The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) received four 2022 Preservation Austin Merit Awards Thursday at the 62nd Annual Preservation Merit Awards ceremony held at Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s historic Symphony Square. Rehabilitations for Downs Field grandstands and the Haskell House received Preservation Awards. Oakwood Chapel received a Special Recognition for Education Award for the educational exhibit To Relate. The Austin Parks and Recreation Historic Preservation and Tourism Program received an award for a documentary film Parque Zaragoza: Communidad, Cultura, y Resiliencia.

These four projects represent not only the breadth of Austin’s history within the park system, but also the diversity of the projects undertaken by PARD to preserve the history of the capital city. The importance of maintaining tangible heritage through good stewardship is seen in the Haskell House and Downs Field projects. However, equally important cultural and community history is preserved through To Relate and Parque Zaragoza: Communidad, Cultura, y Resiliencia.

“Documenting our rich community history is as important as preserving our historic buildings, and we appreciate recognition of PARD’s stewardship of our historic places,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Director. “Austin’s historic sites, buildings, and cemeteries are a great way to learn more about the city’s past and engage visitors both locally and from out of town in what makes Austin so special.”

Established in 1960, the Preservation Austin merit awards is a juried program that celebrates the hard work and visionary approaches of those preserving Austin’s architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage.

“Our 2022 award recipients speak to Austin’s diverse past and inspiring present,” says Lindsey Derrington, Preservation Austin’s Executive Director. “We have the privilege of sharing these projects with our community to advance our shared understanding of the places that have shaped Austin’s culture and history, and of the people whose advocacy and research continues to bring this heritage to life.”