Convict Hill Quarry Park

Oak Hill Combined Neighborhood Plan--from the City of Austin

2008-02-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/npzd/oakhill/Plan%20Doc%20Jan%202008/10_parks_trails.pdf to see the full plan

The Convict Hill Quarry Park section is above.

2007 Keep Austin Beautiful Award Winners!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-05T11:33:00.000-06:00

After reviewing over 50 applications and hours of judging, Friends of Convict Hill Quarry Park have been chosen as the Keep Austin Beautiful (KAB) Award WINNER for Community Involvement! We will be recognized at an awards ceremony on 6 February 2008.

We will use our grant money: 1) to build a Chimney Swift tower, 2) to build a rock wall along the east side of the property and, 3) to a waterfall along the western trail to address drainage from a retention pond up the hill.

Look for big changes in the park in 2008!

Dr. Jim Turney wins Oak Hill Citizen of the Year!

2007-12-13T07:36:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all you have done to create awareness about our project in the community, Jim.

How to donate money & What's on the schedule for January?

2007-12-12T22:18:00.000-06:00

Reviewing this blog will give you a small view into the effort our neighborhood has put forth in the restoration of the park. We have received grant money two years in a row from the Austin Parks Foundation but we need more to help with our 2008 goals, including the building of a waterfall and chimney swift. You will also find a detailed review of future plans in the blog. To donate: Write a check out to "Austin Parks Foundation" and write "Convict Hill Quarry Park" on the memo line. Mail your check to: Austin Parks Foundation; 701 Brazos, Suite 170; Austin, TX 78701.

8 December 2007 work day--preparing for waterfall construction

2007-12-11T23:33:00.000-06:00

These are the stacks of rocks we collected and will be using for the waterfall construction.

8 December 2007 work day--preparing for waterfall construction

2007-12-11T23:31:00.001-06:00

Perspective of the whole area where we'll be working

8 December 2007 work day--preparing for waterfall construction

2007-12-11T23:30:00.001-06:00

A close-up of the existing waterfall area

8 December 2007 work day--preparing for waterfall construction

2007-12-11T23:26:00.002-06:00

At the western edge of the property we have to contend with drainage from 2 huge retention ponds. To prevent further erosion and standing water on the trail we are going to construct a waterfall with large flat rocks from within the park stacked upon one another, following the slope uphill. The new waterfall will divert the water to one of 2 retention ponds, then slowly downhill. This photo is of the western trail approaching the waterfall area.

8 December 2007 work day--group photo

2007-12-11T23:26:00.001-06:00

8 December 2007 work day--"American Gothic" Convict Hill Quarry Park style!

2007-12-11T23:21:00.000-06:00

What do a bunch of weary volunteers do with 2 pitchforks? Recreate Grant Wood's "American Gothic", of course.

8 December 2007 work day--the dreaded stump is gone!!!!!!!

2007-12-11T23:17:00.000-06:00

We tried spray painting it, tying a safety orange ribbon on it and warning each other about it. Gary and I have tripped over this stump at least 4000 times during the last 3 years. It finally rotted enough for Gary to attack it with a pick axe! Gary, thanks for killing this nasty stump.

8 December 2007 work day--recovering the trail with mulch

2007-12-11T23:13:00.001-06:00

After all the rocks were neatly arranged like a perfect puzzle we recovered the trail with mulch.

8 December 2007 work day--arranging rocks

2007-12-08T16:13:00.000-06:00

The trail along the eastern side of the park close to the back of the property retained water after heavy rains. We solved the problem by raising the trail about 5 inches. We started by raking back the mulch. Volunteers collected flat rocks and we pieced them together flagstone-style. While we really liked the beautiful rock pattern, it was not fun to walk on (think sprained ankle city!). So, we covered the flat rocks with dirt and raked back the original mulch. Voila! No more water retention!

