Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / Parks and outdoors

Pease Park

Discover Pease Park, Austin's first public park. This historic 84-acre green space features shaded trails, limestone bluffs, and Kingsbury Commons' modern amenities, offering a serene escape along the scenic banks of Shoal Creek.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Pease Park
peasepark.org, og_image_peasepark.org

What is Pease Park and what is its history?

Pease Park is an 84-acre public green space that is presented as Austin's first public park. The land was originally part of the 365-acre Woodlawn homestead owned by Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife Lucadia, who donated 23 acres along Shoal Creek to the citizens of Austin in 1875 for use as a public park.

Is it free to visit Pease Park?

Yes, admission to Pease District Park is free.

What are the hours of the park?

According to the park's event planning guide, the posted hours are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What amenities can I find in the Kingsbury Commons area of the park?

Kingsbury Commons features state-of-the-art play equipment, improved restrooms, a new basketball court, an interactive water feature, an outdoor amphitheater, and a unique treehouse observation pod.

Is there parking available at Pease Park?

Parking at the park is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly 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 is celebrated as Austin’s first public park, offering an 84-acre green space managed by the Pease Park Conservancy. The park's natural landscape is defined by stunning limestone bluffs and shaded trails that run along the banks of Shoal Creek and Lamar Boulevard, stretching from West 15th Street to West 24th Street. The park's rich history dates back to the mid-19th century. During the winter of 1865–1866, General George Armstrong Custer and two troops of Union Cavalry camped along the creek. In 1875, Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife, Lucadia, signed a deed donating 23 acres of their 365-acre Woodlawn homestead to the citizens of Austin for use as a public park. However, this history also carries a somber legacy; research shows that more than 37 individuals were directly enslaved or leased as enslaved labor by Governor Pease. Today, the Pease Park Conservancy actively uses public programming to address these historical racial injustices. In recent years, the park has undergone significant revitalization, particularly within Kingsbury Commons, located at 1100 Kingsbury Street. This area is operated in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation and features state-of-the-art play equipment, an outdoor amphitheater, an interactive water feature, and a unique treehouse observation pod. Pease Park has also served as a hub for community art and cultural gatherings. Since the 1970s, it has hosted the whimsical Eeyore’s Birthday Party, a beloved local tradition. In March 2024, the park welcomed 'Malin’s Fountain,' an 18-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide troll sculpture designed by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Built by over 150 volunteers using more than 80% recycled materials—including wood from a decommissioned water tower—the sculpture symbolized community strength before unfortunately burning down.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive on foot, by bike, or via public transit, as vehicle parking is extremely limited.
  • Enjoy free admission to the park daily during its operating hours of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Bring a change of clothes for children to enjoy the interactive water feature at Kingsbury Commons.

Nearby context

Pease Park serves as a lush, central green lung for Austin, running along Shoal Creek right next to Lamar Boulevard. It connects the surrounding historic neighborhoods and the nearby University of Texas campus, making it a highly accessible retreat for students, families, and history buffs alike.

Sources

Evidence and links