Austinites looking for self-improvement inspiration should turn to Waterloo Greenway, which is always working on its next transformation. Next up is the Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park, a 1.8-acre park downtown bordered by I-35, Red River Street, and Third Street.
The community is invited to join conversations April 25 and 27, discussing the current vision plan. Park designers, the City of Austin, and Waterloo Greenway will take the feedback into account when refining the plan. Construction teams plan to break ground in 2026.
In its current state, this park next to IHOP, the Fairmont Austin, and Moonshine Grill is relatively plain. An old stone structure, the "historic shelter house" is its main landmark; This will be preserved in the coming construction. The park's open, mostly flat space is used for events, and its location makes it a convenient meeting spot. However, its proximity to the highway can make it a challenging place to relax and enjoy nature on a whim.
The park in its current state.Photo courtesy of Waterloo Greenway
The draft vision already incorporates six months of community input, which largely focuses on the park's usefulness to families and children. According to a news release via the greenway, that includes "family and play amenities, gathering spaces, natural areas, and a strong community identity."
Another central goal of this renovation is to preserve the Mexican-American history of the park. The space used to serve as a playground for the Palm School, frequented largely by Mexican-American kids. One of the city's first elementary schools, it was active from 1892-1976.
An undated photo shows the space in the past.Photo courtesy of Waterloo Greenway
A planning report from December 2023 noted that Palm School alumni made up 12 percent of in-person talks, and 10 percent of online and paper surveys. Two disabled or differently abled community members were included, but the plan does not mention any specific accessibility goals.
Top ideas for the space based on community voting include:
- Visual art for history and storytelling (750 votes)
- Scenic walking trails (787)
- Shaded seating (763)
- Play structures (729)
- Wooden structures for shade (815)
- Trees for shade on lawn and benches (601)
- Natural water features (851)
Funding for this project comes from the City of Austin Austin Parks and Recreation Department and philanthropic donations. So far, fundraising is still ongoing.
Information on the free, public conversations is as follows:
APRIL 25
6-7:30 pm
6:15 pm presentation
Martin Middle School: 1601 Haskell St.
APRIL 27
10:30 am to noon
10:45 am presentation
Eastside Early College High School: 900 Thompson St.