8 December 2007 work day--a recap

2007-12-08T16:01:00.000-06:00

We had some seriously warm and humid weather for our work day today, with a record high in the mid 80s! Over 20 volunteers graciously gave their time and effort, including 3 neighborhood families with their children. It's so refreshing to see children appreciate nature and work incredibly hard while spending time with their parents! We raised an 80 foot section of low-lying trail near the back of the property, pulled out a nuisance stump we have all tripped over at least 12,000 times and began collecting very large and heavy flat rocks for our waterfall construction. We had the honor of having a Master Naturalist volunteer her time today; she worked with Joan removing nuisance invasives. Thanks so much ladies! Oh, and then there was the "Convict Hill Quarry Park" rendition of Grant Wood's American Gothic.

Our park wins 2006-2007 Adopt a Park Partners award!

2007-11-09T20:30:00.000-06:00

The winners of this award were determined by City of Austin Parks and Recreation nominations. We received the Outstanding Neighborhood Association of the Year award! Joan Singh, our wonderful guide and partner, received an Outstanding Staff Leverage Award. Our award is a piece of the historic Treaty Oak...so cool!

What will we be doing in November?

2007-10-18T18:18:00.001-05:00

Check out our new November flyer

13 October 2007 work day

2007-10-16T18:22:00.000-05:00

The second group gathered dirt sending it through a "filter" to remove large rocks. We used the dirt to fill in between the flat rock foundation, effectively raising the trail several inches.

13 October 2007 work day

2007-10-16T18:00:00.000-05:00

We worked in two groups with the common goal of raising the trail in several low-lying areas. This group collected flat rocks from the property and arranged them as the "foundation".

Oak Hill Gazette--Dedication Day

2007-10-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

We had countless volunteers and neighbors attend our park dedication. Thank you to Oak Hill Gazette journalist Mike Jordan for his continual support by keeping our project "in the news."

How can you help? See our October update flyer

2007-10-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

You'll find our plans for the park improvements in this flyer. We need financial help! Please write a check to "Austin Parks Foundation" with "Convict Hill Quarry Park"on the memo line. Mail the check to: Austin Parks Foundation; 701 Brazos, Suite 170; Austin, TX 78701

We received our second Austin Parks Foundation Grant!

2007-10-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

Convict Hill Quarry Park was one of only seven parks to receive a grant from the Austin Parks Foundation!!!!!!!!!! We plan to use the money to erect a chimney swift tower, build a waterfall to control seepage, and extend a rock wall along the front of the park. Here is the public announcement of our award: http://www.austinparks.org/npg.html

Many, many thanks to Gary Anderson and Dr. Jim Turney for their hard work in writing our grant request.

Work dates for the rest of 2007-January 2008

2007-10-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

**Work hours are 9:00am - 12:00pm on all work days**
September 15-We removed huge stands of Johnson grass and weeds at the front of the park, relined trails with rocks, removed unwanted growth throughout the trail system, and raked mulch.
October 13-We worked on low-lying areas of the trail prone to flooding by raking back mulch, laying a base of flat rock, filling with dirt and re-covering with mulch. We raised each area several inches to make the trails walkable and help with drainage issues after rain.
November 10-We worked on more low-lying areas of trail prone to flooding
December 8-We had a *huge* turnout--21 volunteers!!! We worked on a long section of low-lying trail, pulled invasives and collected large flat rocks for our waterfall. It was a most productive work day!
January 12

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

We started with two *huge* stands of Johnson grass and countless weeds in front of the park as well as unwanted growth all over the trails.

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T08:07:00.000-05:00

We had lots of tools thanks to Gary Anderson, Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Keep Austin Beautiful.

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T08:03:00.000-05:00

Refreshments were provided by Giss's cafe. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wonderful volunteers cleared trails, removed weeds, replaced rocks lining trails and raked mulch. Thank you very much for all of your help!

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

Johnson grass and weeds disappeared!

