Metz Playscape Replacement

Background

Metz Neighborhood Park is a 6.9 acre park located at 2407 Canterbury St, Austin TX 78702. The park includes a playscape, splash pad, pool, a covered basketball court, and bike polo court adjacent to the Mendez Recreation Center. The playscape is located behind and slightly west of the recreation center. The existing playscape was constructed and installed in 2001 prior to the renovation of the Mendez Recreation Center in 2006. 

Project Description

This project will introduce new play equipment at Metz Neighborhood Park to replace the existing aging equipment. The new play equipment will add newer play features and elements which will enhance the park and build upon what was previously installed. Minor ADA improvements will take place to improve accessibility to and from the playscape. New amenities may include:

• Improved shade via shade structure, canopy, or shade integrated with play equipment
• Increased amount of play features/elements
• Additional trees
• Nature based play features/elements

Objectives

• Increase variety of play features/elements in playscape area to allow for maximum enjoyment of play area.
• Improve accessibility to playscape from Mendez Recreation Center and the adjacent parking lot.
• Increased amount of shade in and near playscape.
• Reflect the mission and values of the local community and the Mendez Recreation Center.   

Anticipated Schedule

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

• Summer 2024: Community Engagement
• Fall 2024: Design Development, Construction Documentation & Permitting
• Winter 2024: Construction
• Early Spring 2025: Major construction activities complete 

Community Engagement 

PARD will work with community members to identify values and priorities for the playscape improvements. Community engagement will include a series of pop-ups. In addition to feedback captured during in-person engagement, surveys will be used to document community members' input. Information on future and past community engagement events will be listed here.

Current Community Engagement Phase

Community Survey (Open through July 19)
Metz Playscape Survey #2 | Encuesta Comunitaria 2

Pop-Ups

• Metz Playground & Mendez Recreation Center
  • Pop-Up and Survey Launch with Mendez Campers
    July 1, 2024 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
  • Friday, July 5 from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Round 2: Future Play Amenities

Engagement will focus on determining preferences for the future equipment including theming, colors, and playscape elements. 
 

Previous Community Engagement Phase

Community Survey closed June 17, 2024.
Community Survey #1 | Encuesta Comunitaria 1

Pop-Ups

• Metz Playground & Mendez Recreation Center
  • Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9-10 am
  • Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
• Latinapalooza Sunday, May 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
  Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Park, 1182 North Pleasant Valley Rd

Round 1: Existing Play Features

Engagement will focus on evaluating the existing play features with the community to determine priorities for the new equipment.

Funding and Resources

The project is funded by Certificates of Obligation (COs). COs are non-voter approved municipal bonds designed to finance public projects identified essential for the community.

Contact Information 

For more information or to provide feedback, feel free to contact project staff.

PARD Project Manager, Reynaldo Hernandez email or phone at (512) 974-9464.
PARD Landscape Designer, Katie Kimball email or phone at (512) 974-9445.