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Pease Park

Explore Pease Park, Austin's first public park. This vibrant 84-acre green space features shaded trails, limestone bluffs, a unique treehouse observation pod, and a historic 1920s Tudor Cottage, blending rich history with outdoor recreation.

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Pease Park
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What is Pease Park and what is its history?

Pease Park is an 84-acre public green space and Austin's first public park. Its history dates back to 1875, when Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife Lucadia donated 23 acres of their 365-acre Woodlawn homestead along Shoal Creek to the citizens of Austin.

Is Pease Park free to visit, and what are its hours?

Yes, admission to the park is free. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What amenities and features can I find at the park?

The park features limestone bluffs, shaded trails, and Kingsbury Commons, which includes a unique treehouse observation pod, a splash pad, a playground, a basketball court, and an outdoor amphitheater. You can also see the Tudor Cottage, a historic mid-1920s restroom building that is one of Austin's earliest park-facility structures.

How should I get to the park, and where is it located?

Pease Park is located at 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin, TX 78703. Because parking is extremely limited, visitors are highly encouraged to arrive on foot, by bike, or via public transportation.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Pease Park holds the distinction of being Austin's very first public park. Its history dates back to 1875, when Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife, Lucadia Pease, signed a deed donating 23 acres of land along Shoal Creek to the citizens of Austin. This donated land was originally part of their 365-acre Woodlawn homestead. Today, the park has expanded into an 84-acre public green space that celebrates both its diverse ecology and its complex, storied history. Visitors to the park can explore stunning limestone bluffs and enjoy shaded trails. A major hub of activity is Kingsbury Commons, located at 1100 Kingsbury Street. This area is packed with modern amenities, including state-of-the-art playground equipment, a basketball court, an outdoor amphitheater, a splash feature, and a one-of-a-kind treehouse observation pod. These features, along with the park's grills, are publicly available for everyone to enjoy when operational. The park also boasts significant historic architecture. Most notable is the Tudor Cottage, which serves as a restroom facility. Dating back to the mid-1920s, it is one of the earliest buildings constructed as a park facility in Austin. The charming structure is widely believed to have been designed by the prominent architecture firm Giesecke and Harris. Beyond its physical beauty, Pease Park is a cultural touchstone for Austin. Since the 1970s, it has hosted Eeyore's Birthday Party, a beloved annual tradition that originally started in 1963. However, the park's history also contains painful chapters. To address this, the Pease Park Conservancy has organized interpretive programming and plans to address racial injustices and honor the park's Black and enslaved history, ensuring a deeper, more inclusive understanding of this shared public space.

Visitor tips

  • Parking is extremely limited, so consider arriving on foot, by bike, or via public transportation.
  • Admission to the park is entirely free, and it is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • The splash pad, playground, and grills are open for public use and do not require reservations.

Nearby context

Located along the scenic Shoal Creek, Pease Park is a tranquil escape situated just minutes from downtown Austin and the University of Texas campus. Its location at 1100 Kingsbury Street makes it a highly accessible green lung for the surrounding neighborhoods, connecting urban Austin with natural limestone bluffs and shaded woodland paths.

Sources

Evidence and links