15 September 2007 work day--our first fall 2007 work day

2007-10-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

The completion of the facelift! We filled many bags and created piles of nuisance Johnson grass and weeds.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T22:55:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Valinda Bolton, Dr. Jim Turney, The Honorable Lloyd Doggett

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T22:44:00.000-05:00

The ribbon cutting

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T22:24:00.001-05:00

American Youthworks group shots after the ceremony. We could not have done this without you guys! Thank you very much.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Warren Struss, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, addresses the crowd.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T21:49:00.001-05:00

Parc Smith (American Youthworks) addresses the crowd.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T21:45:00.001-05:00

The Honorable Lloyd Doggett addresses the crowd.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T21:36:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Valinda Bolton addresses the crowd.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

Joan Singh, Park Grounds Supervisor, South Austin, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, addresses the crowd.

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

What a crowd we had!

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T19:12:00.000-05:00

Warren Struss, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, signs certificates while Joan Singh, Park Grounds Supervisor, South Austin, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, assists :).

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T18:58:00.001-05:00

Pictures from before the ceremony

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

Pictures from before the ceremony

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T18:41:00.000-05:00

Parc Smith (American Youth Works), Lynda DeGroot (Central Texas Trail Tamers), Charlie McCabe (Austin Parks Foundation)

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

Gary Anderson, Heidi Armstrong Smith, The Honorable Lloyd Doggett, Dr. Jim Turney

Convict Hill Quarry Park Dedication 21 April 2007

2007-10-09T18:10:00.000-05:00

Together with Joan Singh (Austin Parks and Recreation Department), The Honorable Valinda Bolton and The Honorable Lloyd Doggett, we officially dedicated our park on 21 April, 2007. About 75 volunteers and community members attended, including many of the American Youthworks crew who contributed immensely to our project.

American Youthworks carving the bench at the front of the park

2007-10-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

Our bench is a real work of art!

After It’s My Park Day 14 April 2007

2007-10-09T17:48:00.001-05:00

We added the horizontal members of the fence along the front of the property, built a waterfall to help with drainage and added a step onto the ledge on the western side of the property.

After It’s My Park Day 14 April 2007

2007-10-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

Check out how awesome the park looks after It's My Park Day!!!!!!!! Thank you to all of those who put in some major elbow grease to make this happen. Below you'll see the results of an Eagle Scout project--a completed stone wall at the front of the park. When you are inside of the park and look out to the street this is what you'll see.

It’s My Park Day 14 April 2007

2007-10-09T17:11:00.001-05:00

It’s My Park Day 14 April 2007

2007-10-09T16:56:00.000-05:00

We had a very successful event with about 75 volunteers, mostly Boy Scouts (and fathers) working on an Eagle Scout project. There were 3 major scout projects. One was building a rock wall across the front (sidewalk) section of the park, another was creating a runoff for water coming from the drainage of the condos to the west, and one was building a step from the ledge near the western rear of the park. Other projects included attaching rails to the fence, general cleanup, removing some unwanted growth, and more rocks and mulch for trails.

The park looks great! One stone bench is finished (on the ledge) and the other is still being carved. Now there is just one entrance, which will lead visitors to the trail system. Our "curb appeal" is outstanding.

Oak Hill Gazette--How Convict Hill Got its Name

2007-10-09T16:50:00.000-05:00

Texas Leadership Council--24 March 2007

2007-03-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of unexpected help!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-26T19:03:00.001-05:00

On 24 March, 2007, 39 college students with the Texas Leadership Council put in 4 hours of exemplary work at the park! The students are presidents and student executives from a variety of Texas Universities. They finished every last inch of trail, including a stone bridge, leveling off areas in the trail we always trip on, hauled out brush, and improved the appearance of a drainage area by lining it with rock. Believe it or not, we almost ran out of mulch lining trails. We thought we had enough mulch to last into the next century! Thank you everyone for your diligent work; the park looks absolutely AMAZING!

Sign up to work with us on It's My Park! Day--14 April

2007-03-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/APF/event/index.jsp?event_KEY=22418&t=IMPD%20Template.dwt
From the Austin Parks Foundation website:
It’s My Park! Day is an annual community service day focused on improvements to Austin’s park system. This year, we hope to have 1,500 volunteers at 50 different park projects. You'll get a super-cool tee shirt, a goodie bag, and a chance to make a difference at a park near you!

