Austin’s Brush Square, 409 E. 5th St., was one of six Texas parks honored with designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society at the association’s annual conference in Galveston on February 29, 2024.

A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas.  To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played, and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and meet criteria related to historic, architectural, and natural significance.

Brush Square was designated as one of four public squares in the 1839 original plat of Austin. Three of the historic squares – Wooldridge, Republic, and Brush Squares – thrive to this day, each reflecting a unique character. Before Brush Square was developed into a park in 1913, it was used as a public market and cotton yard. Three historic buildings are located on the square: The O. Henry Museum, relocated in 1934; Central Fire Station #1, constructed in 1938; and the Susanna Dickinson Museum, relocated in 2001.

“The recognition of Brush Square as a Lone Star Legacy Park came at the perfect time. PARD rehabilitated the O. Henry Museum and completed Phase I of the Brush Square Vision Plan in September,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Brush Square is one of the oldest green spaces in the city, and its location in the heart of downtown Austin next to the convention center makes it a special place for both residents and visitors.”

Other Texas Parks recognized in 2024 include Carver Park in Cleburne, Huntsville State Park, Martin Luther King (MLK) Park in San Antonio, Menard Park in Galveston, and White Rock Lake in Dallas. Other Austin parks to previously receive the Lone Star Legacy designation include Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park, Givens District Park, and Pan Am Neighborhood Park.