Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh |
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Tyrrell Park entrance
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| Type | Municipal (Beaumont, Texas) |
| Location | 5305 Tyrrell Park Road, Beaumont, Texas 77705 |
| Area | Tyrrell Park 500 acres (2 km2) Cattail Marsh 900 acres (4 km2) |
| Created | Tyrrell Park: 1924 Cattail Marsh: 1993 |
| Operated by | Tyrrell Park: Beaumont Parks and Recreation Department Cattail Marsh: Beaumont Water Utilities |
| Status | Open all year |
Tyrrell Park is a big park in Beaumont, Texas. It covers about 500 acres, which is like 378 football fields! This park is a great place for outdoor fun. It has a golf course, beautiful gardens, and even a place for horses.
Right next to Tyrrell Park is the Cattail Marsh. This is a special nature area that's even bigger, about 900 acres. It's a fantastic spot for seeing nature. Both Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh are on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. This means they are perfect for watching many different kinds of birds, especially during their long journeys.
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Discover Tyrrell Park
Tyrrell Park has a long and interesting history. Back in 1923, a kind person named Captain W. C. Tyrrell gave about 1500 acres of land to the city of Beaumont. He wanted it to be used as a park for everyone to enjoy.
From 1935 to 1941, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build many parts of the park. The CCC was a program that gave jobs to young men during a tough time in history. They built things like roads, trails, picnic areas, and even the golf course. During World War II, the park was used for a short time to hold German prisoners. Many of the buildings the CCC built are not there anymore, but their work helped create the park we see today.
Fun Things to Do at Tyrrell Park
Tyrrell Park offers many activities for visitors. You can enjoy sports, explore nature, or just relax outdoors.
- Henry Homberg Golf Course - If you like golf, this park has an 18-hole golf course. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped build it a long time ago. It's a great place to practice your swing.
- Beaumont Botanical Gardens - Near the park entrance, you'll find the beautiful Beaumont Botanical Gardens. These gardens cover about 23.5 acres. They have more than ten different outdoor garden areas. There are also three indoor places to explore. The Warren Loose Conservatory is a huge greenhouse, the second largest in Texas! It's filled with amazing plants. You can also visit the Binks Horticultural Center and the Bob Whitman Propagation House.
- Tyrrell Park Horse Stables - The park also has horse stables. These stables are quite old, dating back to the time the CCC worked on the park. They are being improved so more people can enjoy horseback riding.
- Hiking and Biking Trails - If you love to walk or bike, Tyrrell Park has a 2.8-mile nature trail. You can also ride your bike on the roads throughout the park. It's a great way to get some exercise and see the park's beauty.
- Other Features - The park also has covered picnic areas. These are perfect for family gatherings or birthday parties. There are also athletic fields where you can play different sports.
Explore Cattail Marsh
The Cattail Marsh Nature Area is a special place right next to Tyrrell Park. It's about 900 acres of wetlands, ponds, and muddy areas. This marsh helps clean the city's wastewater, making it a natural filter.
Wildlife and Trails
Cattail Marsh is a wonderful spot for nature lovers. It has over twelve miles of trails on raised paths called levees. You can walk, bike, or even ride horses on these trails. In 2016, a long boardwalk was built. It has special viewing platforms where you can get a better look at the marsh.
The marsh is home to many different animals. You'll see a wide variety of birds, especially since it's on a major bird migration route. Keep an eye out for alligators too! They often hang out in the water and on the banks. It's a fantastic place to observe local wildlife in their natural home.
