Oertli Neighborhood Park is an undeveloped six-acre park located at 1238 Pearl Retreat Lane, near the intersection of Dessau Road and East Parmer Lane in Northeast Austin. The neighborhood park will include a loop trail, picnic tables and benches, shade trees, play features, and additional amenities in line with the community's needs. The project will provide ADA-accessible open space and amenities to the adjacent neighborhoods. This project is in the construction phase. City Council District 1

Sign-up for email updates

Project Update

Landscape and tree installation will take place in September and October. Soft opening for the public is anticipated for mid-October 2024 with a ribbon cutting event tentatively planned for November 2024. Completed or partially completed items now include drinking fountains, park benches and bike racks, street sidewalk connections, internal loop trail, drainage structures, pavilions, and playground installation.

Right of way sidewalk on pearl retreat lane

Once open, the park will includes a loop trail connecting the two entrances of the park, shade trees, playground area with pavilion, fitness equipment, a fenced in off-leash area, and ample space for open play.  Additional funding for shade pavilions has been provided by the Austin Parks Foundation.

Playground and large pavilion

 

Oertli Park Proposed Concept Plan showing amenities such as pavilions, walking paths, fitness area, and playground

Birds Eye view of proposed playground

Background

The six-acre property is currently a vacant field divided by a fence row of trees. Single-family homes and apartments surround the park with access from Blaine Road and Pearl Retreat Drive. The neighborhood park was acquired through parkland dedication funding and will focus on providing park space to the community within a half-mile radius.

The property was historically a pasture, owned by the Oertli Family, who operated local dairy farms in Austin and Travis County from 1923 to 2001. A Texas Historical Marker is located on-site, next to Pearl Retreat Drive.

Project Description

The proposed park includes a loop trail connecting the two entrances of the park, with new shade trees. At the north entrance, near Blaine Road, the park includes playground equipment with built-in shade canopies and a large pavilion for groups and parties. The middle of the park has ample space for open play. An off-leash dog area with fencing located opposite the play zones is also proposed. At the south entrance, near Pearl Retreat Lane, a new fitness area with shade trees and a lush lawn will welcome people to the park.

Anticipated Schedule

  • Spring 2021: Community engagement and park concept design. Complete!
  • Fall 2022: Site plan design and permitting. Complete!
  • Summer 2023: Bid solicitation, award, and contract execution. Complete!
  • Fall 2023: Project Construction. In Progress.
  • Fall 2024: Tentative Park opening

Please note that, as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change because of the nature of construction and the weather. 

Community Engagement

For Community Engagement related to the park concept design, PARD reached out to community members and stakeholder groups within a half-mile radius of the park to take part in community engagement events. Mailed flyers were distributed to engage the adjacent neighborhoods. Recordings of the meetings can be viewed below.

Community Meeting #1 (Virtual), March 17, 2021, 5:30 p.m.

Community Survey #1: View results

Community Meeting #2 (Virtual), May 19, 2021, 5:30 p.m.

Community Survey #2: Concept Development Survey: View results

 

Funding and Resources

This park development project is funded by 2018 Parkland Improvements Bonds and Parkland Dedication Fees. Additional funding for shade pavilions is provided by Austin Parks Foundation.

Contact Information

For questions or more information, please get in touch with James Wheeler at 512-974-9413 or by email.