The original land on which Mendez Recreation Center is located was acquired by a bond purchase in 1933. The present center opened in 1972 and was renamed after Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, a pillar of East Austin and former program specialist. The existing facility was built in 1972 through matching funds from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and Model Cities funds. The facility includes a main building, playground, outdoor stage, tennis court, covered outdoor basketball court, picnic tables, and is located just off the Hike & Bike Trail. Satellite facilities adjacent to Festival Beach include tennis courts and lighted ball fields.
The Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center offers a wide variety of programs for youth, adults, seniors as well as fun community events throughout the year. Youth programs include After School Program, Girl Scouts (Troop 2407), youth sport clinics and leagues, Toddler sport programs, out-of-school-time camps, summer camp and more! Adult programs include a FREE Seniors program for 50+ adults, Coed and women’s kickball, sport leagues and tournaments, ceramics classes and a FREE core exercise class. Mendez Recreation Center also offers Teen Camp for teens ages 12-15 during the summer. Community events include Movie under the Stars during the summer, Community Easter Egg Hunt, Cinco De Mayo Fiesta, 4th of July Celebration, Community Halloween Carnival, Dog Extravaganza, Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Night Before Christmas with Santa and Youth Valentines Dance. One event every month to bring the community together for a good time at the park!
Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center Video Tour
- Out-Of-School Time Youth Programs
- Youth Sports
- Teen Programs
- Toddler Programs
- Community and Special Events
- Facility and Grounds Rental Information
- Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center Staff Information
- About Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez
Out-Of-School Time Youth Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities for youth that expose them to critical thinking and leadership development while helping explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play. Come and experience the spectrum of opportunities with the Parks and Recreation Youth Programs.
- Afterschool (Pickup: Sanchez & UT Elementary) (PDF)
- C-Day Camps
- Youth Summer Camp
- Skate Crew (PDF)
- Thanksgiving Camp
- Swim Safe (PDF)
Youth Sports
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round co-ed youth sports that teach fundamentals and stress sportsmanship. Our seasonal leagues provide a safe recreational setting structured for a beginner to intermediate player. Lead by volunteer coaches, games are noncompetitive in order to emphasize teamwork and physical fitness.
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Youth Futsal Drills & Skills
- Tennis Play Days
Teen Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that encourage Youth Development through outdoor exploration, the arts, critical thinking, and leadership development.
- Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA)
- Summer Camp
Toddler Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities to help explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play.
- Toddler Fundamentals and Fun Sports League
- Nature Play (PDF)
- Art in Cahoots
Adult and 50+ Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of Senior Programs and Services for adults and people 50 years of age and older. We are committed to providing an environment that encourages active and healthy lifestyles through recreational and educational programs and services.
- Senior Congregate Meal Program
- Varsity Generation Calendar (PDF)
- Zumba (PDF)
- Core Fitness (PDF)
Community and Special Events
The Parks and Recreation Department provides opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to come together and socialize, meet new people, enhance existing relationships, and create community.
- October – Community Halloween Carnival & Haunted House (PDF)
- October - Movies Under the Star Fall Series
- November – Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- December – Night Before Christmas Break
- Upcoming Events
- February – Youth Valentines Dance
- March – Dog Extravaganza
- March – Community Easter Egg Hunt
- April - Open House and Bingo Night
- May – Loteria Fiesta
- June – August – Movies Under the Stars (PDF)
- September – 16 de Septiembre Celebration
- Multi-Court Use (Tennis-Pickleball-Badminton) (PDF)
- Facility and Grounds Rental Information
Mendez Recreation Center Staff
Jonathon Haynes Recreation Supervisor
Stephanie Martinez Program Specialist
Jesse Titus Program Specialist
Antonia Riojas Program Instructor
Cindy Palacios Buildings & Grounds Assistant
About Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez
Renaming the Recreation Center
The Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center was named to honor a pillar of East Austin, Rudy Mendez. Learn more about the process and about Rudy.
Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, born in Austin in 1944, studied dance and performing arts in New York and Spain. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chile and Costa Rica, touring with each country's national ballet company and developing performing arts curriculum and programs for youth. In 1978, he returned to Austin and founded the Ballet East Dance Company to provide a platform for young choreographers and dancers and to develop vigorous outreach to Black and Hispanic communities in East Austin. From 1978 to 2000, Mr. Mendez worked for the Parks and Recreation Department as a program specialist at Metz Recreation Center. In 1989, he developed the city-wide program "Dare to Dance," recognized nationally. Mr. Mendez also created the Folkloric Dance and Mentoring Program to encourage students of living in East Austin to graduate high school. Rudy Mendez died in 2019.
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