In support of the City's goal to ensure every Austinite lives within a 10-minute walk of a park, we opened the following new parks in fiscal year 2025 which began on October 1, 2024, and ended on September 30, 2025. These projects expand access to green spaces, enhance accessibility and reflect strong community partnerships. 

Brownie Neighborhood Park 

Brownie Neighborhood Park opened to the public in January of 2025. Improvements include a picnic pavilion, irrigation system expansion, a loop walking trail, solar security lighting, benches, picnic tables, a new playground, a new drinking fountain, a basketball court and 30 newly planted shade trees. The project also features a vehicular turnaround with ADA-accessible parking spaces. This project was funded by the 2018 General Obligation Bond, with additional funding through Austin Parks Foundation, and the City of Austin Development Services’ Urban Forestry Grant. 

Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Trailhead 

A new playground at the Little Walnut Creek Trailhead opened to the public in the Summer of 2025. The Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt in East Austin underwent a community-driven vision planning process in 2018, with the final plan approved in January 2019. That process identified priority projects, with trails and play areas ranking high among community-desired amenities. Austin Parks Foundation partnered with Austin Parks and Recreation to develop a new trailhead, play area, and dog off-leash area off Springdale Road based on that plan. A second phase of trail improvements will begin this fall. Additional support was provided by grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the St. David’s Foundation. 

Scenic Brook Pocket Park 

The nearly one-acre Scenic Brook Pocket Park was originally developed as a private neighborhood playground and deeded to the City for public use by the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association in 2016. In 2019, the Austin Parks Foundation awarded a design grant to support development of a concept plan, which was approved in 2020. Final design for Phase I improvements began in fall 2022, with construction starting in summer 2024. The park officially opened to the public in September 2025 and now includes an accessible walkway, seating areas, trails, a shaded picnic space, and a playscape. Located along a tributary of Williamson Creek, the park’s lower area contributes to watershed health and supports the overall well-being of Barton Springs. 

Oertli Neighborhood Park 

The official ribbon cutting for Oertli Neighborhood Park took place on November 22, 2024. This six-acre park features a loop trail connecting its two entrances, shade trees, a playground with pavilion, fitness equipment, a fenced off-leash dog area, and ample open space for recreation. Additional funding for shade pavilions was provided by the Austin Parks Foundation. Historically, the site was a pasture owned by the Oertli family, who operated dairy farms in Austin and Travis County from 1923 to 2001. A Texas Historical Marker recognizing this legacy is located on-site near Pearl Retreat Drive.

Each new park development supports our mission to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. We’re grateful for the partnerships and public support that made these projects possible and we look forward to expanding Austin's parkland for future generations to enjoy!