Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park Development
City Council District 2
Project Summary
Grand Meadow was a passive neighborhood park in southeast Austin. Eager to develop this park, a local stewardship organization applied for and was awarded a design grant by Austin Parks Foundation. The concept plan was approved and adopted by Austin Parks and Recreation in March 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase I Improvements has been scheduled for September 15, 2026.
Background
Located at 8022 Thaxton Drive, at the intersection of Thaxton Drive and Panadero Road, the land was historically used as farmland. In 1988, the City of Austin acquired a 6.4-acre parcel, then expanded the park by acquiring two smaller parcels in 2004. Now surrounded by single-family homes, the nearly ten-acre property is currently designated as a wildflower meadow. In 2022, the Friends of Grand Meadow, a stewardship organization dedicated to building community around the park, was granted design services by Austin Parks Foundation.
Project Description
Phase One of construction at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park will improve access into and around the park, provide inviting spaces for the community to gather and enjoy the outdoors, and create the infrastructure necessary to support potential future park improvements.
A natural-surface trail will loop around the park, and accessible concrete walkways will cross the park creating key connections from the existing sidewalks into the new park space. A nature play area for children of all ages and abilities will sit at the center of the park, next to a large pavilion, complete with picnic tables and lighting. An open field will offer space for flexible play and provide visibility into the main park space.
This phase will also establish the framework for a community garden and food forest, so planting can begin after the park opens. Standard amenities like trash cans, mutt mitts, picnic tables, benches, and a water fountain will also be included at key locations.
Anticipated Schedule
Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather.
- Winter 2024: Concept plan adopted
- Winter 2025: Permitting and Bidding
- Fall 2025: Construction on Phase I begins
- Winter 2026: Tree Planting
- Summer 2026: Phase One Construction Complete
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on September 15 at 10 a.m.!
Communication and Engagement
Previous engagement for the Grand Meadow Concept Plan can be found below.
Funding and Resources
The concept plan was funded by Austin Parks Foundation. Phase one is funded by the Urban Forest Fund, the City of Austin Parkland Dedication Fund, and Austin Parks Foundation.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact Charles Mabry, Austin Parks and Recreation Project Manager, by email or by phone at (512) 974-9481.
September 15, at 10 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the completion of Phase I Improvements, which include new natural surface and accessible concrete walkways, a nature play area, open play field, a pavilion, picnic tables, and lighting. Details about the upcoming community garden and food forest will be shared at the event!
Adopted March 2024
Concept Plan
| Date | Event | Location | Materials |
| March 7, 2023 | Community Meeting 1 | Virtual | Meeting presentation (PDF) Meeting recording (English) Meeting summary (PDF) |
| March 31, 2023 | Community Survey 1 Closed | Online | View Results (PDF) |
| May 20, 2023 | Community Meeting 2 | Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park | Display boards with park concept options (PDF) Community Meeting Survey results (PDF) Meeting summary (PDF) |
| September 26, 2023 | Community Meeting 3 | Virtual | Watch the recording in English View the presentation (PDF) |