How to help Convict Hill Quarry Park with a donation

2007-03-07T17:37:00.000-06:00

We need assistance with building our fence, and with more park amenities such as benches, trees and shrubs, water fountain, and trail markers.

To donate, make your check payable to Austin Parks Foundation and mail checks to:

Austin Parks Foundation
Attn: Rosie Weaver
701 Brazos Street Suite 170
Austin, TX 78701

Make sure to write "Convict Hill Quarry Park" in the memo line on your check, and include our name in any correspondence. Any donation is tax deductible and you will receive a letter confirming your donation to our park for tax purposes.

Thank you so much for your help!

21 April 2007--The official dedication of Convict Hill Quarry Park

2007-03-07T14:46:00.000-06:00

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department
and
“Friends of Convict Hill Quarry Park”

cordially invite you to
the official dedication of

Convict Hill Quarry Park

6511 Convict Hill Road, Austin 78749

April 21, 2007

and to celebrate the accomplishment of restoring the park
by community volunteers and others.

Starting with an overgrown and debris-filled area,
there is now an inviting setting with a system of trails,
stone benches, cedar fence, wildflowers, and other improvements,
It is a neighborhood gem, now enjoyed by many visitors.

The dedication will be held at 9:30 am

For information, contact:

Volunteer Coordinator: Jim Turney
drjet@austin.rr.com

Park Grounds Supervisor, South Austin: Joan Singh
Joan.Singh@ci.austin.tx.us

Also see
http://convicthillquarrypark.blogspot.com/

American Youthworks rolls in the first boulder to make a stone bench

2007-03-07T14:36:00.000-06:00

The Friends of the Convict Hill Quarry Park work with Parc Smith and his American Youthworks team (thanks to the grant we received from the Austin Parks Foundation--read on in the blog for more information) to tackle big jobs in the park. They recently completed installing rough cedar fence posts along the front of the park property. Their second job entails rolling two giant (over 1 ton) boulders into the park and carving them into stone benches. We located one bench centrally in the park, and we hope another can be rolled onto the ledge on the western trail. We chose both spots based on their view of the park and their location under nice shade trees.

American Youthworks--Building a natural fence along the front of the park

2007-03-07T14:23:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of Terrence Gahan and his team.

American Youthworks--Building a natural fence along the front of the park

2007-03-07T14:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Parc Smith, Terrence Gahan and his entire team for installing beautiful rough cedar fence posts along the front of the park. We are so impressed with your hard work!

We accomplished much on our 10 February 2007 work day!

2007-02-18T18:55:00.000-06:00

Mother Nature threw us a quite curve ball the weekend of 13 January, turning the Quarry Park into a giant puddle then into a Winter Wonderland, forcing us to reschedule our work day to 20 January. She decided we needed more rain, so we cancelled our January work day to save our energy for 10 February. We had about 10 volunteers diligently working to clear broken cedar trees from the ice storm, a huge task. Additionally, we extended the southern and western trails. We cleared a stack of stones that someone had piled on the southern trail and we connected the stone boundary of the trail to the new sidewalk at the entrance. Pesky stumps were removed from the trails too! We also spread more mulch on the trails at the south end of the park. We are having a park dedication April 21. It is officially approved. And Congressman Doggett is attending, along with many local officials. The benches and fenceposts are to be installed soon. We still have a lot of work to do. Next work day is March 10, then the city-wide It's My Park day on April 14. Please plan to join us for these, and for the dedication.

Winter Wonderland at the park--Look at the ice on the sign!

2007-01-16T23:26:00.000-06:00

Winter Wonderland at the park

2007-01-16T23:22:00.000-06:00

Winter Wonderland at the park

2007-01-16T23:07:00.000-06:00

16 January 2007--during the winter storm. The park looks beautiful!

We have a sidewalk!

