Updates

• Installation of the new play equipment is complete!
• Construction on a new pavilion, upgraded sidewalks, seating, and planting shade trees are underway.

Background

Rosewood Neighborhood Parks is a 13.9-acre park 2 miles east of downtown. It was established in 1929 as Austin’s first public space for African Americans. Today, Rosewood Neighborhood Park remains a beloved neighborhood park with a significant history within the Rosewood Neighborhood and Austin as a whole. In February 2019, it was designated as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation & Parks Society.

Each year, the Juneteenth park festival, which follows the annual Juneteenth parade, is celebrated at Rosewood Neighborhood Park with food and local vendors. The park is also home to the Dolores Duffie Recreation Center, Dorris Miller Auditorium, and the historic Henry G. Madison Cabin. The park currently includes a neighborhood pool and splash pad, ballfield, pavilions, and an existing playscape and nature play area.

Project Summary

Austin Parks and Recreation is partnering with Austin Parks Foundation (APF) to renovate the Rosewood Neighborhood Park playground. The existing manufactured playscape equipment includes swings and a small ship-themed play structure. It currently offers little shade or play value for visitors. The project team developed a playground replacement plan that aligns with the community’s preferences, park standards, and environmental features of the site.

Objectives

By replacing and improving the playground equipment, APF and Austin Parks and Recreation seek to accomplish the following objectives:

• Connect with the community to ensure that the new playground meets the needs and preferences of the community and will serve the Dolores Duffie Recreation Center.
• Increase the variety of play equipment available to encourage physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play.
• Create a welcoming environment accessible to children of all abilities.
• Upgrade site furnishings and provide more shade for playground visitors.

Anticipated Schedule

• Summer 2024: Community outreach, engagement and design (complete)
• Spring 2025: Bidding and Permitting (complete)
• Summer 2025: Major construction begins (in progress)
• Spring 2026: Major construction complete

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather.

Community Engagement

APF, in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation, worked with community members to identify values and priorities for the playscape improvements. Community engagement included a series of pop-ups. In addition to feedback captured during in-person engagement, surveys were used to document community members' input. Information on future and past community engagement events will be listed here and supported with outreach on social media and locally placed signs.

Community Survey 2 (open December 14 to January 18, 2025)
This survey included questions about preferred play equipment, colors, and more. View the Survey 2 summary report (PDF).

Community Survey 1 (open August 10 to September 6, 2025)
This survey focused on community priorities for the new play equipment. View the Survey 1 summary report (PDF).

Community Pop-Ups

Saturday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Delores Duffie Recreation Center
1182 North Pleasant Valley Road
Austin, TX 78702

Funding and Resources

This project is funded by Austin Parks Foundation.

Contact Information

For more information or to ask questions, please email Charles Mabry, Austin Parks and Recreation Program Manager.