by Forrest Preece
Last summer, Richard Craig, Founder of the Pease Park Conservancy, noticed that the masonry gateway wall at the West 29th Street gateway to the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail was in terrible shape. A large section had collapsed, and other sections were missing or had loose mortar. The wall had been constructed in 1976 as part of Austin’s Bicentennial celebration of its relatively new and growing trail system.
Craig knew that the City of Austin does not have the budget for this type of repair, so he decided to take the matter into his own hands. Working with the Pease Park Conservancy, he raised money privately for the project.
He knows several neighbors in Pemberton Heights and Brykerwoods who are passionate about the trail and use it daily. After asking them for help, he collected $10,000 for the masonry work and another $2000 for new redbud trees and the labor to install them.
The Pease Park Conservancy envisions devoting more attention to this area of the trail. It is especially attractive, being adjacent to the “Mystic Raven” sculpture which was installed several years ago in partnership with Laguna Gloria Art Museum.
“Now the hard part begins to keep the trees watered through our terrible summers,” Craig said. The Conservancy will be adding them to the long list of trees they hand water annually throughout the park and Shoal Creek Greenbelt.
"We are so grateful for Richard and other friends of Pease Park Conservancy who take personal initiative to improve this beautiful green space. His redbuds will provide ecosystem services and enjoyment for the public for many years to come." Nicole Netherton, Chief Executive Officer of the Pease Park Conservancy, said.
