Wooldridge Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wooldridge Park
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The gazebo in Wooldridge Park is a popular spot for outdoor concerts and weddings among other engagements.
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| Location | Austin, Texas United States |
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| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | June 18, 1909 |
| Architect | Page & Page |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003018 |
| Added to NRHP | 1 August 1979 |
Wooldridge Park, also called Wooldridge Square, is a special green space in downtown Austin, Texas. It's like a big city block with a natural dip in the middle. This dip forms a natural amphitheater, which is a place where people can sit and watch performances. In the very center, there's a bandstand, a small stage for music or speeches. This park is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Park's Beginnings
Wooldridge Park is one of four original public squares planned for downtown Austin. These squares were part of the city's first layout, called the Waller Plan, created by Edwin Waller in 1839. For about 70 years, this spot was just an empty piece of land.
A New Era for the Park
In 1909, people in Austin felt a lot of civic pride, meaning they were proud of their city. The mayor at the time, Alexander Penn Wooldridge, decided to make the square beautiful. He helped clean it up and built a lovely classical revival-style gazebo. A gazebo is a small, open building, often used for events.
The park officially opened on June 18, 1909. It was a big celebration, and Mayor Wooldridge gave a special speech to dedicate the park.
Keeping Its Purpose
Wooldridge Park is unique because it's the only one of the original four public squares that is still used as a park today. The other three squares changed over time. They became things like parking lots, a fire station, a church, a museum, and even places for businesses.
A Protected View
From Wooldridge Park, you can see the Texas State Capitol building. This view is very important! It's part of the Texas Capitol View Corridors. These are special pathways where the view of the Capitol must be protected. Since 1983, state and local laws have made sure that tall buildings don't block this amazing view from the park.
