AUSTIN (KXAN) — A city ordinance passed in 2022 focusing on park shade structures in Austin has spent $760,000 on shade installations and other projects, according to a city memo.
In that city of Austin memo, it breaks down which park received shaded structures, what was allocated, as well as what was needed and completed. The projects all received funding from Fiscal Year 2022-23 “shade certificates of obligation.”
The city manager prioritized infrastructure to provide shade — including the planting of trees — for community areas, like playscapes, splash pads, basketball courts and skating space, according to the city memo.
The following parks all received shade installations and were opened prior to the summer 2025 season, as provided by the city:
- Givens District Park (District 1): Shade structures were added over the pool, which was part of “pool redevelopment.” Funds allocated for the installation totaled $160,000.
- Agave Neighborhood Park (District 1): Shade was added over play structures. Funds allocated for the installation totaled $75,000.
- Metz Neighborhood Park (District 3): Integral shade was added “as part of playground replacement.” Funds allocated for the installation totaled $25,000.
- Kennemer Pool (District 4): Shade structures were added over the pool and picnic area. Funds allocated for the installation totaled $200,000.
- Dove Springs District Park (District 2): Shade structures were added over the pool Funds allocated for the installation totaled $300,000.
- Brownie Neighborhood Park (District 4): This installation is from Phase I park development, which included the installation of a picnic shelter and play equipment with structured shade,” as well as planting shade trees. Funds allocated for the installation totaled $145,000.
- Colony Park District Park (District 1): This installation included a new aquatic facility development, which also included new shade structures. Funds allocated for the installation totaled $212,000.
- Onion Creek Metropolitan Park (District 2): The installation included “new picnic shelters,” as well as “nature trail improvements at the southern portion of Onion Creek Metro Park.”
Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) said in the memo that it implemented these “shade-related projects” after they were chosen through a “prioritization process” described in previous memos from the city in 2022 and 2023.
“In addition to the $2 million appropriated in the FY 2022-23 Budget, APR has leveraged funding from other City sources and Austin Park Foundation,” the memo said.
Now that the first round of installation projects are complete, the APR said it has selected a second round of projects.
“The selection process utilizes the same prioritization method of heat island severity and equity score, with a focus on smaller-scale shade structures to get a more distributed impact throughout the park system,” the city memo said.
The following sites to receive new shade structures in the coming year are broken down by park name, what district they are in and what the need and scope of the installations will include, as provided by the city:
- Gustavo “Gus” L Garcia District Park (District 4): Shade is needed at the community garden, basketball court and more.
- Buttermilk Neighborhood Park (District 4): A new small pavilion will be installed near the multi-purpose field.
- Edward Rendon Sr Metro Park at Festival (District 3): There is an unshaded swing set at the playground.
- Roy G Guerrero Colorado River Metro (District 3): There is an unshaded playground.
- Civitan Neighborhood Park (District 3): There are unshaded courts.
- North Star Greenbelt (District 7): “Degraded shade pavilions” need to be replaced.
- Mabel Davis District Park (District 3): Shade will be added to the skate park, as well as “provide more shaded seating opportunities.”
- Bartholomew District Park (District 4): Damaged shade will be replaced over the bleachers at Delwood Sports Complex.
“Thinking forward to a future 2026 Bond Program, APR will continue to integrate shade structures over amenities in our parks as part of new and redevelopment projects,” the city memo said.
There are also several commitments in place after the Austin Parks Foundation pledged to commit $2 million in matching funds for the shade structures and tree planting installation projects, according to the city memo.
APR said it collaborated with Austin Parks Foundation for the following commitments, as provided by the city:
- Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park (District 3): Allocation of funds is $6,000
- Pomerleau Pocket Park (District 4): Allocation of funds is $141,000
- Oertli Neighborhood Park (District 1): Allocation of funds is $95,350
- Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park (District 1): Allocation of funds is $84,500
- Rosewood Neighborhood Park (District 1): Allocation of funds is $194,000
- Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park (District 2): Allocation of funds is $175,000
- Montopolis Neighborhood Park (District 3): Allocation of funds is $341,250
- Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Pool (District 7): Allocation of funds is $51,400
- Roy G. Guerrero Metropolitan Park (District 3): Allocation of funds is $160,000
- Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park (District 5): Allocation of funds is $130,000
- Bartholomew District Park (District 3): TBD on allocation of funds
- Colony Park District (District 1: TBD on allocation of funds
- Ramsey Neighborhood Park (District 10: TBD on allocation of funds
Here is the memo provided by the city below:
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