2020 Locals Love Us favorite park: Johnson Park

When people in Marble Falls say, "Meet me at the park," you almost always know which one.
To most residents, "The Park" is Johnson Park.
Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Charles Watkins knows why. 
“It’s become part of the lifestyle of Marble Falls,” he said.
Enjoying that lifestyle are The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners, who selected Johnson Park as their Locals Love Us favorite park in the Marble Falls area.
Watkins stopped being surprised by the accolades a long time ago. Those honors include multiple Locals Love Us awards and being named a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society in 2016. The park, 230 Avenue J South, has been in existence for more than 130 years.
Visitors to the park launch their boat or fish on Backbone Creek, play sand volleyball on its court, enjoy picnics and barbecues at its tables and pits, and lounge under shady pecan and oak trees.
Others bring their canine companions for walks or to romp in the off-leash area. League teams play soccer or softball on the Johnson Park fields. Festival-goers enjoy MayFest and the Howdy-Roo chili and barbecue cook-offs. 
The Parks and Recreation Department often hosts free summer movies at Johnson Park.
With all that it has to offer, it’s no wonder Johnson Park remains the favorite in Marble Falls. 
“It’s the cultural center of the heart of Marble Falls,” Watkins said. “It’s the place where community experiences community.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com