Getzendaner Park — Attraction in Waxahachie

My review is on the pathetic reflection of Parks Department employees, The Parks Director, County and city law enforcement, & maybe city management as well, depending on who all is involved. The problem appears to have all started with a problem Parks Department employee who took it upon himself to stalk and harass me upon my visits to the cemetery. I’d park my vehicle in the parking lot by the baseball field and then go visit graves, walk and pray. Other people walk there for exercise. For years I’ve gone to that cemetery without issue until your lazy employee with too much time on his hands self, decided to make assumptions about someone who he never even bothered to introduce himself to. It has been downright creepy what all he has done as well as his fellow employees. Things continued to go downhill so the problem employee was reported to the Parks Director. This has been going on for a while. The Parks Director apologized and then the problem employee was reprimanded and assigned more work to keep him occupied. More than once the same guy and other employees would just be sitting on their butts in city pickups doing nothing but talking to others. And here that guy would come once he spotted me. I’d wave and say hello but he’d continue stalking and harassing me as I visited graves. Further calls to his boss resulted in other employees using intimidation tactics with city pickups. One guy blocked my vehicle and then got out of the city pickup and started swinging chains back and forth that hung from an overhead pipe. He did this over-and over clanging them loudly as a means of suggesting violence while another employee waited in the pickup. They had workers come over and gather on foot almost up against my vehicle as I was quietly eating my lunch in the shade. So after reporting that latest incident, the city police and sheriff deputies began their part of things. My vehicle and my description had been reported to law enforcement as a means of revenge. I was watched closely and followed. On a separate incident, two sheriff deputies came out of the vacant Baylor hospital ready to shoot me on a different day and visit to the park. This all occurred while I was just sitting in my vehicle at Getzendaner Park enjoying a nice, sunny day not bothering anyone. Fearing for my life and safety, I slowly make my way to the park exit. There behind the generator/transformer was an armed sheriffs deputy in full tactical gear and loaded AR ready to shoot me, an unarmed man who had done nothing wrong. The other deputy who seemed to be in charge was standing right there too and appeared to have orchestrated things. And these are grown men and supposedly professionals? I have no criminal record, don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t use drugs nor anything else and never have. Even have a perfect driving history. My friend, a longtime county judge is exactly right what he told me about Ellis County. He discouraged me from ever applying for a Waxahachie Police officer position, because he knows all about the corruption. One day my sister was driving around the city looking for a new church to attend. Two officers in two separate city police vehicles (one marked & one unmarked) began following my sister around very closely with the obvious intentions of scaring her. They took turns doing this. Why? What’s the purpose? She has no record of any kind and has never been involved in anything illegal. You just like to try and intimidate people. My friends in multiple other law enforcement agencies are all aware of what has gone on in this pathetic county. You people are disgusting and a sorry excuse of law enforcement as well as general employees and so-called management. Other law enforcement officers across TX and beyond are totally correct with their assessments of pitiful Ellis County. Absolutely pathetic and there’s no excuse for any of the treatment. Though I’m sure you’ll probably try and make something up to try and cover and justify somehow. But it will all be lies. You must be so proud of yourselves and behavior as...

One of the best parks in Ellis County, by far. There's always so much to see and do and there's plenty of parking at multiple start points.

The trail begins in a spacious, mostly shaded play and picnic area. There's a historic theater, large playgrounds, two restrooms, lots of waste bins, and gazebo spots. It's very clean and green. Great for bird watching and playing with your friends and family. My husband and I enjoy taking a soccer ball and kicking it around; do be aware that there are some spots of uneven pitch/holes in the ground... we've twisted an ankle or two here lol.

The trail continues and winds you across a historic bridge, into the backside of the downtown square, right by Fresh Market Coffee in the old train depot. We often park here and start the trail from this point. There's some small basketball courts and a new outdoor concert space. You won't find a public restroom at this starting point, so you'd have to try one of the nearby businesses, if at all possible. We aware that this is where it also cuts across a busy street, but most cars yield to let you cross safely.

The trail will wind and twist and go on until it reaches the dog park and Hachie farmers market. We often start here, too, if bringing doggos along for the walk/jog. There's little doggie water fountains and places to dispose of their waste. Note that many people fail to pick up after their dogs here, most unfortunately, so you'll have to keep a close watch on your pup. There are two sides to it, in which you can take large or small breeds. There's picnic opportunities here and also a cute little butterfly garden that will give you amazing experiences with a multitude of them!

The trail keeps on going, winding for several miles. Along the way you'll see a lot fields, critters, creeks, and a mountain bike trail that deviates from the main path. If you take this route, be aware that when it rains it's VERY slick and muddy. It ends by horse farm, playground, and soccer fields. There are restrooms at this point, too.

No matter where you start your trail, there's absolutely something for everyone, even your furry best friend! I've seen folks of all ages and backgrounds here, and have never had any safety issues, fortunately. You can tell that they do their best to maintain and expand it when they can. An absolute must see when in...

Getzendaner Park is a true gem, especially for a couple like us who loves a relaxed outing and a good Pokémon Go session! My boyfriend and I recently spent some time there, and we were absolutely charmed. The first thing you notice is the incredible canopy of trees. It's so refreshing to be surrounded by such lush greenery, offering plenty of shade and a wonderfully serene atmosphere. We found it to be the perfect backdrop for our Pokémon hunting – we could wander at our leisure, enjoying the fresh air without feeling rushed. Speaking of "leisure," the park's laid-back vibe is a major selling point. There's a gentle hum of activity, but it's never overwhelming. We saw families enjoying picnics, people strolling, and even a few other trainers focused on their screens, all contributing to a peaceful and welcoming environment. It felt like a true escape from the hustle and bustle. For Pokémon Go players, the abundance of trees often means a good spread of spawn points and PokéStops, and Getzendaner Park delivered. We had a great time catching a variety of Pokémon and stocking up on items, all while soaking in the park's natural beauty. If you're looking for a chill spot to enjoy nature, get some steps in, and maybe even catch a few virtual creatures with your significant other, Getzendaner Park is definitely worth a visit. It's quickly become one of our favorite...