Kids in East Austin now have a new structure to play on, just in time for the height of summer — thankfully, it's located right in Metz Neighborhood Park (at 2407 Canterbury St.), which has a communal swimming pool. A ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 am on Friday, August 1, will belatedly celebrate the opening.

The new playscape replaces an existing one that was installed in 2001. The Mendez Recreation Center, a building on the park's seven acres, was renovated in 2006, but the playscape stayed the same. The project started ideation with community engagement in summer 2024.

The project's goals were to make improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), incorporate a wider variety of play features, add shade structures, work in nature-inspired elements, and "reflect the mission and values of the local community and the Mendez Recreation Center."

Responses collected in a community survey showed that the largest portion of respondents lived within a quarter-mile of the park (35 percent), and recorded preferences on themes, colors, and ways to play. The final project appears to have been completed in what the survey called "dinosaur colors."

Youth who use the Mendez Recreation Center were also encouraged to make their own survey, which helped the Parks and Recreation team create a follow-up. Adults answered both surveys.

“Metz Neighborhood Park’s new playscape is a shining example of what we can achieve through strong community partnerships and inclusive engagement,” said Austin Parks and Recreation director Jesús Aguirre in a city newsletter. “We’re especially proud of the collaboration with the youth and staff at Mendez Recreation Center, whose voices helped shape this project from the ground up. Their creativity and insight ensured the new playground truly reflects the needs and spirit of the community.”

In addition to the new playscape, the ribbon cutting will also mark the addition of new landscaping in the park. Visitors will also find a splash pad, covered basketball court, and a bike polo court.

Funding for the project project came from Certificates of Obligation (COs), which are not voter approved. CO-funded projects are those that have deemed essential to the community.