Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / Parks and outdoors

Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach

Located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, this expansive 131-acre park offers scenic trails, a free boat ramp, and rich community history, honoring local activist Edward Rendon Sr. who worked to clean up the area.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach
austinparks.org, source_link_og_austinparks.org

What is Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach and where is it located?

Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach is a 131.9455-acre metropolitan park located at 2101 Jesse E Segovia St., Austin, Texas 78702. It sits on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake (also referred to as the Colorado River), just east of I-35.

What amenities and activities are available at the park?

The park features a playground, trails (including the Anne and Roy Butler hike and bike trail), a soccer field, a basketball court, a multi-use field, and a picnic area. Visitors can also enjoy a free boat ramp, take a dip in the Martin Neighborhood Pool, or attend regattas hosted by the Austin Rowing Club.

Who was the park named after?

The park was renamed in 2007 to honor Edward Rendon Sr., a neighborhood activist. He was well-known for his efforts to clean up the park and reduce noise pollution on the lake.

Is the park accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the park offers several accessibility features, including accessible parking spaces, an accessible drinking fountain, and accessible trails. It also features an accessible pedestrian walkway, a baseball field pedestrian walkway, and an accessible Fiesta Gardens grandstand.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Spanning nearly 132 acres along the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, just east of Interstate 35, Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach is a vibrant waterfront escape in East Austin. Officially located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street, the park sits alongside the Colorado River and the popular Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, serving as a hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings. The park was renamed in 2007 to honor Edward Rendon Sr., a dedicated neighborhood activist. Rendon was widely known for his passionate efforts to clean up the park grounds and reduce noise pollution on the lake, transforming the space into the peaceful sanctuary visitors enjoy today. Prior to this, the park hosted various community events, and it continues to celebrate its local roots through spaces like Fiesta Gardens, which is officially part of the park. Visitors to the park will find a wide range of amenities, including a playground, soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, and a shaded pavilion. The park is highly accessible, featuring concrete pedestrian walkways, granite gravel paths, and accessible trails. Notably, the park's public restroom was upgraded in June 2020 by The Trail Conservancy. Designed by Jobe Corral Architects, a local women-owned firm founded by Camille Urban Jobe and Ada Corral, this structure replaced an outdated lavatory to better serve trail users. Thanks to its prime location on the water, the park features a free boat ramp and a shoreline walking trail. It is a popular spot for water sports, serving as the host site for several rowing regattas organized by the Austin Rowing Club. Whether you are looking to take a dip in the nearby Martin Neighborhood Pool, enjoy a picnic by the river, or watch rowers glide across Lady Bird Lake, this park offers a perfect slice of Austin's outdoor lifestyle.

Visitor tips

  • Take advantage of the free boat ramp if you want to launch a kayak or canoe onto Lady Bird Lake.
  • Utilize the accessible concrete and granite gravel pedestrian walkways to easily navigate the park.
  • Look for the modern, award-winning restroom facility designed by Jobe Corral Architects near the trail.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy under the shaded pavilion or along the grassy banks of the Colorado River.

Nearby context

Located in vibrant East Austin at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street, the park is deeply connected to its neighborhood's history and culture. It sits right next to the Martin Neighborhood Pool and the historic Fiesta Gardens, offering visitors a transition from urban East Austin streets to the tranquil shores of Lady Bird Lake. The park's integration with the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail makes it a seamless stop for walkers exploring the city's extensive lakeside trail system.

Sources

Evidence and links