Palm Park Conversations

Waterloo Greenway will present an updated vision for Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park on April 25 and 27 with an opportunity for community members to share feedback. The future design is based on more than six months of community input, and celebrates Palm Park’s history and future as a place for families and children in Downtown Austin.

Palm Park Conversations

Thursday, April 25
6:00 PM –7:30 PM
6:15 PM presentation

Address: Martin Middle School
1601 Haskell Street, Austin, TX 78702

Saturday, April 27
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
10:45 AM presentation

Address: Eastside Early College High School
900 Thompson Street, Austin, TX 78702

Conversations are free and open to the public; snacks and refreshments will be provided.

All Austinites are invited to learn about the progress of the Waterloo Greenway project and provide feedback on the future of Palm Park. During the conversations, visitors will have the opportunity to speak with design team members and share feedback on important park improvements and amenities.

A family-centric design builds upon the history of Palm Park as a space for children’s play. The park space historically served as the playground for Palm School, which stood in service to the communities of East Austin for over 80 years before closing in 1976, and was among the first elementary schools in Austin.

The 1.8-acre park space will preserve the historic shelter house, while incorporating exciting brand-new amenities such as play spaces for children of all ages, relaxing areas for caretakers, and communal areas for gatherings.

Throughout 2023, more than 2,000 community members engaged on the design development of Palm Park in two previous rounds of community conversations. The community overwhelmingly shared their interest in family & play amenities, gathering spaces, natural areas, and a strong community identity. The upcoming April conversations represent an important next step in the community engagement process for Palm Park, anticipated to break ground in 2026. The park will be funded through a combination of public funding through the City of Austin Austin Parks and Recreation Department and philanthropic donations. Fundraising is underway to achieve an anticipated 2026 groundbreaking.