South Austin Recreation Center

Located in South Austin minutes from Zilker Park, the South Austin Recreation Center offers year round special events and programs for tiny tots, youth, adults and seniors.

The Center is located on 10 acres in South Austin just south of Oltorf off Cumberland Dr. The facility includes an indoor basketball gym, stage, large meeting room, kitchen and lobby open to the public for pool and ping pong. Outdoor park amenities include outdoor basketball court, two lit tennis courts, picnic area, playscape and lighted ball fields.

In 1974, the area around the South Austin Recreation Center (then an empty field) was made up of low income residents, several federal housing projects and many youth with delinquency problems. The area was in need of a recreation facility to help provide services to the troubled youth of the community. Area residents formed a group to try and prevent the area from becoming a future slum. The recreation center was one of several projects which the neighborhood task force (aided by now retired assistant director of Parks and Recreation Roy Guerrero) put into motion for the betterment of the community. The South Austin Recreation Center opened its doors on September 5th, 1974. Ever since the doors have opened, the center has focused on providing quality programs to help service the youth of the community.

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.

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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.

2021-2022 Afterschool Program
Boredom Busters
Parents Night Out
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.

Pre-K Play (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

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.

TCTA (PDF)
Teen Summer Camp

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.

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.