Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park — Attraction in Austin

We were there for the first time yesterday. My almost 2yo who is less than 22lbs got tackled by a 60-70lb dog within the first 5 minutes which made his nose bleed profusely, he had scratches on his face and I was livid. Thankfully he is okay - the owner of the dog did not apologize and just left with his dog. I don’t recommend going here with young children, it’s not for toddlers or babies. There was at least 10-15 dogs off leash at all times despite the big sign saying they should be leashed. They were running all over everyones picnic blankets (one stepped on a friends baby, despite us making a barrier around us with our chairs, coolers, boards etc). They are peeing & marking on people’s stuff & pooping everywhere (no one was picking up after their dog). So it’s basically an “unspoken” dog/party park - is what I was told by a local after the incident. We left not too long after we noticed the guy left with his dog, we did not feel safe here.

I didn’t know and I’m leaving this review to warn other parents - this is NOT A KID FRIENDLY PARK. People are smoking everywhere, loud music, people don’t seem to care that their dogs are running on people’s things and generally causing chaos. With more research I’ve found that lots of incidents actually happen at this park because there is no enforcement around...

I never knew this little gem of a park existed! The location was kinda out there, but is totally worth the trek (for me it was about 20mins on 360 from the Arboretum area) because it was absolutely gorgeous (reminded me of the New River Gorge in WV)!

Floating on the water was great and they have a little picnic table by a volleyball net and a boathouse that I believe you can reserve. It's a lot of fun to go out with your tube and float, especially when the jet skis and boats fly by because they create some epic waves!

Fair warning, it is a bit of a hike from the streetside parking to the open grassy area before you get to the water, so you may want to load up your stuff instead of trying for multiple trips!

I went on a Sunday and it was not that crowded at all, but I don't know if that was a fluke or a common occurrence. But, even it is does get crowded on the grass or at the boathouse (not sure if you have to reserve it or if it is a first come first serve situation), there is still plenty of room...

2020 Jan. 4 Park is very nice yet unfortunately crowded with people who have their dogs completely off leash. This is an on leash only park according to evidently unenforced county park rules. Now many people who deserve to enjoy the park, too, can't if anyone there lets their dog off leash. There are many many reasons that even people who love dogs cannot have a loose dog or loosely leashed dog come up to them. Aside from a lot of dog poop on the trails, the trails themselves are very nice, and there are many signs around the prairie part of the park that describe different birds and conservation efforts that are popular reasons people come to the park. Oh, and I did see a touring style road motorcycle being driven off on one of the single track trails that is not supposed to have anything but...