Rosewood Playground Replacement
City Council District 1
Project Summary
Austin Parks and Recreation partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to renovate the Rosewood Neighborhood Park playground. A new playscape opened to the public in Winter 2026, and a new pavilion, seating, shade trees, and upgraded sidewalks were completed in the summer. This project is complete and open to the public!
Background
Rosewood Neighborhood Parks is a 13.9-acre park 2 miles east of downtown. It was established in 1929 as Austin’s first public space for African Americans. Today, Rosewood Neighborhood Park remains a beloved neighborhood park with a significant history within the Rosewood Neighborhood and Austin as a whole. In February 2019, it was designated as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation & Parks Society.
Each year, the Juneteenth park festival, which follows the annual Juneteenth parade, is celebrated at Rosewood Neighborhood Park with food and local vendors. The park is also home to the Dolores Duffie Recreation Center, Dorris Miller Auditorium, and the historic Henry G. Madison Cabin. The park currently includes a neighborhood pool and splash pad, ballfield, pavilions, and an existing playscape and nature play area.
Project Description
Austin Parks and Recreation is partnering with Austin Parks Foundation (APF) to renovate the Rosewood Neighborhood Park playground. The existing manufactured playscape equipment included swings and a small ship-themed play structure. It offered little shade or play value for visitors. The project team developed a playground replacement plan that aligns with the community’s preferences, park standards, and environmental features of the site.
Objectives
By replacing and improving the playground equipment, APF and Austin Parks and Recreation sought to accomplish the following objectives:
- Connect with the community to ensure that the new playground meets the needs and preferences of the community and will serve the Dolores Duffie Recreation Center.
- 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.
- Upgrade site furnishings and provide more shade for playground visitors.
Project Timeline
- Summer 2024: Community outreach, engagement and design
- Spring 2025: Bidding and Permitting
- Summer 2025: Major construction begins
- Spring 2026: Major construction complete
Communications and Engagement
APF, in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation, worked with community members to identify values and priorities for the playscape improvements. Community engagement included a series of pop-ups. In addition to feedback captured during in-person engagement, surveys were used to document community members' input. Information on future and past community engagement events will be listed here and supported with outreach on social media and locally placed signs.
| Date | Event | Location | Materials |
| August 10, 2025 | Community Pop-Up | Delores Duffie Recreation Center | |
| August 10 to September 6, 2025 | Community Survey 1 | Online | View the Survey 1 summary report (PDF) |
| December 14, 2024 to January 18, 2025 | Community Survey 2 | Online | View the Survey 2 summary report (PDF) |
Funding and Resources
This project was funded by Austin Parks Foundation.
Contact Information
For more information or to ask questions, please email Charles Mabry, Austin Parks and Recreation Program Manager.