{"data":{"site":{"siteMetadata":{"title":"awst.in","author":"EB"}},"markdownRemark":{"id":"776e9cff-8059-5fc1-aa46-73c0a93a7ec3","excerpt":"Mayfield Park and Preserve Address:  3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703 Hours:  Daily 5am–10pm Cost:  Free   The Hook A 1920s cottage garden…","html":"<h1>Mayfield Park and Preserve</h1>\n<p><strong>Address:</strong> 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703<br>\n<strong>Hours:</strong> Daily 5am–10pm<br>\n<strong>Cost:</strong> Free  </p>\n<h2>The Hook</h2>\n<p>A 1920s cottage garden on the edge of Lake Austin, famous for its resident peacocks that roam freely through the grounds.</p>\n<h2>Key Facts</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>21-acre preserve with a historic 1920s cottage, formal gardens, and natural woodland</li>\n<li>Home to a free-roaming flock of peacocks and peahens — they’ve been here for decades</li>\n<li>The formal garden features koi ponds and native plantings</li>\n<li>Borders the Colorado River/Lake Austin waterfront</li>\n<li>Managed by the City of Austin; the cottage interior is occasionally open for events</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Story / History</h2>\n<p>Mary Bess Mayfield and her husband Allison acquired the property in the 1920s and developed the cottage and formal gardens as their private retreat. Mary Bess was a dedicated naturalist and gardener who cultivated the grounds over decades. She donated the property to the City of Austin in 1971 with the stipulation that it be kept as a park. The peacocks were part of the estate during her lifetime and the city has maintained the flock as a living piece of the property’s history. They’re entirely tame and will walk right up to visitors.</p>\n<h2>Insider Tips</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Peacocks are most active in the morning — early tours are best</li>\n<li>Spring (March–May): peacocks display full plumage; the males fan their trains to attract mates</li>\n<li>The koi pond near the cottage is a good anchor point for storytelling</li>\n<li>No dogs allowed (protects the birds)</li>\n<li>Small parking lot fills fast on weekends; aim for early morning</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Logistics</h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tour stop duration:</strong> 30–45 min</li>\n<li><strong>Parking:</strong> Small lot on W 35th St; arrive early</li>\n<li><strong>Nearby stops:</strong> Mount Bonnell (5 min drive), Lake Austin waterfront</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Sources</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>City of Austin Parks: austintexas.gov</li>\n</ul>","frontmatter":{"title":"Mayfield Park and Preserve","date":"June 14, 2026"}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"/City of Austin/Mayfield Park and Preserve/","previous":{"fields":{"slug":"/City of Austin/McKinney Falls State Park/"},"frontmatter":{"title":"McKinney Falls State Park"}},"next":{"fields":{"slug":"/City of Austin/Congress Avenue Bridge Bats/"},"frontmatter":{"title":"Congress Avenue Bridge Bats"}}}}