Highland Park & Reznicek Fields is currently undergoing a master plan implementation with the City of Austin PARD and Watershed. As a neighborhood, we are constantly working to secure funds to continue the construction of the full vision. Please email Kate Garza if you would like more information or want to join the Parks Committee of the HNA. Learn more about the park masterplan.
History
The park space you see today is the result of decades of work from the community , the support of city council and the Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARD), and a little bit of luck.
Since 1970, the property has been utilized by the University Hills Optimist Club for youth sports activities. On July 1, 2014 City Council approved the transfer of 7.46 acres of City owned land located at 401 W. St. Johns Ave. from the Watershed Protection Department to the Parks and Recreation Department for the development of the park. Shortly thereafter, the Austin City Council passed funds for and PARD supported the development of a Masterplan for our park.
Since that time, the community has continued to grow and develop. In 2019, the park saw the first step towards implementation with the installation of a first round of playground equipment. Also in 2019, the Highland Park was awarded a coveted Austin Parks Foundation ACL Parks Grant for $30,000 to add to the amenities installed with the playground, including picnic tables and a water fountain. The site currently contains a playground, two youth ball fields, a multi-use field, parking area, a concession building, storage and maintenance buildings.
The next phase of construction is slated to start in June of 2022. The budget for the next phase is around $1.4 million, and will really transform the park. HNA will keep residents updated about schedules and park access during the construction, which could take about 8 months.