2007-01-16T22:59:00.000-06:00

The City of Austin completed sidewalk construction from just west of the park property all the way east to the end of the block at Robert Kleberg Drive! They worked swiftly and in coordination with the Friends of Convict Hill Quarry Park, welcoming our input. They constructed the sidewalk all the way to the curb to cut down on unnecessary weed pulling and maintenance, and created a curved area to join our entrance. Thank you very much City of Austin!

Additional pictures of the masterpiece bridge construction from 2 December, 2006, work day

2007-01-02T15:16:00.000-06:00

Donation from First State Bank Central Texas

2007-01-02T15:03:00.000-06:00

Bank Vice President Patrick Johnson makes a donation on behalf of the First State Bank Central Texas at our 2 December, 2006, work day. Left to right--Heidi, Gary, Jim and Patrick

University Rotary Club

2007-01-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

We made tremendous progress on our 2 December, 2006, work day thanks to the University Rotary Club.

Building the stone bridge on our 2 December, 2006, work day

2007-01-02T15:00:00.000-06:00

More pictures from our 2 December 2006, work day

2007-01-02T14:51:00.000-06:00

More pictures from our 2 December 2006, work day

2007-01-02T14:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you University Rotary Club!

Sidewalk progress on 21 December 2006

2006-12-21T17:39:00.000-06:00

Sidewalk progress on 20 December 2006

2006-12-21T08:49:00.000-06:00

Pictures of the sidewalk meeting our park entrance (December 20, 2006)

2006-12-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

Thank you City of Austin!

2006-12-20T13:07:00.000-06:00

There used to be a goat path in front of the Convict Hill Quarry Park. With the increasing foot traffic to the park, we agreed a sidewalk was necessary. We have been working with the city for about one year to get a sidewalk in front of the property and down the block. The City was even kind enough to create an attractive curved entrance to join with the entrance we created within the park. They started construction this week (18 December 2006)! Here are some pictures of the progress.

A beautiful bridge -- 2 December 2006

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New sections of the western trail -- 2 December 2006

2006-12-08T18:47:00.000-06:00

Spreading mulch on our 2 December 2006 work day

2006-12-08T18:39:00.000-06:00

2 December 2006 -- A very productive work day!

2006-12-08T18:32:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the University Rotary club and wonderful neighbors for the tremendous progress we made on the western trail! We lined trails with rocks, removed brush, spread mulch and even built a rock bridge.

Brush removed from the Western Trail on 7 October 2006 work day

2006-11-08T19:08:00.000-06:00

Western Trail "before" pictures from 7 October 2006 work day

2006-11-08T19:06:00.000-06:00

Western Trail "before" pictures from 7 October 2006 work day

2006-11-08T19:03:00.000-06:00

Western Trail "before" pictures from 7 October 2006 work day

2006-11-08T18:48:00.000-06:00

The park receives more media coverage in the Oak Hill Gazette!

2006-10-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

Click on each part of the article to view a larger version. In the interest of space the article appears out of order. Follow the letters alphabetically as you read each section.

The Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods (OHAN) supports our effort. Visit their website...

2006-09-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

...and scroll down a bit to find information on the Convict Hill Quarry Park. What a community effort this has become!
http://www.ohan.org/

See the public announcement of our grant at the Austin Parks Foundation website!

2006-09-07T15:15:00.000-05:00

http://www.austinparks.org/npg.html

We received a grant, now we need your help! (Click on the flyer below to view a larger version)

2006-09-02T18:25:00.000-05:00

Where in the world is Convict Hill Quarry Park????

2006-08-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

The park is located in southwest Austin, Texas, at 6511 Convict Hill Road. It is situated on Convict Hill Road between Escarpment Boulevard and Highway 290W.

Below is a link to the park on Google Maps:
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=6511+Convict+hill+road+austin,+tx&ie=UTF8&ll=30.228259,-97.871747&spn=0.016723,0.042572&om=1

Media Coverage! Oak Hill Gazette Article

2006-08-22T18:13:00.000-05:00

Our park is becoming quite the neighborhood gem! To increase traffic into the park, community involvement and awareness we contacted our local newspaper, the Oak Hill Gazette. Click on each part of the article to view a larger version.

Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have a Plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-21T18:04:00.000-05:00

Friends of Quarry Park
Fall 2006 – Spring 2007 Master Plan

Work Days 2006 (all work days are 9am - noon)
October 7-We made tremendous progress on the western trail.
November 4-We planted wildflower seeds and hauled brush out of the park.
December 2-We built a stone bridge, spread lots of mulch and extended the western trail.
Work Days 2007 (all work days are 9am - noon)
January 13-Our work day was canceled due to ice; check out the blog for great pictures of the park as a winter wonderland!
February 10-We cleared at ton of fallen limbs from the ice storm, spread mulch and extended the southern and western trails.
March 10-We worked on trails and cleared brush.
April 14 (It’s My Park Day)-9:00am - 1:00pm
Park Dedication-April 21, 2007

Phase I
Brush Removal
Tools Needed
· Gloves, wheelbarrows

Personnel
· Volunteers

Process
1. Place limbs, branches, brush, stumps and logs near the road, east of the entrance, just above the cedar mulch piles. Parks and Recreation Department will mulch or remove this for us.

Entrance Enhancement
Tools Needed
· Pickaxe, hoes, gloves, weed eater, wheelbarrow, shovel, rake

Personnel
· Volunteers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts

Process
1. Pull rocks out of the entrance area trail bed, and all along the curb to make mowing easier. These rocks can be placed in one pile inside the park entrance, or used in trail building.
2. Pull, weed eat or hoe weeds growing at edge of park, where mowing isn’t possible.
3. Pick up litter and small rocks all along the front of the park, to make mowing easier and safer. Smooth rough areas, or even out the soil with a rake or shovel.
4. Pile rocks in front of natural wall that runs parallel to Convict Hill Road.
5. Spread mulch on a make shift sidewalk, to make walking easier, and to lead people to the park when walking by to the entrance.

Trail Maintenance
Tools Needed
· Gloves, wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, tree trimmers, hoes, weed eater

Personnel
· Volunteers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts

Process
1. Hoe or weed eat weeds that have grown inside the trail bed.
2. Add mulch to thin areas, or where mulch has washed away.
3. Replace rocks in trail edge where missing, or where needed.
4. Trim tree branches that have grown into the walk area.

Stacked Rock Walls below Entrance
Tools Needed
· Gloves, shovels, pickaxe, rock hammer

Personnel
· Volunteers, Trail Tamers

Process
1. Gather limestone found throughout the park, and dug from the general area where wall is to be built.
2. Stones are to be set in horizontal lines, with the lowest course utilizing the largest stones, and the highest stones using the smaller flat stones.
3. Use interesting stones, especially those that show drilling from original Quarry.
4. Slant each course to the rear of the wall to keep the wall from falling.
5. Fill back side of each course with gravel, smaller rocks and soil.

Western Trail
Tools Needed
· Gloves, Wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, hoes, tree branch trimmers, possibly saw or chainsaw

Personnel
· Volunteers, especially Bill Scheick

Process
1. Mark trees or limbs to be removed.
2. Trim branches and small trees from the trail bed and walk area.
3. Use limestone found throughout the park for the edging of the trails. The edging should be 6-8 inches high and 6-8 inches wide. The trail itself should be 3-4 feet wide. Trails have been marked with small orange flags. Trails on solid rock or in heavily wooded areas do not need the rock edging.
4. Use pointed and larger rocks to build the edging, rather than flat stones. It is better to use the limestone spread out on the ground, rather than stones from the quarry piles.
5. Dig up rocks within the trail boundaries, to make a level trail and prevent tripping.
6. Remove stumps from the trail bed.
7. Smooth the bed of the trail with a rake or a hoe.
8. Spread cedar mulch onto the trail, about 1-2 inches thick.
9. Keep trails at least 50 feet from the nearest park boundary, except below the water retention areas.

