The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is working in partnership with the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy (WGC) to restore Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park, located at 200 N. IH-35. This project is in the community engagement phase. City Council District 9

Image of historic restroom structure at Palm Neighborhood Park with picnic bench and bike rack
Background

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is continuing the community conversations around the redesign of Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park as part of Phase 3 of the Waterloo Greenway Project. Since 2015, the project team has been listening to community members who have shared their input on the future of Palm Park, as well as memories and experiences, particularly the Mexican-American history where generations have gathered to enjoy nature, culture, and play. For more information on the history of the park, view WGC's History page. For information about Sir Swante Palm, visit the Oakwood Cemetery StoryMaps page.

Project Description

The third phase of the Waterloo Greenway Project is currently in planning and anticipated to break ground in 2026. This phase will include a new design for Palm Park that celebrates its history and creates new spaces for gathering, playing, and celebrating nature.

Anticipated Schedule

  • Community Engagement: Completed in April 2024
  • Design, Permitting and Bidding: 2024 to 2025
  • Construction begins: Early 2026

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.

Community Engagement

Phase 1: August to September 2023

Gallery Walk Open Houses

  • Thursday, August 24, Juan in a Million
  • Saturday, August 26, Juan in a Million

Community Survey launched September 13

Phase 2: October to November 2023

Small Group Conversations

  • Tuesday, October 17, Palm Elementary School
  • Thursday, October 19, Palm Elementary School
  • Saturday, October 21, Chalmers East Community Room
  • Wednesday, October 25, Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center
  • Wednesday, November 8, Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center

Community Survey closed November 20, 2023

Additional community input was collected at pop-up events, including the WGC's annual Creek Show, November 10 to 18, 2023. 

View the engagement summary report (PDF, 6 MB). 

Phase 3: April 2024

Phase 3 of Community Engagement included two community gatherings, where the project team presented preliminary design concepts generated from community input in phases one and two. Community members provided feedback on the design. 

Palm Park Conversations

  • Thursday, April 25, Martin Middle School
  • Saturday, April 27, Eastside Early College High School

View the full public engagement report with appendix (PDF, 17 MB).

For information on future events, please visit WGC's Events page.

Funding and Resources

This project is supported by funding from Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Lana Denkeler, Waller Creek District Program Project Manager, by email or phone at (512) 974-9414.