Roberts Point Park features waterfront recreation, views

W hether you're after fishing, soccer, entertainment,

Roberts Point Park visitors may be treated to a sight such as this while enjoying the park's amenities. a picnic,

ship watching in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel or just sitting back and enjoying the view, Roberts Point Park has something for you.

The park was built as a joint effort between civic volunteers and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Volunteers supplied much of the work; TPWD supplied major funding.

Known during the summer months as the home of the popular Sunset Sounds musical series, the Patsy Jones amphitheater sits at the tip of the park overlooking the entrance to Dennis Dreyer Municipal Harbor.

Featured in the park is a pavilion for special events. It is named in memory of the late fishing enthusiast Fred Rhodes. The pavilion offers welcome shade for spectators at fishing tournaments that hold weigh-in at the park and provides a stage for performances during festivals.

The park is a favorite fishing spot, whether from the granite jetties that mark the harbor, the lighted J.P. Luby Fishing Pier, or the bulkheading that surrounds the park.

The bulkheaded perimeter of the park doubles as a jogging trail, and the paved walk along the bulkhead has recently been completely redone.

The Tom and Corabelle Keeler observation tower provides an excellent spot for watching ship traffic and the dolphins frolicking in the ship channel as they lead the ships in and out of the channel -- watch for them at the water line at the bow (front) of the ships.

Also in the park, a picnic pavilion offers shaded tables adjacent to shuffleboard lanes and a bocce court (equipment can be rented for a refundable deposit at the nearby harbormaster's of- fice). There's a special space for horseshoes, a basketball slab and plenty of space for playing volleyball, baseball or running races.

The nearby playground with equipment is a favorite spot for children.

Roberts Point Park is to your left as you exit the ferry ramps in Port Aransas.