THEN AND NOW Zilker Park
1938 It may be Austin’s greatest gift: Zilker Park, sold to the city by Andrew Zilker in 1917. The businessman and philanthropist arrived in Austin when he was 18 and acquired his fortune in ice manufacturing before purchasing the 350 acres that would become today’s communal gathering spot. He sold the land to the City of Austin in four separate transactions from 1918 to 1934, donating a portion of the proceeds to Austin’s public schools. In 1934, the park was named Zilker Metropolitan Park. Since then the number of annual visitors has grown to more than three million per year.
2017 Zilker Park turns 100 this year, and it’s never looked so good. Sure, the skyline has changed considerably—those high- rises you can see while perched atop Rock Island were certainly never there when Zilker was making ice—but today’s view is a perfect reflection of Austin’s commitment to nature, even during commercial and residential growth. For its centennial celebration, organizations like Austin Parks Foundation, Austin Parks & Recreation and Barton Springs Conservancy are hosting events throughout the year, including art installations and botanical-garden parties. Consider it a belated thank-you note to Zilker himself. ■ Erin Kuschner
NEWS Twinning
Austin Film Society’s new twin-screened art house, a passion project from Richard Linklater, arrives in May.
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER Richard Linklater has plenty of projects to his name, but Austin Film Society is a particularly important one. Founded by Linklater in 1985, AFS is responsible for highlighting Texas filmmakers and screening hundreds of movies at AFS Cinema, formerly the Marchesa. In May, the cinema completes its massive overhaul: The former single-screen theater will have a second screen, a brand- new lobby and bar, an upgraded sound system and a massive event space. The renovated theater soft opens the week
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of May 22 with two series: Texas Christening, highlighting pictures such as The Last Picture Show (1971) and The Sugarland Express (1974); and Comedy, Italian Style, featuring Mafioso (1962), The Passionate Thief (1960) and others. Linklater decorated the cinema with
vintage posters and movie-soundtrack album covers from his personal collection. But the real show is on the screen—now, both of them. ■ EK à AFS Cinema is at 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd (512-322-0145,
austinfilm.org/cinema).
May 11–August 16, 2017 Time Out Austin
PHOTOGRAPHS (FROM TOP): BUREAU OF IDENTIFICATION PHOTOGRAPHIC LAB, AUSTIN. 1938 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, CREDITING AUSTIN HISTORY CENTER, AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY; SHUTTERSTOCK; COURTESY AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY
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