Austin Parks and Recreation

Person walking a dog on a paved trail by a river lined with trees

Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park Project

The historic shelter house, swing set, entry stairs and shade tree at Sir Swante Palm Park in 2026.

City Council District 9

Project Summary

Austin Parks and Recreation is working in partnership with the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to restore Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park, located at 200 N. IH-35. This project is in the design and permitting phase.

Background

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy (WGC) is continuing the community conversations around the redesign of Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park as part of the next phase of the Waterloo Greenway. Since 2015, the project team has been listening to community members who have shared their input on the future of Palm Park, as well as memories and experiences, particularly the Mexican-American history where generations have gathered to enjoy nature, culture, and play. For more information on the history of the park, view WGC's History page.

Visit the StoryMaps Page

 

Project Description

The next phase of the Waterloo Greenway Project will include a new design for Palm Park that celebrates its history and creates new spaces for gathering, playing, and celebrating nature. 

Objectives

  • Rehabilitate the historic shelter house and incorporate the historic stairs
  • Replace aging playground equipment with custom play structures and nature play features
  • Improve drainage in and ADA accessibility to all areas of the park
  • Preserve all existing trees on site and install new native trees and native landscape plantings
  • Create a new family pavilion and a shaded deck with seating for gatherings
  • Installation of a misting water feature
  • Engage local artists to craft murals, entry portals, benches and other elements celebrating the park’s history and culture

Project Design Process

There are two stages in the Design Phase. The Schematic Design process is the first step in the design process, during which the design lead consults with the client to determine the project requirements, goals, and constraints. 

View the Schematic Design (PDF)

Design Development is the next step. During this process, the schematic plans are revised and expanded to incorporate all the details and specifications required for construction. Project components are investigated in detail, codes are reviewed, and materials are selected.

View the Design Development Draft Plan (PDF)

 

Anticipated Schedule

  • Community Engagement: Completed in April 2024
  • Design, Permitting and Bidding: 2024 to 2027
  • Construction Begins: 2027
  • Construction Complete: 2029

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

While the project builds on a long history of community engagement and neighborhood input, the details below highlight our most recent public meetings. For information on future events, please visit WGC's Events page.

Meetings, Surveys and Outreach

    Date

    Event

    Notes

    August 24, 2023Gallery Walk Open House at Juan in a Million 
    August 26, 2023Gallery Walk Open House at Juan in a Million 
    September 13, 2023Online Community Survey Launched 
    September 14, 2023Fiestas Patrias42 Community Members participated
    September 15, 2023Eastside Community School Alliance Meeting50 flyers distributed
    September 23, 2023AISD Showcase66 Community Members participated

     

     

    Gallery Walk Open Houses

    • Thursday, August 24, Juan in a Million
    • Saturday, August 26, Juan in a Million

    Community Survey launched September 13, 2023

     

    View the Engagement Summary Report (PDF)

    Date

    Event

    Notes

    October 7, 2023Boo the Flu48 Community Members participated
    October 10, 2023Coffee with the Principal90 flyers distributed
    October 12 to 16, 2023Neighborhood Block Walking500 door hangers distributed
    October 17, 2023Small Group Discussion 1 
    October 19, 2023Small Group Discussion 2 
    October 20, 2023Eastside Community School Alliance50 flyers distributed
    October 21, 2023Small Group Discussion 3 
    October 25, 2023Small Group Discussion 468 participants in small group discussions total
    October 28, 2023Trail-or-Treat50 Community Members participated
    November 8, 2023Central Texas Interfair Meeting25 Community Members participated
    November 10-18, 2023Creek Show Pop-Up1,055 participants

    Phase 3 of Community Engagement included two community gatherings, where the project team presented preliminary design concepts generated from community input in phases one and two. Community members provided feedback on the design.

    Palm Park Conversations

    • Thursday, April 25, Martin Middle School
    • Saturday, April 27, Eastside Early College High School

    View the full public engagement report with appendix (PDF, 17 MB)

    View the September 24, 2024 Parks Board presentation (PDF, 19 MB)

    Funding and Resources

    This project is supported by funding from Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and Austin Parks and Recreation.

    Contact Information

    For additional information, contact Lana Denkeler, Waller Creek District Program Project Manager, by email or phone at (512) 974-9414.

    • Concept rendering for Palm Park of a seating area called the Tree Deck, built around mature trees

      Concept rendering of a "tree deck" completed as part of the design phase. Credit MVVA

    • Concept rendering for Palm Park of people seated under a structured, stylized shade pavilion

      Concept rendering of shaded pavilion. Credit MVVA.

    • Concept rendering of a seating and shade feature in Palm Park designed to resemble a bird's nest

      Rendering of a "nest" seating concept. Credit MVVA.

    • Concept rendering of the Age 5 to 12 play area for Palm Park with a playscape designed to resemble monk parakeets

      Concept rendering of playscape for children ages 5 to12. Credit MVVA.

    • Concept rendering of the Age 2 to 5 play area with a whimsical playscape, misters, and boardwalk

      Concept rendering of a playscape for children ages 2 to 5. Credit MVVA.