hall. Lockhart, (512) 398.3479.

Lost Maples State Natural Area — Showers, picnic sites, campsites with electricity, primitive camping. 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool. (830) 966.3413.

McKinney Falls State Park — Four miles of hiking and biking trails, 3.5 miles of paved trails, campsites with water and electricity, fishing. Group facilities include screened shelters and dining hall. Onion Creek is open to swimmers unless bacteria count is high. Austin, 243.1643.

Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites — Ruins of one of the first commercial breweries in Texas and the home of stone mason Heinreich L. Kreische. Visitor center, self-guided, wheelchair-accessible, interpretive trail, nature trail, picnic sites, playground. La Grange, (979) 968.5658.

Pedernales Falls State Park — Discover 19.8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian day trails and 14 miles of backpacking trails, fishing, campsites with electricity, water and grills. Swimming permitted in a portion of the river. Johnson City, (830) 868.7304.

Austin's Parks and Recreation Department has several preserves that are sanctuaries for native plants, native animals and natural features. Firearms, hunting, motorized vehicles, bicycles and pets generally are prohibited. Noise should be kept to a minimum. Visitors must stay on trails and should not remove or damage plants, animals or other natural features.

Many preserves are open to the public; some are available only by reservation for educational groups. Call 327.7723 or visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/preserves.

The Balcones Canyonlands Preserves, managed by the water utility, conserve endangered species and their habitat.

Public access and activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, dog-walking, swimming and rock climbing, vary among the preserves. Call 263.6437 or visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/preserves.

Barrow Nature Preserve — 7715 Longpoint Drive.
Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve — 11418 Sprinkle Cut-off Road.
Blowing Sink Research Area — Approved educational/research access, guided educational tours. 3705 Deer Lane.
Blunn Creek Preserve — 1200 St. Edwards Drive.
Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary — Staff-guided tours only. 5827 Levander Loop.
Karst Preserve — 3900 Deer Lane.
Mayfield Park and Preserve — 3505 W. 35th St.
Onion Creek Preserve — Staff-guided tours only. North of Texas 71 in Onion Creek.
Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve — 7810 Sterling Drive.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve — 805 N. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), 327.7622.
Zilker Nature Preserve — 302 Nature Center Drive, 327.7723.

Aspire Adventures Classes & Club, 11008 Jollyville Rd. # 219, (512) 343.1071.
Austin Rock Gym, 8300 N. Lamar Blvd. # 102B, (512) 416.9299
Barton Creek Greenbelt— Limestone cliffs along four-mile stretch, 472.1267.
Bull Creek Boulders, 8711 Bluegrass Drive, 794.0531
Enchanted Rock, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, (325) 247.3903
McKinney Falls State Park, 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., (512) 243.1643
Reimers Ranch, (512) 854.PARK (7275).

Austin Rowing Club/Juniors, (512) 472.0726
Austin Rowing Dock, 2418 Stratford Drive, (512) 459.0999
Texas Rowing Center, 1541 West Cesar Chavez, (512) 467.7799

Austin Sailing Society
Austin Yacht Club, 5906 Beacon Drive, (512) 266.1336

Veloway
Ramp Ranch, 10355 Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, (512) 515.7600

Auditorium Shores, 920 W. Riverside Dr., 974.6700
Barton Creek Greenbelt, 3755 B Capital of Texas Hwy., 472.1267
Bob Wentz Park, Bob Wentz Park Road, 854.9020
Bull Creek District Dog Park, 6701 Lakewood Drive, 974.6700
Emma Long Park, 1600 City Park Rd., 346.1831
Far West, ROW between Great Northern Blvd. & Shoal Creek Blvd.
Northeast District Park, 5909 Crystalbrook Dr.
Norwood Estate Dog Park, I-35 and Riverside Drive 974.6700
Onion Creek District Park, 6900 Onion Creek Dr.
Red Bud Isle, 3401 Red Bud Trail Unit Cr.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt, 2600-2799 Lamar Blvd.
Town Lake, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., 974.6700
Walnut Creek District Park, 12138 N. Lamar Blvd.
Zilker Dog Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., 974.6700

Austin Cycling Association — Meets monthly; rides on weekends. 282.1987.
Austin Runners Club — Weekly events.
Hill Country Outdoors — Outdoor activities offered daily. 383.1191.
RunTex — Offers workouts and sponsors races. 422 W. Riverside Drive, 472.3254.
Texas Outdoors Woman Network — Meets monthly; weekly outings. 282.5507.

3M Half Marathon and Relay — A 13.1-mile urban, mostly downhill road race from Gateway Shopping Center to House Park Field. 984.RACE (7223).
Academy Sports and Outdoors Capitol 2K — Swim race in Town Lake benefiting Deep Eddy Pool. 327.2260.
Armadillo Hill Country Classic — Austin Cycling Association's fundraiser to provide bicycle safety education and free helmets for kids. Routes of 6 to 100 miles. Starts at Liberty Hill High School. Contact Steve Coyle at 260.0943 or armadillo@austincycling.org.
Austin Marathon and Half Marathon — A Boston Marathon qualifier that starts in North Austin and wraps up downtown. 478.4265.
BP MS 150 — More than 10,000 cyclists unite for a two-day, 180-mile journey from Houston to Austin. Benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (713) 526.8967.
Danskin Women's Triathlon — The perfect race for the beginning tri-athlete. (800) 452-9526.
Dilloman Triathlon — Sprint triathlon hosted by Austin Triathletes at Pace Bend Park. E-mail Don Young at don.young@austintriathletes.org.
King of Jester 5K and Hill Climb Time Trials —All events begin up the face of Jester Boulevard, a steep half-mile climb. Run, inline skate or cycle. E-mail Josh Kravetz at josh@adventurefit.com.
Lake Travis Relay — A six-person, 12-mile, open-water swimming relay in Lake Travis. 327.2260.
Livestrong Challenge — Series of cycling, running and walking events benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. (888) 4.CHALLENGE (424.2553).
Race for the Cure — 5K run in downtown Austin benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate. 473.0900.
Ride for the Roses —Invitation-only cycling tour with courses of 6 to 100 miles, benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. (888) 4.CHALLENGE (424.2553).
Schlotzsky's 5K Bun Run —Fundraiser for Austin Sunshine Camps. E-mail bunrun@schlotzskys.com.
Silicon Laboratories Relay — A five-person marathon relay in downtown Austin. 499.8025.
Statesman Capitol 10,000 — The state's largest annual 10K run raises money for charities. E-mail cap10k@statesman.com.
Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot — Five-miler starting at Waterloo Park. 479.8805.

The NFL and Pepsi present the Punt, Pass and Kick program

Youth Sports Programs
515 South Pleasant Valley Road
Austin, TX 78741
512.445.6003

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Closed

Youth Sports Coordinator:
Richard Fibish
richard.fibish@ci.austin.tx.us
512.802.7970 (pager)

In the Austin area Youth Sports programs, leagues and tournaments are organized and managed by volunteer service organizations. These organizations are sanctioned by national sports specific guidelines and manage their programs. Listed below are the organizations with contact numbers and programs.

Coding:
BB=Baseball; BKB=Basketball; CHL=Cheerleading; FB=Football; FFB=Flag Football; KB=Kickball; LA=Lacrosse; SB=Softball; SOC=Soccer; TB= Tee Ball; VB=Volleyball

BlazeTrack Wheelchair Sports, 974.9011, julia.narum@ci.austin.tx.us
Adult and Senior Softball
Basketball
Flag Football