Lubbock is one of those rare cities where history permeates everything, and as a result most locals know at least something about the city's history. Most are content with knowing the area, and specifically the city, are of some historical import. There are plenty of folks who are willing to share a few details about their home without repeating the "Buddy Holly is from here" bit.
parks
The City of Lubbock operates some 75 parks throughout the city. Most border a system of playa lakes which the city uses for flood water retention.
Clapp Park/Lubbock Garden and Arts Center
42nd St. & University Ave., 806 767-3724, (http://www.lubbockgardena...). Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM Varies. The Lubbock Garden is situated in small complex including the Memorial Rose Garden and St. Paul's on the Plain in Clapp Park. Safety City is a playground which sits along the south end of the park near 48th St. The small city is used to teach elementary school children about traffic safety.Huneke Park/Lubbock War Memorial
84th St. & Nashville Ave., 806 794-9006, (http://www.lubbockwarmemo...). The memorial opened in 2004 after years of lobby by local veterans. The monument consists of thousands of memorial bricks donated by survivors, veteran's families and friends. The memorial is popular at night because Huneke Lake has three illuminated fountains colored red, white and blue.Maxey Park/The Kenetic Wind Sculpture
24th St. & Quaker Ave., Maxey Park is a popular park adjacent to Covenant Lakeside Hospital. There are several public use buildings, a large playground, and a seating area with open grills for outdoor cooking. The Kenetic Wind Sculpture sits in the northwest corner of Maxey Lake. Most locals call them the Totem Poles. Bruce Taylor, designed the sculpture in 1992, and claimed during their induction they are supposed to be cotton fiber molecules.
texas tech university
The Texas Tech University university campus is 2 mi² 5 km² of mixed-use buildings, rich landscape, a natural rangeland preserve and a student-run golf course. The campus is renowned for its Spanish-style architecture. Walking the campus early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid the throngs of students. Park in the surrounding neighborhoods for free or on campus for $1 to $2 per hour. There are greeters posted at most entrances who will offer directions and instructions for using the electronic meters. On the campus grounds are several outstanding buildings and amazing artwork. A few hours worth of walking is well worth it. Be sure to visit Memorial Circle, Student Union & University Library, English & Philosophy Complex, Sports Complex and Urbanovsky Park.
The University Seal & Fountain
University Ave. & Broadway, A 12 ft 4 m red granite sculpture depicting the symbols for home, school, church and state. Graduates traditionally have their picture taken next to the seal in full gown with friends and family.Park Place
College of Human Sciences, Sculpture garden by Glenna Goodacre installed in 1999. The sculpture's seven pieces depict the seven stages of human life in honor of the College of Human Sciences.Will Rogers & Soapsuds
Memorial Circle, 10 FT bronze statue of Will Rogers and his famed horse. The student body voted during its installation in 1950 to turn the horses posterior towards Texas A&M University in College Station - traditional rivals. The statue is wrapped in red crêpe paper by the Saddle Tramps, a student organization, before home football games and black crêpe after national tragedies.Student Union Building, Sculpture Garden and Library
15th St. & Boston Ave., A paved walkway between the newly renovated Student Union Building and Library features several memorial pieces and the controversial Whirlwind series which continues into the Student Union. The foyer and main reading room of the Library also house several sculptures and paintings.