Chestnut Pocket Park Project

Background

Chestnut Pocket Park is located at 2205 E. 16th St., Austin, TX, 78702. It features a splash pad, picnic pavilion, and the existing play equipment. The existing playscape equipment includes a small play tower and a medium-sized play tower; both of which offer little shade or play value for visitors. Austin Parks and Recreation identified the playground at Chestnut Pocket Park as in poor condition and a good candidate for replacement as part of the Greater and Greener Conference in 2026.

Project Summary

The project team developed a playground replacement plan that aligns with the community’s preferences, park standards, and site conditions. In addition to new play equipment, a nature play area will also be added.

Objectives

By replacing and improving the playground equipment, Austin Parks Foundation 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 neighborhood.
• 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.
• Provide more shade for playground visitors.
• Create a new nature play area.
• Coordinate project with Landscape Structures to be showcased as part of the Greater and Greener Conference.

The New Design

With input gathered through two community surveys, the selected play equipment reflects the priorities and feedback we heard throughout the engagement process:

• Shade was the top priority: All new play elements will include integrated shade, and no existing trees will be removed.
• Play for a range of ages and abilities: The new design includes a large play structure with a variety of features, including monkey bars, slides, play panels, and steppers. Many elements are designed to be lower to the ground and accessible for younger children, while still offering engaging options for older users. The nature play area will also include elements suited for younger children and imaginative play.
• Strong support for swings: A new shaded swing set will include toddler swings as well as a “flex swing” for a range of ages and abilities.
• Color choices: The selected color palette reflects community preferences for natural, cooler tones, with mostly neutral colors and a few brighter accents.

Anticipated Schedule

• Fall 2025: Community outreach, engagement and design (in progress)
• Winter 2026: Final playground equipment selected
• Spring 2026: Construction begins May 15 through June
• Summer 2026: Greater and Greener 2026 Conference; construction completed!

Please note that as with 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

Austin Parks Foundation, in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation, will work with community members to identify values and priorities for the playscape improvements. Community engagement began by sending 1,900 postcards to neighbors and businesses near the park, signage at the park, and emails to partners.

• Community Survey #1 Results (PDF)
• Community Survey #2 Results (PDF)

Information on future community engagement events will be listed here and supported with additional outreach.

Contact Information

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