Southwestern Trail
Tools Needed
· Gloves, Wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, hoes, tree branch trimmers, possibly saw or chainsaw

Personnel
· Volunteers, especially Bill Scheick

Process
1. Use limestone found throughout the park for the edging of the trails. The edging should be 6-8 inches high and 6-8 inches wide. The trail itself should be 3-4 feet wide. Trails have been marked with small orange flags. Trails on solid rock or in heavily wooded areas do not need the rock edging.
2. Use pointed and larger rocks to build the edging, rather than flat stones. It is better to use the limestone spread out on the ground, rather than stones from the quarry piles.
3. Dig up rocks within the trail boundaries, to make a level trail and prevent tripping.
4. Remove stumps, if possible from the trail bed.
5. Smooth the bed of the trail with a rake or a hoe.
6. Spread cedar mulch onto the trail, about 1-2 inches thick.
7. Trim branches from around and immediately over the trails.
8. Keep trails at least 50 feet from the nearest neighbor's fence.

Phase II
Sidewalk
Tools Needed
· None

Personnel
· Heidi, Gary, Jim

Process
1. Continue communication with the city to ascertain when sidewalk will be built, trying to have sidewalk built before Park Dedication.
2. Suggest to city planner and the construction crew to build sidewalk right along the curb.
3. We will plant wildflowers between sidewalk and the park to minimize mowing once sidewalk has been completed.

Wildflower Seed Dispersal
Tools Needed
· Gloves, broadcast spreader

Personnel
· Volunteers

Process
1. Broadcast flower seed along front of park, and in open places within the park.

Stone Benches
Tools Needed
· None

Personnel
· E-Corps

Process
1. Determine locations for the benches.
2. Communicate with Parc to determine when benches can be built.

Stone Steps onto Ridge
Tools Needed
· Rock hammer, cement, mortar, level

Personnel
· E-Corps or Volunteers

Process
1. Determine locations for the step onto the ridge.
2. Communicate with Parc to determine when step can be built, hopefully along with benches.

Tree and Stump Removal
Tools Needed
· Saws, shovels, stump puller, chainsaw

Personnel
· PARD Personnel, Volunteers

Process
1. Mark trees or large limbs to be removed, especially dead cedar trees.
2. Obtain approval from PARD.
3. Remove trees or limbs to curbside for mulching or removal.

Phase III
Fence Building
Tools Needed
· Post hole digger (manual or motorized), saw or chainsaw, drill, level, ratchet socket set, bolts, cement, mastic, truck and trailer (to pick up the posts)

Personnel
· Volunteers, PARD

Process
1. Transport posts from dog behavioral property.
2. Cut posts into 6 foot lengths, using thicker posts.
3. Cut rails into 6 foot lengths, using thinner posts.
4. Mark where fence and posts will be located, starting at entrance and working along front of the park, parallel to Convict Hill Road.
5. Dig post holes 2 feet deep, and 6 feet apart.
6. Apply mastic to bottom of posts.
7. Insert posts into post holes, leveling posts.
8. Pack posts with cement or gravel.
9. Drill holes for bolts into posts and end of each rail.
10. Attach rails to posts with bolts, making two courses of rails at top, and 2 feet from the top of the posts.

Phase IV
Historical Markers and Signage
Tools Needed
· Funding

Personnel
· Heidi, Jim, Gary

Process
1. Write history and fill out the application.
2. Submit application and documentation to county historical commission (CHC) for review and approval.
3. CHC forwards signed and approved application to Texas Historical Commission (THC).
4. THC reviews application; additional information and/or clarification may be requested.
5. Once the THC approves application, request will be made for payment of foundry costs.
6. Choose marker type.
7. Forward payment to THC.
8. THC prepares draft inscription and submits it to applicant and CHC for review.
9. THC sends final approved inscription to foundry for casting.
10. Foundry ships completed marker.
11. Applicant and CHC plan marker dedication ceremony.
12. THC staff enters marker into the Texas Historic Sites Atlas, an online inventory of marker information and inscriptions.

Our Austin Parks Foundation Website

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http://www.austinparks.org/Partners/Quarry.html

The Austin Parks Foundation has been instrumental in our park's evolution.

