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.

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

Background

The 2.5 acres of the historic Tillery Pecan Grove became parkland in 2024. The undeveloped parkland, located at 1129 Tillery St. Austin TX 78702 in the Govalle Neighborhood, is home to more than 100 trees, many of them reflecting the legacy of the Pecan Grove. 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. 

Project Description

The Tillery Neighborhood Park Project aims to create a park concept plan that preserves the natural environment and pecan trees on the site and adds amenities to serve the surrounding community. The property is currently undeveloped and lacks a sidewalk along Tillery Street. 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

As a newly acquired park, the Department is preserving Austin’s history by keeping the Tillery Pecan Grove intact for future generations to enjoy. PARD seeks to accomplish the following objectives in developing the neighborhood park:

  • 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 to Fall 2024
  • Community Engagement: Summer 2024 to Fall 2024
  • Permitting Process: Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 (current phase)
  • 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 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)

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

Round Two

Community Survey #2 (Open through October 11)

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 Zaragoza 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 Three

Community Engagement Survey #3 (Open December 13, 2024, through January 20, 2025)

Community Gathering at the Park and Survey 3 Launch

  • Tillery Neighborhood Park, 1129 Tillery Street, Austin, Texas 78702
    Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Tillery Neighborhood Park Pop Up

  • Tuesday, January 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Delores Duffie Recreation Center, 1182 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 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.