The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department project will improve connectivity and bring traditional neighborhood park amenities that align with community needs and environmental constraints. Tillery Neighborhood Park is in the community engagement phase. City Council District 3.

Announcement: Poison Ivy treatment at the park began on August 1, 2024. Due to the size of the growth and the efforts to protect the trees, it will take many weeks to complete. We appreciate your patience as this work is being done with care.

 

Rows of mature pecan trees are shown in what is Tillery Neighborhood Park.

 

Background

The 2.5 acres of undeveloped parkland is located at 1129 Tillery St. Austin TX 78702 in the Govalle Neighborhood. The land was purchased in partnership with the Austin Housing Department to provide a park alongside the Live + Make housing development. The parkland was acquired by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department in May 2024. The parkland is unique in that it holds a large pecan grove that has been a fixture in the neighborhood since at least the 1980's. 

Project Description

The property is currently undeveloped and lacks a sidewalk along Tillery St. Anticipated improvements will preserve the natural environment and the pecan trees on site. Currently there are approximately 100 trees on site, 11 which are heritage size pecan trees. Proposed amenities to be included that are typical of a neighborhood park will include a loop walking trail, picnic areas, a playground and fitness area.

Objectives

By turning this lot into parkland, PARD is preserving some of Austin’s history by keeping the Tillery Pecan Grove intact for future generations to enjoy. PARD seeks to accomplish the following objectives by converting this land to a Neighborhood Park. Please note, the addition of some amenities (fitness equipment, playscape and pavilion) will be based on the feedback received during community engagement. 

  • Preserve existing pecan trees.
  • Maintain existing shade and natural feel of park.
  • Provide walking trail for neighborhood.
  • Provide playscape for children in the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy.
  • Provide area of outdoor fitness equipment to promote outdoor recreation.
  • Create an enjoyable outdoor experience.
  • Provide variety of passive and active recreation activities for the neighborhood.
  • Connect pedestrians and bikers between Tillery St. and Charles St.

Anticipated Schedule

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. PARD estimates the construction phase will last about 12 months from when the project breaks ground. A more specific estimate will be made once construction begins. The following is our proposed schedule at this time and will be updated as necessary.

  • Preliminary Design and Schematic Design: Summer 2024 - Fall 2024
  • Community Engagement: Summer 2024 - Fall 2024
  • Permitting Process: Fall 2024 - Fall 2025
  • Design Development and Construction Documents anticipated completion: Fall 2025
  • Construction Start anticipated: Winter 2026

Community Engagement 

Community members are invited to participate in community engagement events and opportunities. Community engagement for the first round will include an informational community meeting, a series of pop-ups and an online survey. The second and third round will be supported through pop-ups and additional online surveys. 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 and locally placed signs. 

Round Two

  • Community Survey #2 (Open through October 11)
    Tillery Neighborhood Survey #2 | Tillery Encuesta 
    Survey #2 Results
  • Community Pop-Ups
    • Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
      Medici Roasting
      1023 Springdale Road #1A
      Austin, TX 78721
    • Thursday, September 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
      Parque Zaragosa Recreation Center
      2608 Gonzales St. Austin, TX 78702
    • Monday, September 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
      Delores Duffie Recreation Center
      1182 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702
    • Saturday, September 14 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
      Fix-It Clinic
      Cepeda Branch Library
      651 North Pleasant Valley Road
      Austin, Texas 78702

Round One

  • Tillery Neighborhood Park Community Meeting (Virtual)
    Wednesday, July 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Community Survey #1 (Open through August 12)
    Tillery Neighborhood Survey #1 | Tillery Encuesta 1
    Survey #1 Results
  • Community Pop-Ups 
    • Tuesday, July 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
      Pan Am Hillside Concert Series
      307 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702
    • Friday, August 9, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Rosewood Pool
      2300 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
    • Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
      Back to School Event
      Doris Miller Auditorium
      2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, Texas 78702

Funding and Resources

This project will be funded through Park Land Dedication funds collected around the Govalle neighborhood.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Katie Kimball, Landscape Designer by email or phone at (512) 974-9445.