Fannie Robinson Park
One activity I truly enjoy is embarking on my bicycle at the break of dawn and exploring Taylor, TX. As I pedal through my former neighborhood, a mixture of emotions fills me. A sense of happiness derives from the memories of my youth spent mowing lawns, tending gardens, and running errands to earn money for swimming or movie outings. The community used to be vibrant, and I recall the immense pride the residents took in their homes, having worked tirelessly throughout their lives to achieve the American dream. The yards and gardens were a sight of beauty. However, there is also a tinge of sadness as I witness vacant lots where thriving houses once stood.
Upon reaching the intersection of Dolan Street and the train tracks, I pause and gaze to my right, overlooking Fannie Robinson Park, a hidden gem waiting to be polished. Affectionately known as “the hole,” this park is nestled amidst surrounding hills. Its namesake, Fannie Robinson, was chosen for the park’s dedication due to her remarkable contributions. Not only did she bring dignity to the park’s name, but she also owned a portion of the land on which the park was built. At the time of dedication, she was the oldest African American citizen in the area.
The Community Center was relocated from the O. L. Price School site to Robinson Park in subsequent years. The basketball court, once a lit tennis court, was made possible through a collaborative effort involving IBM, the Texas Power and Light Company, the Neighborhood Center, the Vista Program, and the City. The Garden Club planted trees, further enhancing the park’s natural allure. Each of these events and additions carries its own captivating story and left a lasting impact on the community.
In 1986, the baseball field from O. L. Price School found its new home in the park and was equipped with lighting. More recently, in 1999, the City received a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife to extend the hike and bike trail from Murphy Park to Robinson Park, completing the loop from Bull Branch. Public meetings were conducted in the spring of 2005 at the Community Center and the Jerusalem Pentecostal Church on East Walnut (MLK Blvd), seeking input from citizens on their vision for the park’s development. Council approval of a Master Plan for all parks, including Fannie Robinson, came in May 2005. Subsequently, the installation of new restrooms, a donated playscape from Ms. Leslie Givens, a basketball court, new ball field lights, and swing sets commenced. In 2007, additional land adjacent to the railroad tracks was purchased from Williamson County Grain, and more recently, shade structures were added to the swimming pool. Considerable investments have been made in Fannie Robinson Park to fulfill the dreams of Dr. Dickey and Ms. Fannie Robinson.
Reflecting on my childhood, I vividly remember living a mere three blocks from the park and the joyous occasions it brought. We, as children, would frequent the pool, swimming three or four times a week. On Saturdays, the community’s children gathered at the park to engage in baseball games, fly kites, fish in the creek, or play football. Some days, we indulged in all of these activities. The park served as a unifying space, allowing us to have fun while escaping trouble. The Community Center held a special place in my heart, where I accompanied my mother to various meetings. During our teenage years, we attended chaperoned record hops, and I recall the excitement of witnessing the O.L. Price football team’s conditioning run up and down the steep hill and the band’s practices. The community held an indescribable sense of unity.
One of my most cherished memories revolves around the baseball games featuring the Pony Baseball League. These teams were named after renowned teams from the old Negro League, such as The Colts, The Grays, and The Monarchs. People from our community and even neighboring towns would gather at the park on game nights. The atmosphere was electric, with cars lining Dolan Street from the tracks to Mr. Cole’s snack truck and even up to Ms. Fannie Robinson’s house near the pool. People would find seating along the tracks, and the sense of unity and camaraderie was palpable. It was an incredible experience to witness the community coming together to support the teams, socialize, and have a great time. Everyone looked out for one another, especially the kids, and there was genuine care and concern among the people. I couldn’t wait for the day I was old enough to join one of those teams. Unfortunately, by the time I reached the eligible age, the league no longer existed, and I ended up playing in the Taylor Little League instead.