Dittmar Recreation center promotes individual and community wellness that enhances the quality of life by unleashing the human potential through services and programs that meet the emotional, social and physical needs of the far South Austin community.
This 12.6 acre park is bordered on the north by Dittmar Road, on the south and west by South Boggy Creek, and on the east, private property. Park amenities include a 6,405 square foot recreation center, which has a multi-purpose room, a dance/assembly room, and rooms specifically designed for teen and pre-k aged participants. The park also includes a 13,368 square foot gymnasium with basketball/volleyball courts, a weight room, and shower facilities. Outdoor amenities include a jogging trail, two playing fields, playscape, and on outdoor swimming pool which varies in depth from 3 to 11 feet.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department purchased the land in 1985 with funds approved from a 1982 bond election; for A. B. Dittmar Park, named for Adolph Barnhart Dittmar, who once owned and ran a large dairy farm on the land. A. B. Dittmar Recreation Center opened in the summer of 1988 to provide Far South Austin citizens summer day camp programs, a variety of leisure classes, swimming, track and field, and an outdoor basketball facility.
Important Announcement
Our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of all participants, staff and the Austin Community. Please continue to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to ensure you and your family remain healthy and are reducing the risk of illness across the Parks and Recreation Department and at home. We are grateful for your participation in our programs and services. If you have questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact us. For more information on the symptoms of COVID-19 and resources to keep you safe, please visit COVID-19 in Austin | AustinTexas.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC.
Below is a summary of guideline changes that we ask you please read carefully:
Illness within a Program
If a participant has symptoms of COVID-19, or is a close contact of someone with COVID-19, they may be permitted to return to PARD programming only when the following conditions are met:
- If the participant has had a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and has not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they should stay home and away from others until 24 hours after the fever is gone and symptoms resolved. If symptoms worsen during that time, contact your healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19.
- If a participant is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the facility for a minimum of ten (10) days after the onset of first symptoms. The participant may return under the following conditions:
- If they had a fever, 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication AND they see an improvement in their initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath); AND
- Ten (10) days after symptom onset.
- If a participant believes they have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but are not currently sick or showing symptoms, they should monitor their health for fever, cough or shortness of breath during the 14 days after they last had contact with the sick person with COVID-19. Public gatherings, such as camp and participation in programs, should be avoided for 14 days.
- If a positive case is reported within camp, any individual deemed to be considered a close-contact will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from all PARD Programs.
- PARD will provide a letter to all parents upon becoming aware of an active case, outlining whether their child is believed to be a close-contact or not.
- A close-contact is defined as any individual who was within 6 ft. of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more.
Masking
- In response to the Mayor’s Order issued on August 11, 2021, all youth program participants over the age of two (2) are required to wear a cloth face covering (mask) during program hours and while on or in City property, unless otherwise exempted. Face coverings should be provided by the parent/guardian. All PARD staff will be required to wear a cloth face covering (mask), as well as any parent/guardian picking up or dropping off participants.
- Face coverings should not be placed on:
- Children younger than 2 years old.
- Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious.
- Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
- A child with a significant behavioral or psychological issue undergoing treatment that is exacerbated specifically by a face covering.
- A child with severe autism or with extreme developmental delay who may become agitated or anxious wearing a mask.
- A child with a facial deformity that causes airway obstruction.
- Anyone participating in activities where the mask could get wet, like swimming or water play.
- Face coverings should not be placed on:
Out-Of-School Time Youth Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities for youth that expose them to critical thinking and leadership development while helping explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play. Come and experience the spectrum of opportunities with the Parks and Recreation Youth Programs.
- Afterschool Program
- Youth Summer Camp
Toddler Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities to help explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play.
- Toddler Sports FUNdamentals
- Pre-K Play
- Pre-K Summer Play
Youth Sports
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round co-ed youth sports that teach fundamentals and stress sportsmanship. Our seasonal leagues provide a safe recreational setting structured for a beginner to intermediate player. Lead by volunteer coaches, games are noncompetitive in order to emphasize teamwork and physical fitness.
- Youth Sports 2021-2022 Sports Guide (PDF)
- Run Drills. Build Skills. (PDF)
- Run Drills. Build Skills. Spanish (PDF)
- Basketball
Teen Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that encourage Youth Development through outdoor exploration, the arts, critical thinking, and leadership development.
- Teen After School
- Teen Summer Camp
- Friday Night Hoops
Adult and 50+ Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of Senior Programs and Services for adults and people 50 years of age and older. We are committed to providing an environment that encourages active and healthy lifestyles through recreational and educational programs and services.
- Senior September Schedule (PDF)
- Zumba
- 55+ Fun Club
- 55+ Club Schedule
- Strength and Stretch
- Line Dance
- Golden Rollers
- Senior Sewing Class
Community and Special Events
The Parks and Recreation Department provides opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to come together and socialize, meet new people, enhance existing relationships, and create community.
Open Play and Weight Room Hours
We’re reopening for Open Gym Play and Weight Room. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all Open Gym and Weight Room! Call 512-974-6090 for details
Gym Front Desk: (512)974-6096
- Program Documents and Forms
-
Virtual Programs Release Form (PDF)
Adult Registration Form (PDF)
Youth Registration Form (PDF)
Youth Financial Assistance - English (PDF)
Youth Financial Assistance - Spanish (PDF)
- Facility and Grounds Rental Information
Dittmar Recreation Center Staff
Clay Shelton Supervisor
Vacant Program Coordinator
Simone Pollard Program Specialist
Alexis Tovar Program Specialist
Rudy Reyna Program Specialist
Marivel Simpson Administrative Assistant
Angelina Carbullido Program Instructor
David Wynn Building and Grounds Assistant
