Gus Garcia Recreation Center

Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia Recreation Center offers youth, teen, adult, and senior adult programs. Programs offered include: The After School Program, Youth Sports Leagues, Teen Programs, Youth and Teen Summer Camp, Adult Exercise Programs, and Senior Programs. The facility is approximately 20,000 square feet and consists of a gymnasium with six basketball goals and a climbing rock wall, a fitness center, public computers, an aerobic/dance room, and three other multi-purpose rooms. The facility also has locker rooms with showers that are accessible to our patrons.

The Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center had its grand opening on April 26, 2008, an event long anticipated by the North/Northeast community. The Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center and park were chosen as part of the 1998 bond election package to develop Austin’s parks and greenbelts. Construction was due to begin in 2001, but a downturn in the local economy forced delays. The City put the Gus Garcia Park and Recreation Center back on the list of budgeted projects in 2005, the original amount for funding was $5.5 million. The building was completed in March 2008. The center is named in honor of Gustavo “Gus” Garcia who dedicated more than three decades of his life to public service. He served as President of the Board of the Austin Independent School District, as a member of the Austin City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem and in 2001, was elected as Austin’s first Hispanic Mayor.

Per the COVID-19 Mayoral declaration, the Center is closed to the public effective Monday, March 16th . Please check the Closure page for update.

Summer Camp Registration Postponement

Due to the unknown, future status of COVID-19 infections and vaccine distribution, summer programming for both Austin Parks and Recreation Department's (PARD) summer camps and aquatic (pool) programming is delayed.

Typically, registration for summer camps begins in February and aquatic (pool) programming in April. While the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine continues to evolve and provide hope for the future, the unknown length of the local Stage 5 Risk declaration provides uncertainty as it relates to summer program planning.

The postponement allows PARD, in cooperation with the Austin Public Health Department, to consider the local characteristics of the virus as vaccine distribution evolves. At the appropriate local Risk Stage, PARD can offer in-person programs safely; however, this timeframe is not yet known. Delaying registration until there is a path forward for the safe delivery of programming can eliminate concerns related to program cancelations and refunds.

At this time, PARD has not determined new registration dates for summer programs. PARD intends to notify families prior to registration dates to allow ample preparation time. PARD continues to work closely with state and local health authorities to make operational decisions that ensure both the health and safety of participants, families, and PARD employees.

PARD continues to offer free, virtual lesson plans and activities that families can access on PARD's YouTube channel - youtube.com/austincityparks. Updates on summer programming will be released as conditions change.

Virtual Programs

Stay Active with Austin Parks and Recreation’s online Virtual Programing!

Stay Playful with our Virtual Afterschool Clubs:

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.

After School Program (PDF)
Camp Days | Spring Break Camp (PDF)
Totally Cool Totally Art
Teen Turn-Up Series (PDF)
Parents' Night Out (PDF)
Youth Summer Camp | English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)

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.

Toddler Sports FUNdamentals

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 Summer Camp | English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)

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 Fundamentals

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.

Taekwondo (PDF)
Open Gym (PDF)
Shower/Locker Room (PDF)
Ping Pong (PDF)
Pickle Ball Open Play (Currently Unavailable)
Senior Program (PDF)
Zumba

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.