Dog Walkers in Chestnut

Chestnut is a primarily residential community located a short distance to the east of Austin's downtown business district. A small commercial area is present on the southwest corner with convenience stores and local eateries. More businesses can be reached in adjacent neighborhoods where restaurants and shops are available within walking distance.  

Chestnut has sports fields, community gardens, an art gallery on the north border, and churches within reach for residents on foot. 

Austin's weather consists of mild winters and beautiful spring and fall weather. Warm outerwear and freezing conditions are not an issue but summers can present some hazards for pedestrians as severe storms can occur with flying debris, high winds, and flash floods. These severe storms should be avoided. Take shelter whenever thunderstorms are imminent and avoid natural areas with tall trees and waterways that may swell to dangerous levels. Summertime heat can also be an issue and dog walkers should choose cooler times of the day to walk. 

Chestnut’s borders are E Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the north, E 12th Street on the south side, Chicon Street on the west, and Airport Boulevard on the east.  A traffic circle is a unique feature of the neighborhood and there are several main roads with bicycle routes. When crossing area roads, be aware of unique traffic patterns including two-wheeled traffic.   

There are some low-rise apartment complexes along main thoroughfares in the area and lots of moderately sized single-family homes. Although most homes in the area are older, there is some redevelopment taking place and newer homes being built in the community. Houses in the area have well-landscaped yards, often with yards backing onto dirt alleyways and residential streets have separate sidewalks for pedestrians. There are lots of large trees to provide shade in the district and the terrain is hilly, although most inclines are not abrupt, steep, or too strenuous to climb.

The Boggy Creek Greenbelt trail starts just south of the community gardens located in Chestnut at the Downs-Mabson Sports Fields. The trail is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that is appropriate for people and pets of all ability levels with only a slight elevation gain along the way. Dogs are permitted on the trail, providing they are kept on a leash and owners should be prepared to clean up after their pets. 

To the east in the MLK neighborhood, the Givens District Park has many amenities including a swimming pool, playground, pavilion, recreation center, sports fields and tennis courts, picnic tables, and barbecue sites. Restrooms are available in the park and there is a large wooded natural space to the park's west side with nature trails, wildlife, and lots of shady spots. 

To the northeast, the Mueller Southwest Greenway has open space, a pond, and lots of walking trails for dog walkers and their pups to explore.