Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan Update
City Council District 4
Project Timeline
An update to the District Park Vision Plan was needed to align amenities and their locations with changes due to City Code and reflect park development that has occurred since the creation of the original plan in 2008. The updated Park Vision Plan has been recommended for Director approval by the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, and was adopted in August 2026. This project is complete!
Background
Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia District Park consists of 47 acres of parkland, which holds the Gus Garcia Recreation Center, walking trails, a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilion, and two multipurpose fields. The original plan for the park was led by community leaders and finalized in 2008 when it was accepted by Austin Parks and Recreation.
Project Description
Since the time of the first park plan creation in 2008 (PDF), several amenities have been installed, such as the playground, basketball court, multipurpose fields, and walking trails. In addition, the park hosts a thriving community garden. Additional amenities and locations identified on the 2008 plan are in need of updating due to space or updated City Code language. This includes the noted aquatic facility and softball fields. This process addressed these amenities and others on the original plan that have yet to be realized. In addition, the updated plan identified the general area of a future Gus Garcia Recreation Center Facility Expansion for a Senior Wing.
Final Updated Vision Plan
| Existing Amenities | Proposed Amenities |
| A. Existing Basketball Court B. Existing Parking Lot C. Existing Multiuse Field D. Existing Playground E. Existing Recreation Center F. Existing 25 Feet Fire lane G. Existing Community Garden H. Existing Detention Pond I. Existing Detention Pond/Multiuse Field J. Existing Formal Trails | 1. Proposed Formal Trail 2. Proposed Sports Courts 3. Proposed Aquatics Facility 4. Proposed Hillside Seating 5. Proposed Sand Volleyball Courts/Picnic Area 6. Proposed Selective Tree Clearing/Picnic Areas 7. Proposed Practice/Multiuse Field 8. Proposed Fenced Dog Off-Leash Area 9. Proposed Senior Center Expansion 10. Proposed Nature Trails |
Project Timeline
- Summer 2025: Updated Plan Initial Draft
- Fall 2025: Share Updated Plan Final Draft
- Winter 2026: Plan Approval Process Began
- Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on April 27
- Summer 2026: Plan Adopted
Communication and Community Engagement
The purpose of the Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan Update is to align the future park development with what is still possible. This includes moving amenities that can no longer be developed in the original identified area and adjusting amenities that cannot be developed as they were initially envisioned due to updates to City Code and policies. Austin Parks and Recreation consulted with the community to get feedback on the proposed update to the Park Vision Plan. The project team aimed to keep the public informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and preferences, and record all feedback to share with City Council in the final report. Details on the public engagement effort can be found below.
Community Outreach
Efforts included:
- Board showing draft and explanation of changes posted in Recreation Center for community input.
- Saturday Pop-up at Gus Garcia Recreation Center to share more information with visitors.
- Meeting with Advisory Group to go over changes and how they were made and receive additional input.
Efforts included:
- Final Draft of the Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan (PDF) presented at Halloween event for comment and priorities activity.
- Updated park plan draft posted at Recreation Center with explanation of what changed from initial draft in response to feedback.
- Saturday Pop-up at Gus Garcia Recreation Center to share more information about prioritizing activity and changes made to draft.
- Meeting with Advisory Group to go over changes and how they were made and receive any additional input.
- Afterschool Program Priorities Activity with youth at Gus Garcia Recreation Center.
- Online, paper, and in-person opportunities to provide feedback.
Funding and Resources
No additional funding has been identified.
Contact Information
For questions about this project, contact Charles Mabry, Project Manager, by email or phone at (512) 974-9481.