Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is planning to replace the existing play equipment at Davis White Northeast Neighborhood Park. The goal of this project is to provide new playground equipment and surfacing while ensuring compliance with ADA standards for amenities and walkways. The project is in the community engagement phase. City Council District 1.
Upcoming Community Engagement
Community Survey #2 (open July 17- July 30)
Community Pop-Ups
Come chat with project staff and review playscape designs.
- Thursday, July 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Drive 78724 - Sunday, July 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Davis White Northeast Park Playground
6705 Crystalbrook Dr, Austin, TX 78724 - Tuesday, July 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
University Hills Library
4721 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723
Background
Davis White Northeast Neighborhood Park, covering 19.694 acres, is located at 6705 Crystalbrook Dr. Austin, TX 78724. It was renamed in 2007 after two Austin heroes, Captain Willie Ray Davis and Captain Louie White, who pioneered the breaking of racial barriers by becoming the first African Americans appointed to leadership positions in the City of Austin Fire and Police Departments, respectively. The park currently includes a 2-5 year old play area, a swing set, and a 5-12 year old play area among other amenities that foster community and enjoyment within the urban landscape.
Project Description
Davis White Northeast Park is a beloved neighborhood park that includes three play equipment areas. The existing manufactured playscapes have been identified by the PARD conditions assessment for playscape replacement. The project team is requesting feedback from park users to develop a playground replacement plan that aligns with the community’s preferences, park standards, and environmental features of the site.
Objectives
By replacing and improving the playground equipment, PARD seeks to accomplish the following objectives:
- Connect with the community to ensure that the new playground meets the needs and preferences of the community.
- Increase the variety of play equipment available to encourage physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play.
- Create a welcoming environment accessible to children of all abilities.
- Integrate responsible landscaping practices in alignment with the environmental features of the site.
Anticipated Schedule
- Spring 2024: Community Engagement
- Summer 2024: Permitting and bid solicitations
- Fall-Winter 2024: Construction start
- Spring 2025: Major construction competed
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 and supported with outreach on social media and locally placed signs.
Current Community Engagement Phase
Community Survey #2 (open July 17- July 30)
Community Pop-Ups
Come chat with project staff and review playscape designs.
- Thursday, July 18 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Drive 78724 - Sunday, July 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Davis White Northeast Park Playground
6705 Crystalbrook Dr, Austin, TX 78724 - Tuesday, July 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
University Hills Library
4721 Loyola Ln, Austin, TX 78723
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 #1
Davis White Survey 1 | Davis White Encuesta 1 (Survey close June 17, 2024)
Pop-Up Events:
Chat with project staff to learn more about the project and share your ideas.
- Tuesday, June 4 from 7:15-9:00 a.m.
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Dr.
Austin, TX 78724 - Pop-Ups at Davis White Playscapes
- Saturday, May 25 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, May 30 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
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 please contact Leslie Perez, PARD Project Coordinator by e-mail or at 512-974-9473.
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