College Row Pocket Park

Background

The park is located at 1901 E. 11th Street. Acquired in 2021 through parkland dedication fees and 2018 bond funds, the pocket park is adjacent to Huston-Tillotson University and many historically significant landmarks within the African American Historical District.

College Row Park is in the early stages of planning and development. This engagement plan ensures that community voices shape the vision and priorities for the park. The process will include multiple rounds of stakeholder outreach, and surveys to gather feedback on park needs and design options. 

In the fall of 2024 students from Huston-Tillotson University began organizing to investigate activation and development of the park. In partnership with Central Texas Interfaith and the Austin Parks Foundation, students and professors hosted two events, one in the fall of 2024 and one in the spring of 2025, centered around ideas for use and development of this site.

Part of that ongoing effort included Design Workshop and their summer internship project identifying College Row Pocket Park as the project site for the interns' focus. This 10-week internship prepares students from underrepresented groups to become leaders in landscape architecture and planning. 

Project Description

The .63 acres, currently undeveloped, site will aim to preserve the natural character of the park while building on community priorities for improvement. Based on community feedback and survey results, potential amenities could include:

• Drinking Fountain 
• Walking Trail/Loop
• Shaded Seating
• Picnic Area
• Nature Play
• Traditional Playground
• Flexible Play Spaces

These features aim to provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for the neighborhood while preserving the ecological and historical value of the space. Project staff will continue collaborating with the community members and partners working to activate this site to determine community priorities for improvements.

Project Objectives

• Inform the community about the park project, including its history, current conditions, and funding constraints.  
• Engage neighbors, park users and interested community members to ensure an inclusive planning process.  
• Gather meaningful input on desired park amenities and design considerations.  
• Foster a sense of community ownership and involvement in the park’s development.  
• Ensure transparency and accessibility throughout the engagement process.  
• Maintain the park’s natural shade and atmosphere
• Support both quiet and active uses of the park 

Anticipated Schedule

Please note that project timelines are subject to change due to construction variables and weather conditions.

• Spring 2025 Community based research and outreach
• Summer 2025 Concept Plan development
• TBD: Preliminary Schematic Design
• TBD: Design Development and Construction Documents
• TBD: Permitting 
• TBD: Construction Start

Community Engagement

Upcoming Events

Funding and Resources

This project is funded through Parkland Dedication Fund with design resources provided by Design Workshop in collaboration with Central Texas Interfaith, Huston-Tillotson University and the Austin Parks Foundation.

Contact

For more information, please contact Carolina English, Landscape Designer by email.