Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center

Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center sits on 15 acres of land in the heart of the St. John's neighborhood in northeast Austin, just east of Interstate 35 and south of U.S. Highway 183 and offers youth, teen, adult, and senior programs and a range of special events. The center consists of a lobby area, one activity room, a full size kitchen and shares the use of the gymnasium with the J.J. Pickle Elementary School.

Opened on January 27, 2002, the St. John's Community Center is a first time collaboration between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District. The center houses the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Austin Police Department, the Austin Public Library, Health and Human Services, three joint use conference rooms, as well as the J.J. Pickle Elementary School. Today, St. John's is a diverse community, which is rich in history and tradition.

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.

Out-Of-School Time Youth Programs

Kids posing with emoji faces they made from paper plates.

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 Kids Club
Boredom Busters
Youth Summer Camp

Youth Sports

Kids playing sports

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round co-ed youth sports that fundamentals and stress sportsmanship. Our seasonal leagues provide a safe recreational setting structured for a beginner to intermediate players. Led by volunteer coaches, games are noncompetitive in order to emphasize teamwork and physical fitness.

Youth Spring Soccer
Youth Summer Basketball

Teen Programs

Teens at a Christmas party

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 Program
TCTA - Totally Cool Totally Art (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.

The Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Transportation are offering free ride services for people over the age of 50 to get to their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. For more information, click here.

Congregate Meals (PDF)
Senior Program
Yoga
DFW Swing
Men Fellowship Basketball

Community and Special Events

Fathers and daughters dancing at our father daughter dance.

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.