Watch out Barton Hills, the streets are now alive with talking hydrants, manhole covers, light poles and other objects as part of the city’s collaborative Hello Lamp Post project.  How does it work?

1. Look for a piece of street furniture with a code on it
2. Send a text to (512) 580-7373 in this format: Hello object #code (Example: Hello Light pole #238963)
3. You’ll soon get a reply and will be asked some more questions. Keep talking!

The hi Barton Hills team took a stroll down Barton Hills Drive to see if any street furniture was up for chatting. Light Post #238963 near Barton Hills Elementary School received our introductory text and responded immediately, asking a few questions, and highlighting some other residents’ answers.  One electrical box asked us to look around and tell us the nearest landmark, while another wanted to know who was standing nearby. We won’t spoil the conversations, but be thinking of your favorite superheroes, foods and weird facts about Austin.

It was fun to look for object numbers we never realized existed, and grow greater acquaintance with the more utilitarian side of the neighborhood.   Objects throughout Austin will be texting for 10 weeks, through late April.  Barton Hills adults and children alike may have fun exploring the neighborhood in this quirky way.

Be sure to say hello to Light Post #238963 for us, showing some Barton Hills pride.

Our first chat with local Light Post #238963.