Grand Meadow is an undeveloped neighborhood park in southeast Austin. Eager to develop this park, a local stewardship organization applied for and was awarded a design grant by Austin Parks Foundation. The concept plan was approved and adopted by the Parks and Recreation Department in March 2024. The first phase of development is in the permitting stage. City Council District 2

 

Image of Grand Meadow park with wildflowers and butterfly cutout and people in the meadow

Background

Located at 8022 Thaxton Drive, at the intersection of Thaxton Dive and Panadero Road, the land was historically used as farmland. In 1988, the City of Austin acquired a 6.4-acre parcel, then expanded the park by acquiring two smaller parcels in 2004. Now surrounded by single-family homes, the nearly ten-acre property is currently designated as a wildflower meadow. In 2022, the Friends of Grand Meadow, a stewardship organization dedicated to building  community around the park, was granted design services by Austin Parks Foundation. The concept plan for the park was adopted in March 2024.

Project Description

Phase one of construction at Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park will improve access into and around the park, provide inviting spaces for the community to gather and enjoy the outdoors, and create the infrastructure necessary to support all potential park improvements.

A half-mile decomposed granite trail will loop around the park, and accessible concrete walkways will cross the park creating key connections from the existing sidewalks into the new park space. A nature play area for children of all ages and abilities will sit at the center of the park, next to a large pavilion, complete with picnic tables and lighting. An open field will offer space for flexible play and provide visibility into the main park space.

This phase will also establish the framework for a community garden and food forest, so planting can begin after the park opens. Standard amenities like trash cans, mutt mitts, picnic tables, benches, and a water fountain will also be included at key locations.
 

Anticipated Schedule

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.

  • Winter 2024: Concept plan adopted (complete)
  • Winter 2025: Permitting and Bidding (in progress)
  • Fall 2025: Break Ground
  • Winter 2025/Spring 2026: Tree Planting
  • Late Spring 2026: Phase One Complete

Community Engagement

Previous engagement for the Grand Meadow Concept Plan can be found below.

Concept Plan Community Engagement

Community Meeting #1 (virtual)
March 7, 2023

Community Survey #1 (closed March 31, 2023): View Results (PDF)

Community Meeting #2 (in person)
May 20, 2023

Virtual Community Meeting #3: See the Draft Concept
September 26, 2023

Community Survey: Draft Concept: Closed October 18, 2023. View Results (PDF)

Funding and Resources

The concept plan was funded by Austin Parks Foundation. Phase one is funded by the Urban Forest Fund, Parks and Recreation Department Parkland Dedication Fund, and Austin Parks Foundation.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Charles Mabry, PARD Project manager, by email or by phone at (512) 974-9481.