RECREATION
Bertram City Pool, tennis courts and playground: located adjacent to the Roadside Park at the west end of town – the park, courts and playground are free to all, and the park is an excellent picnic destination
Johnnie Mae Wheeler Park: in the heart of downtown Bertram under the water tower – a beautifully maintained park with a lovely gazebo, just perfect for weddings, an Easter egg hunt or a noon lunch break During December the park is brilliantly decorated and is the ‘jewel’ of downtown.
Bertram Elementary Pavilion, walking track, volley ball courts and soccer field: our elementary school is dear to Bertram, and the school endeavors to accommodate the needs of our citizens and our children. The walking track is a quarter mile, and it winds around the volley ball court, next to a playscape and the soccer field. It is a perfect place for family recreation. The pavilion, which features a basketball court, is next to the new Cafetorium.
J.O. Wilson Sports Complex: the complex is named for Bertram’s famous baseball player, J.O. “Chief” Wilson and is the home of our Little League Ball Fields. In the summer, it is also home to the Adult Co-ed Softball League. The complex is located just northeast of the Elementary School on CR 243 E.
E.B. Goodwin Pavilion: the pavilion was built by the Oatmeal Festival Committee and is a sizable structure suitable for events, reunions, dances, etc. The Pavilion is adjacent to the Wilson Sports Complex. In the fall, the Pavilion is host to many of the Oatmeal Festival’s activities, including the Cook-off and BBQ. The Pavilion is available for rentals. Call City Hall at 512.355.2167 for rental information.
Bertram Youth Riding Arena: this arena is used by the youth of our area for various horseback riding events. It is a non-profit club and requires membership. It is on CR 243 E across from the Pavilion. It is also home to the Mutton Busting competition during the Oatmeal Festival.
Hunting: the Hill Country around Bertram is teeming with wild game and popular with hunters from all over the state. Here are two sites where you will find hunting information:
www.lakesandhills.com
dbhuntingranch.com
Burnet County Extension Agent Wade Hibler has hunting information. Call him at 512.7565463
Fishing: Bertram is within 30 minutes of the 7 Highland Lakes. Visit www.lakesandhills.com for fishing information
Birding: the Hill Country has diverse terrain and is home to numerous species of birds. You can strike out across a field and immerse yourself in discovering feathered friends. Bertram is fortunate to be near the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge. You can access the site on 11 74 South, just a few miles from Bertram. The refuge is home to the Golden-cheeked Warbler and many other species. Visit their website for more information: www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/balcones
Bicycling: the hills and terrain around the Bertram area are perfect for bicycling. Visit the Austin Cycle Association for more cycling information about the area: www.austincycling.org The ACA hosts their annual Hill Country Armadillo Bike Ride each spring, and one of their major (and most favorite) rest stops is in Bertram!