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

Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park Project

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. City Council District 9

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. For information about Sir Swante Palm, visit the Swante Palm 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.

Phase 1: August to September 2023

Gallery Walk Open Houses

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

Community Survey launched September 13, 2023

Community Outreach

The following outreach and tabling opportunities were held throughout 2023 to promote upcoming conversations.

September 14, Fiestas Patrias, 42 Community Members participated
September 15, Eastside Community School Alliance, 50 Flyers distributed
September 23, AISD Showcase, 66 Community Members participated
October 7, Boo the Flu, 48 Community Members participated
October 10, Coffee with the Principal & Flyer Drop-off, 90 Flyers distributed
October 12 - 16, Neighborhood Block Walking, 500 Door Hangers distributed
October 20, Eastside Community School Alliance, 50 Flyers distributed
October 28, Trail-or-Treat Event, 50 Community Members participated
November 8, Central Texas Interfair Meeting, 25 Community Members participated
November 10 - 18, Creek Show, 1,055 Participants

Phase 2: October to November 2023

Small Group Conversations

October 17, 19, 21 and 25
- 68 Participants

View the engagement summary report (PDF, 6 MB)

Phase 3: April 2024

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