Neighborhood Organizations
Friends of Patterson Park
Friends of Patterson Park (FoPP) has been working to beautify and improve the park since 2002. Some of our initiatives include the planting of dozens of trees over several different plantings; playground improvements; the creation of and improvements to a perimeter trail; regular mulching of trees; installation of pool house mosaic, skateboard halfpipe, shade over the baby pool, Purple Martin nesting site; and the design and installation of a community garden. We’ve received grants from the Austin Parks Foundation, Neighborhood Partnering Program, and more. For more information, contact FoPP Chair Jennifer Potter-Miller. You can visit friendsofpattersonpark.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Maplewood Elementary
Our neighborhood school serves children in Pre-Kindergarden through 6th grade. Opened in 1952, the school is known for its diverse student body and its motto, “Increase the Peace.” The school is rated exemplary in the areas of overall performance, the fine arts, wellness and physical education, community and parental involvement, digital learning environment, dropout prevention strategies, educational programs for gifted and talented students, its Second Language Acquisition Program and its 21st Century Workforce Development Program. It has an active community of parents and families, and host fall and spring festivals that are open to neighbors. To learn more, stop by, call 512-414-4402, or visit maplewoodelementary.com.
Plant and Book Swap
The Cherrywood Plant and Book Swap is a held in the spring and fall, and is an opportunity for neighbors to share the bounty in their yards and bookshelves. It is a great opportunity to talk about gardening, clean out garden beds and bookshelves, get organized, and go green. Plus it’s free. Stop by the Cherrywood Green (located at Cherrywood and E. 34th St.) to trade your hardy plant for Thomas Hardy. You don’t have to bring a plant or book to participate.
The event is co-hosted by Jack Darby and Ericka Allbright. For more information, contact Jack Darby at jdlink@yahoo.com or visit cherrywoodswap.com.
Cherrywood Parents
Cherrywood Parents is a group for neighbors with babies and young children. It hosts community events and serves as a hyper-local network for sharing resources and information. To join visit the Facebook group page.
Friends of Cherrywood Green
Several years ago a group of neighbors decided to develop the vacant, neglected lot at the corner of Cherrywood and 34th St. into a pocket park. The Green is now an urban garden space and the location for many neighborhood events, including the 4th of July celebration and long-running plant and book swap.
FROG coordinates regular maintenance of the Green, including mowing and mulching, as well as special projects like the installation of steps down to the creek. For information about volunteer opportunities and events, watch the NeighborNet or contact Mike Damal at mdamal@grandecom.net.
Friends and Lovers of Willowbrook Reach
FLWR is a group of neighbors dedicated to caring for Willowbrook Reach, one of the few publicly-accessible wild spaces remaining on Boggy Creek. The Willowbrook Reach greenbelt is a natural gem nestled within Austin’s urban core where neighbors meet to walk, herons fish, snapping turtles breed, and butterflies and owls fly.
Members organize regular creek cleanups to help keep it clear of garbage, plant plants and more. For more information, visit flwr.blogspot.com or email flwr78722@gmail.com.