The Convict Hill Quarry Park has an email address!

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To contact us regarding future work dates, service projects for your scouts or other volunteer organizations, and any other questions, please email convicthillquarrypark@gmail.com.

An almost finished rock wall—10 June 2006

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Building a rock wall inside the entrance—June 10, 2006

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It’s My Park Day 22 April 2006

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An impressive amount of brush removed on February 4, 2006

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Our first work day on 16 April 2005, involved clearing enough brush to fill 2 giant dumpsters and then some...

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History of Convict Hill Quarry Park

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The Story of Convict Hill Quarry Park
By Heidi Armstrong Smith

The Texas State capital building, crowned with the Goddess of Liberty, reaches taller than the US Capital building in Washington, DC. The original design called for a limestone structure, but everyone knows the building appears to be made of sunset red granite (from Granite Mountain in Burnet County). Herein lies a fascinating story.

In 1881 the original capital building burned to the ground; only a pile of ashes remained. Officials decided the building must be reconstructed, of limestone, in a grand fashion. A spot south of town, Oatmanville (to be renamed Oak Hill) was negotiated as a quarry site, to which a railroad spur was built. The labor was supplied by the State of Texas. Convict Hill got its name because 8 convicts died while quarrying limestone between 1882 and 1885.

Texas’s first labor strike occurred in 1885. Stonecutters quarrying stone for our present State Capitol Building went on strike when a transient, who refused to join their union, hired on at a dollar a day less than the union men and then did more work. "Brock" was the offender's name. Union cutters threatened to walk out of the Oak Hill Quarry (now Convict Hill) if Brock was allowed to stay. Brock stood his ground, and the strike was on.

After the builders discovered that the limestone was too soft to support the grand design and contained flecks of iron that rusted and stained freshly dressed stones, granite from Marble Falls became the next material of choice. Although the limestone was unsuitable for the exterior of the building, stone from the quarry was used for the foundation and basement walls, cross walls, and backing for the exterior walls as well as elsewhere in the structure. Before the end of 1884 nearly 280,000 cubic feet of limestone had been delivered from the Oatmanville quarry. The rail line was abandoned and the rails removed in 1888.

Forward to early 2005 when Dr. Jim Turney created the Friends of the Convict Hill Quarry Park. Seeing the official Parks Sign erected in front of the property, Dr. Turney posted a flyer asking neighbors to help in the clean up of the park. Our first work day was scheduled April 16th, 2005, and 16 neighbors answered the call to help.

The entire front of the property was blocked by a wall of brush about 30 feet long, 10 feet high and 15 feet wide. One could not even access the property. On that day we filled two large dumpsters and lined the curb with a huge pile of brush. Subsequent work days have brought together the community to clean and enhance the park. Volunteers now include neighbors, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, interested families and individuals from all over Austin.

We are also working with: Joan Singh, Park Grounds Supervisor with Austin Parks & Recreation Department; Butch Smith, Senior Planner with Austin Parks & Recreation Department; Parc Smith, Superintendent with Environmental Corps; Lynda DeGroot with Central Texas Trail Tamers and a master naturalist. We brought together a team of diverse individuals, each focusing in their area of expertise, contributing immensely to the restoration of the park land. We have grown from a handful of neighborhood volunteers to a city-wide team. Jim, Gary and I are elated that others have the same vision we have...turning our little park into a neighborhood gem.

Several months ago we took the "shotgun" approach when seeking assistance. We contacted all of the people mentioned above, thinking one or two would choose to assist. They all noticed our commitment to the park after visiting and witnessing the improvements we had made. They fed off of our energy, and literally overnight we now have an entire team of experts willing to assist.

Now not only do we have a beautiful park, but we also have a brilliant piece of Texas history.

Resources
1) Richard Zelade’s website, http://www.io.com/~xeke/index.htm
2) http://www.awpi.com/
3) www.ohan.org
4) www.tsha.utexas.edu
5) http://www.preservationtexas.org/