College Row Pocket Park

Latest Update

During the third round of community engagement for College Row Pocket Park, the project team received strong feedback on two points. First, many requested further evaluation of the picnic table placement, with a desire to maximize existing natural shade. Second, the fencing surrounding the nest swing was heavily questioned. As a result of these comments, the picnic tables were relocated further north and on the east side of the existing oak tree to take advantage of the afternoon shade it provides. Additionally, several rock barriers were placed around the nest swing and the perimeter of the park to deter both children from leaving the play area and vehicles from entering the play area. There was community support for the limestone seating, picnic area, nature play area, and plaza. There was also strong support for the open play field, gravel path, and wildflower meadow.

View the Draft Concept Plan below!

Background

The park is located at 1901 E. 11th Street. Acquired in 2021 through parkland dedication fees and 2018 bond funds, the pocket park is adjacent to Huston-Tillotson University and many historically significant landmarks within the African American Historical District.

College Row Park is in the early stages of planning and development. This engagement plan ensures that community voices shape the vision and priorities for the park. The process will include multiple rounds of stakeholder outreach and surveys to gather feedback on park needs and design options. 

In the fall of 2024, students from Huston-Tillotson University began organizing to investigate activation and development of the park. In partnership with Central Texas Interfaith and the Austin Parks Foundation, students and professors hosted two events, one in the fall of 2024 and one in the spring of 2025, centered around ideas for the use and development of this site.

Part of that ongoing effort included Design Workshop and their summer internship project identifying College Row Pocket Park as the project site for the interns' focus. This 10-week internship prepares students from underrepresented groups to become leaders in landscape architecture and planning.

Project Description

The project at the .63 acre, currently undeveloped site will aim to preserve the natural character of the park while building on community priorities for improvement. Based on community feedback and survey results, potential amenities could include:

• Drinking Fountain
• Walking Trail/Loop
• Shaded Seating
• Picnic Area
• Nature Play
• Traditional Playground
• Flexible Play Spaces

These features aim to provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for the neighborhood while preserving the ecological and historical value of the space. Project staff will continue collaborating with the community members and partners to activate this site and determine community priorities for improvements.

Project Objectives

• Inform the community about the park project, including its history, current conditions, and funding constraints.  
• Engage neighbors, park users and interested community members to ensure an inclusive planning process.  
• Gather meaningful input on desired park amenities and design considerations.  
• Foster a sense of community ownership and involvement in the park’s development.  
• Ensure transparency and accessibility throughout the engagement process.  
• Maintain the park’s natural shade and atmosphere
• Support both quiet and active uses of the park

Anticipated Schedule

Please note that project timelines are subject to change due to construction variables and weather conditions.

• Spring 2025: Community-based research and outreach (complete)
• Fall 2025: Concept Plan Development (complete)
• Winter 2026: Preliminary Schematic Design (in progress)
• Summer 2026: Design Development
• Fall 2026: Construction Documentation

Permitting and Construction phases are to be determined.

Community Engagement

Community engagement began on March 1, 2025, at It's My Park Day where Central Texas Interfaith brought students from Huston-Tillotson University to develop ideas for the future of the park. 

Round 1: Ideas for the Park

Survey 1: Closed June 10, 2025

• Survey Results

Pop-Ups

• Delores Duffie Recreation Center Pop Up 
  Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m.
  1182 N. Pleasant Valley Rd., Austin, TX 78702
• Pop-Up in College Row Park!
  Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.
  College Row Pocket Park
  1901 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702

Round 2: Idea Prioritization

Survey 2: Closed October 3, 2025

• Survey Results

Pop-Ups

• Blackshear Elementary Back to School Night
  1712 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas, 78702
  Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
• Delores Duffie Recreation Center
  182 N. Pleasant Valley Rd., Austin, TX 78702 
  Friday, September 19, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
• George Washington Carver Museum, Genealogy and Cultural Center
  1165 Angelina St., Austin, TX 78702
  Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Round 3: What We Heard and Final Concept Review

Survey 3: Closed December 14, 2025

• Survey Results

Pop-Ups

• Pop-Up in College Row Pocket Park
  Community Survey Round 3 
  Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
  1901 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702
• Pop-Up in College Row Pocket Park
  Community Survey Round 3 Launch
  Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m.
  1901 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702

Funding and Resources

This project is funded through Parkland Dedication Funds with design resources provided by Design Workshop in collaboration with Central Texas Interfaith, Huston-Tillotson University and the Austin Parks Foundation.

Contact

For more information, please contact Carolina English, Austin Parks and Recreation Landscape Designer by email.