An update to the District Park Vision Plan is needed to align amenities and their locations with changes due to City Code and reflect park development that has occurred since the creation of the original plan in 2008. The updated Park Vision Plan will be approved by the Parks and Recreation Director and the Parks and Recreation Board. City Council District 4
Background
Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia District Park consists of 47 acres of parkland, which holds the Gus Garcia Recreation Center, walking trails, a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilion, and two multipurpose fields. The original plan for the park was led by community leaders and finalized in 2008 when it was accepted by Austin Parks and Recreation.
Project Description
Since the time of the park plan creation in 2008, several amenities have been installed, such as the playground, basketball court, multipurpose fields, and walking trails. In addition, the park hosts a thriving community garden. Additional amenities and locations identified on the 2008 plan are in need of updating due to space or updated City Code language. This includes the noted aquatic facility and softball fields. This process will address these amenities and other on the original plan that have yet to be realized. In addition, the updated plan will identify the general area of a future Gus Garcia Recreation Center Facility Expansion for a Senior Wing.
Anticipated Schedule
- Round 1: Updated Plan Initial Draft: September to October 2025
- Round 2: Update Plan Final Draft: October 31 to November 2025
- Parks and Recreation Director Approval: November to December 2025
- Parks and Recreation Board Presentation for Approval: January 2026
Community Engagement
The purpose of the Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan Update is to align the future park development with what is currently still possible. This includes moving amenities that can no longer be developed in the original identified area and adjusting amenities that are no longer possible as they were initially envisioned due to updates to City Code and policies. Austin Parks and Recreation will consult with the community to get feedback on proposed update to the Park Vision Plan. We will keep the public informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and preferences, and record all feedback to share with City Council in the final report.
Round 1: Mid-September to Mid-October 2025
- Board showing draft and explanation of changes posted in Recreation Center for community input.
- Saturday Pop-up at Gus Garcia Recreation Center to share more information with visitors.
- Meeting with Advisory Group to go over changes and how they were made and receive additional input.
Round 2: End of October to Mid-November 2025
- Updated park plan draft presented at Halloween event for comment and priorities activity.
- Updated park plan draft posted at Recreation Center with explanation of what changed from initial draft in response to feedback.
- Saturday Pop-up at Gus Garcia Recreation Center to share more information about prioritizing activity and changes made to draft.
- Meeting with Advisory Group to go over changes and how they were made and receive any additional input.
- Afterschool Program Priorities Activity with youth at Gus Garcia Recreation Center.
- Online, paper, and in-person opportunities to provide feedback.
Funding and Resources
No additional funding has been identified.
Contact Information
For questions about this project, contact Charles Mabry, Project Manager, by email or phone at (512) 974-9481.
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