Oertli Neighborhood Park is a 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. City Council District 1
Project Update
Oertli Neighborhood Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11 a.m.
12613 Blaine Rd., Austin, Texas 78753
This is an outdoor event, please dress comfortably.
Park will open to the public on November 22 to allow time for turf and vegetation re-establishment. Landscape turf watering and wildflower seeding will take place in November and December while the park is open to the public. Park amenities include drinking fountains, park benches and bike racks, street sidewalk connections, internal loop trail, drainage structures, pavilions, and playground installation.
The park 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.
Background
The six-acre property was most recently 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 newly developed 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.
- November 22, 2024: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and 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.
- Meeting Presentation (PDF, 8 MB)
- Meeting Recording (YouTube)
- Meeting Chat (PDF)
Community Survey #1: View results
Community Meeting #2 (Virtual), May 19, 2021, 5:30 p.m.
- Meeting Presentation (PDF, 7 MB)
- View Recording (YouTube)
- Meeting Chat (PDF)
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.
