North Austin News

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) have announced plans for the development of an All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park. This project aims to create a space that offers universal accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors, with a focus on children with disabilities and special needs.

To ensure that the playground meets the needs and desires of the community, APF and PARD will be conducting a community engagement process starting in 2024. The goal is to develop a concept plan that will guide the future development of the all abilities playground. The first virtual community meeting is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The future playground will be designed with innovative features and diverse programming opportunities, creating an engaging and welcoming environment for everyone. It will include an inclusive play area, an accessible restroom facility, picnic pavilions for shade, drive connections and parking, innovative stormwater solutions, and pedestrian trail connections to the park and community.

"The All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park was identified as a priority in the 2015 Onion Creek Metropolitan Park Vision Plan," said the project leaders at APF. "We are excited to partner with PARD to bring this project to life and provide a space where all individuals can play and have fun."

Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, located at 8652 Nuckols Crossing Rd. in Southeast Austin, spans across 517 acres and offers various amenities such as groomed trails, open play fields, an off-leash area, playground, picnic areas, and a creek crossing. The addition of the All Abilities Playground will further enhance the park's offerings and make it more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

Funding for this project has been made possible through the generous support of the Powell Foundation, Austin Parks Foundation, Austin Community Foundation, and the Garrison Family Foundation.

For more information about Onion Creek Metropolitan Park and the All Abilities Playground, visit the project webpage at AustinTexas.gov/Onion-Creek-All-Abilities.

By involving the community in the planning process, the City of Austin is ensuring that the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park will meet the needs and desires of the residents. Through this inclusive approach, the city aims to create a space that is welcoming and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

The Austin Parks Foundation is excited about the partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department to bring this project to life. "We are thrilled to be working on the development of the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park," said the project leaders at APF. "This playground will provide a safe and inclusive environment where children of all abilities can play and have fun."

The development of the playground will include innovative design features and diverse programming opportunities to ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The inclusive play area, accessible restroom facility, and picnic pavilions for shade are just a few of the features that will be included in the design.

In addition to the physical amenities, the project will also address practical aspects such as drive connections and parking, innovative stormwater solutions, and pedestrian trail connections. These considerations will ensure that the park is not only accessible but also sustainable and easy to maintain.

Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, already a popular destination for outdoor activities, will be further enhanced by the addition of the All Abilities Playground. With its groomed trails, open play fields, off-leash area, and now the inclusive playground, the park will offer something for everyone.

The community engagement process, starting in 2024, will provide an opportunity for residents to have their voices heard and contribute to the development of the playground. The virtual community meeting on January 18, 2024, will be the first step in gathering input and ideas from the community.

The City of Austin is grateful for the support of the Powell Foundation, Austin Parks Foundation, Austin Community Foundation, and the Garrison Family Foundation, whose funding has made this project possible. Their generosity will help create a space that promotes inclusivity and ensures that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the park and its amenities.

As the plans for the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park move forward, the City of Austin remains committed to creating a space that is accessible and welcoming to all. By involving the community in the design and development process, the city is ensuring that the playground meets the needs and desires of its residents.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/community-input-all-abilities-playground-onion-creek-metro-park-begins-january