As Memorial Day approaches and temperatures rise, people want to get out of the house. Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order expanding the opening of businesses and activities has allowed the public to stretch their legs by visiting state parks.
Abbott announced that parks could open on April 20, but with restrictions. These restrictions include using face coverings, maintaining a six-foot distance from people not in your group and gathering in groups of no more than five.
Rockdale’s Interim City Manager Barbara Holly doubled down on the governor’s message.
“We highly encourage social distancing, wearing of masks and frequent handwashing,” Holly said.
Fortunately, the citizens of Rockdale have plenty of parks to choose from and The Reporter has compiled a listing to jog memories.
Bark Park–Bark Park is the latest park in Rockdale. It is located on Beverly Drive, and is a park designed for the community to gather with their dogs. The park was built in 2020.
Bridge Park–Bridge Park is where the out-ofservice bridges from the county are located. A century-old calaboose sits at the park.
The term calaboose comes from the Spanish “calabozo” which means jail, dungeon, or cell. Originally from Burlington in Northern Milam County, the bridge came from just outside Rockdale and was moved there by Perry & Perry Builders.
Galbreath and Sheckles bridges are two more former county bridges that are located at a flood plain on the south side of US 79, just to the west of Southwest Milam Water Supply.
The establishment was dedicated in 2016.
Fair Park— Citizens can bring private or public events to this flexible, fully fenced and gated venue. It is the ideal park for managing access to a private or ticketed public event.
Fair Park is home to the Rockdale Fair and Rodeo and has hosted many events such as roping and barrel racing competitions, livestock shows, carnivals, circuses, barbecue and chili cookoffs, corporate picnics, family reunions, concerts, dances, horseshoe and washer tournaments, car shows and more.
Records show that the park has been in place for nearly 100 years.
Moultry Park—Moultry Park is located behind the Aycock center in southeastern Rockdale, and is named in honor of Julius Moultry, an acclaimed blacksmith throughout the state of Texas and surrounding states of New Mexico and Arizona. Julius Moultry materials are on display at the Rockdale Depot. Moultry Park has a playscape, baseball field, restrooms and basketball court.
The park was established on December 8, 1980.
Skate Park—The Rockdale Skate Park is located at the corner of Mill and Wilcox streets just east of Fair Park.
Skate Park has a skate bowl, a half-pipe ramp, rails, skateboarding paths and graffiti wall. The Historic Henderson Crossing Bridge also resides at the park. It was dedicated in 2017.
Sumuel Park—Sumuel Park is located on Fourth and Martin Luther King Dr. The land was donated by Ruth Etta Sumuel’s children.
Samuels was a descendant of the Jack and Alyce P. Shields family, one of Rockdale’s earliest settlers, who was also a blacksmith.
Sumuel Park features a splash pad, playscape, BBQ grills, picnic areas, walking trail, basketball half court, butterfly garden, restrooms and free WiFi.
Sumuel Park is also used for family reunions and the yearly Juneteenth celebration. The park was dedicated in 2012.
Veterans Park—Veterans Park is located at the corner of Brazos Street and Mistletoe Lane in western Rockdale and named in honor of local veterans.
The park’s amenities include: three playscapes, swimming pool, swings, picnic tables, tennis courts, walking trail, butterfly garden and covered pavilion.
The pool is managed by the YMCA of Greater Williamson County. The pool is temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns. For updates check the city website www.rockdalecityhall. com. The park was dedicated in 2004. Wolf Park—Wolf Park
Wolf Park—Wolf Park is located on Main Street in downtown Rockdale across from the Depot. Wolf Park hosts many events under its 1,200 square-foot covered pavilion throughout the year including the Rockdale Fall Music Festival and Rockdale’s Holiday Festivities.
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