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.

Per the COVID-19 Mayoral declaration, the Center is closed to the public effective Monday, March 16^th . 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.

Food Programs

Virtual Programs

Stay Active with the Community Recreation Centers 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.

Afterschool website
Summer Camp (PDF)
Boredom Busters english/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 Sports FUNdamentals
Toddler Fun League
Pre-K Play

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

2019-2020 Sports Guide (PDF)
Summer Basketball

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 (PDF)

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.

Free Zumba on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm. All fitness levels welcome.
Senior Volleyball
Pickleball

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.