South Austin Recreation Center

Located in South Austin minutes from Zilker Park, the South Austin Recreation Center offers year round special events and programs for tiny tots, youth, adults and seniors.

The Center is located on 10 acres in South Austin just south of Oltorf off Cumberland Dr. The facility includes an indoor basketball gym, stage, large meeting room, kitchen and lobby open to the public for pool and ping pong. Outdoor park amenities include outdoor basketball court, two lit tennis courts, picnic area, playscape and lighted ball fields.

In 1974, the area around the South Austin Recreation Center (then an empty field) was made up of low income residents, several federal housing projects and many youth with delinquency problems. The area was in need of a recreation facility to help provide services to the troubled youth of the community. Area residents formed a group to try and prevent the area from becoming a future slum. The recreation center was one of several projects which the neighborhood task force (aided by now retired assistant director of Parks and Recreation Roy Guerrero) put into motion for the betterment of the community. The South Austin Recreation Center opened its doors on September 5th, 1974. Ever since the doors have opened, the center has focused on providing quality programs to help service the youth of the community.

Per the COVID-19 Mayoral declaration, the Center is closed to the public effective Monday, March 16^th . Please check the Closure page for update.

Summer Camp Registration Postponement

We are excited to announce the launch of Summer Camp 2021. In accordance with federal, state and local health authorities, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has adopted a series of modified guidelines to ensure COVID19 health and safety measures are met. Such guidelines include the use of masks, daily wellness screenings prior to entry, utilization of the pod model, and other modifications to activities within camp.

Beginning June 7
Virtual “Stay Creative” Summer Camp

Beginning June 21
In-person Summer Camp (nature, art, general)

Beginning July 6
Summer Playground Program

New this year is the introduction of a lottery system. The lottery system will help us more equitably offer limited spaces to families. To ensure a smooth registration process, please read the important information below regarding the new lottery registration process for 2021. CLICK HERE for lottery enrollment step-by-step procedures.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 19 - May 16
Registration for all families.
To register, please go to: www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

May 19
Specialty Camps (Nature Based, Inclusion and Museums and Cultural Centers) will begin contacting participants who received a lottery spot in camp.

May 26
General Recreation Camps will begin contacting participants who received a lottery spot in camp. Be on the lookout for an email or phone call as parents will have a very short turnaround time to confirm spots.

All individuals selected for camp will be asked to pay a $20 deposit for all selected weeks to ensure enrollment. The Department has made all deposits refundable this year.

Financial aid applications are being accepted.

Parks and Recreation staff is looking forward to providing a fun and meaningful summer program experience for your family that will prioritize the health and well-being of all campers and staff. Should you have any questions, please contact the recreation center where you registered.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department provides opportunities wherein all individuals are accepted, included and welcomed to participate, play and recreate together. Individuals interested in additional services are encouraged to request modifications to participate in our programs. Should you or a family member have a disability or special need that requires assistance for participation in our programs, please call 512-974-3914 or refer to: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/inclusion-unit

Food Programs

Virtual Programs

Stay Active with the Community Recreation Centers online Virtual Programming!

Stay Playful with our Virtual Afterschool Clubs:

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 website
Summer Camp (PDF)
Boredom Busters english/Spanish (PDF)

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 Sports FUNdamentals
Toddler Fun League
Pre-K Play

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

2019-2020 Sports Guide (PDF)
Summer Basketball

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.

Teen Summer Camp (PDF)

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.

Free Zumba on Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm. All fitness levels welcome.
Senior Volleyball
Pickleball

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.