Historic Mount Bonnell to see changes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - From afternoon picnics to wedding engagements, Mount Bonnell is a staple of Austin. People from all over and locals visit the park to take in the best views of the city.

Now there are some plans to improve the look of the park itself. Volunteers with The West Point Society of Central Texas have partnered with the City of Austin Parks and Recreations Department  to  make some improvements. The plans include landscaping, adding benches, and even replacing the historical monument at the very top.

"The proposed improvements are just trying to green up the space," said Rey Hernandez, a landscape architect with the Parks and Recreation Department, "Right now, it's basically just decomposed granite and a brownish color, so we will just liven it up with some green color."

Planners would like some input, so they're hosting a public meeting. The meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mayfield House and Nature Preserve located at 3505 W. 35th St. They'll give the public a preview of the plans and ask for feedback.

Since the 1850s both tourists and locals have been trekking up the stone staircase to get to the top of Mount Bonnell. The top is nearly 800 feet above sea level.

"It's really pretty. It's a good view," said Lindsay Tatum, who was visiting Mount Bonnell for the first time Thursday. She just moved to Austin a month ago.

Like just about everyone who visits the park, she didn't leave without snapping some pictures.

Pam Salada can relate. She's visited Mount Bonnell more than a dozen times, and always shares the favorite spot with others.

"It's a fun place to bring people that come to visit," Salada said, "You have a good view of  the lake, and it's just another part of Austin."

Visitors like the historc feel Mount Bonnell has.

"I like that it's really rocky, and it's really Texas beauty," said Tyler Van Patten.

Tatum agrees, saying the natural beauty is what makes it so unique. She says the proposed plans will only enhance it.

"It's pretty, but it could use improvement." Tatum said.

That is exactly the plan of The West Point Society and the city of Austin.

"Basically, it's just a nice enhancement," said  Hernandez, "It will be a nice improvement to the park itself."

Mount Bonnell has quite a history. It was a strategic site for Austin's early settlers; a place where the city's defenders could watch for attacks from tribes or Mexican troops. But as those threats faded, it became a popular place for sightseeing. Oh, and romance.

According to legend, the first time a couple climbs to the top of Mount Bonnell, they'll fall in love. The second time, they'll get engaged. The legend says they'll marry on the third visit.