Austin Parks and Recreation Department - Families

06/10/2026

Today, Austin Parks and Recreation kicked off summer in a big way at Garrison District Park with the annual Summer Meals Kick-Off, in partnership with the Central Texas Food Bank!

This year’s celebration highlighted the important role the Central Texas Food Bank plays in supporting the Parks and Recreation’s Summer Playgrounds Program, providing free summer meals at six sites across the city to help ensure youth have access to nutritious lunches while school is out.

More than 35 youth enjoyed a free lunch at Garrison District Park during today’s event. Joining in the fun was Assistant Director Jodi Jay, who helped serve meals and connect with participants as the community came together to celebrate the start of summer.

The festivities didn’t stop at lunch! Youth cooled off with delicious Kona Ice treats and got creative with a variety of arts and crafts activities, making for an afternoon filled with smiles, laughter, and summer fun.

The Summer Meals Kick-Off serves as a reminder of the power of community partnerships and the impact they have on supporting Austin’s families. Thank you to the Central Texas Food Bank, Parks and Recreation staff, volunteers, and community members who helped make this event a success.

Here's to a summer of fun, friendship, and nutritious meals for Austin youth!

05/06/2026

Mendez Recreation Center hosted the 3rd annual Cinco de Mayo Loteria Fiesta on April 30. Rain was a threat, so all activities were moved indoors. People enjoyed a vendor market, fiesta table games for children, resource tables and more. Twelve games of Loteria were played, and winners walked away with gift cards donated by local restaurants and merchants. During Loteria intermission, Los Fandagueros de Austin performed live music and dance while everyone enjoyed free hot frito pies. Everyone in attendance had a fiesta good time!

04/23/2026

The lifeguards at Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Pool are at work and getting ready to welcome you back! Following a complete makeover, the pool officially reopens to the public on Monday, April 27.

Join Austin Parks and Recreation and community members on Thursday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. for the Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Pool Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. This is an outdoor event so please dress accordingly.

Ready for the best summer job in Austin? We're training candidates now so you can be ready to work by summer. Pay starts at $22.05 per hour. Work at least 40 hours before July 4, 2026, and you'll get a $200 stipend! Lifeguard training and hiring starts at age 15.

NEXT HIRING EVENT with FREE PIZZA!
April 28, 4–8 p.m., 2818 San Gabriel St.

If you have questions, call the Aquatic Office at 512-974-9330.
Learn more: lifeguardaustin.com

04/20/2026

This past Saturday, April 18th, Turner Roberts Recreation Center was the place to be as we hosted our Totally Cool Totally Art Soap Box Derby Event—and wow, what a ride it was!

Seven Recreation Centers showed up strong, bringing their amazing teens, staff, and families for a day packed with excitement, creativity, and friendly competition. With around 50 people in attendance, the energy was high from start to finish! From the starting line to the finish, the races had everyone cheering, laughing, and on the edge of their seats!

It wasn’t just about speed—these teams brought the art! We saw some seriously imaginative builds roll down the track, making the “Most Creative Car” award a tough one to judge.

Of course, we also celebrated our top racers with medals and trophies, recognizing their skill, teamwork, and determination. And let’s not forget the delicious food that kept everyone fueled for the fun!

A huge shoutout to everyone who participated, supported, and made this event unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what you all come up with next year!

04/17/2026

Kids ages 5-17 are invited to join the City of Austin’s Swim Team this summer at a pool near you! Team members are also encouraged to sign up for our pre-season Youth Stroke Clinic May 11-29 to focus on proper stroke technique, turns and increase endurance.

Swim Team
Register by June 3
Resident $100 / NonResident $110

Stroke Clinic
Register by May 1
Resident $65 / NonResident $75

Financial Aid Available!
Learn more: austintexas.gov/swimming

04/17/2026

Ready to see your little athlete go for the touchdown? 🏈 The City of Austin is bringing the heat this season with Co-Ed NFL Flag Football for ages 5–12!

Whether they’re catching their first pass or they’re already a pro at pulling flags, this is the perfect way to get active, build teamwork, and have a blast on the field.

REGISTER ONLINE: tinyurl.com/hyd3jvey
INFO: austintexas.gov/youthsports

📍 Find Your Home Field:
Check out the participating recreation centers to find the one closest to you:

Dittmar Recreation Center
1009 W. Dittmar Rd | (512) 974-6090

Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
2100 E. 3rd St | (512) 978-2425

Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Dr | (512) 978-2690

Delores Duffie Recreation Center
1182 N. Pleasant Valley Rd | (512) 978-2465

📝 The Game Plan:
Registration: Regular registration closes April 30.
(Late registration: May 1–7 with a $10 fee)

Cost: $50 for Residents
$70 for Non-Residents.
Financial aid is available!

Games: 6 games played Saturdays in May & June
Older groups may play Thursday nights.

Practices: 8 weeks of practice starting in May at your registering center.

📅 Looking for official league dates and specific schedules?
Please reach out to the Sports Coordinator at your local recreation center for the full rundown!

04/17/2026

You are invited to Metz Park for a Loteria Fiesta on Thursday, April 30 from 6:30pm-8pm! Bring lawn chairs & blankets for a picnic style evening.

Loteria - $2 CASH per card. 1 card per person. Vendor Market - Pinatas - Table Games - Crafts - Music - Food & Drinks - FREE EVENT!

Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center
2407 Canterbury St. 78702 | 512-978-2399

04/17/2026

Join us for the Totally Cool, Totally Art Soap Box Derby Championship Race on Saturday April 18. Teens from recreation centers all around Austin are coming together to race their handmade Soap Box Derby Cars. Come enjoy food and a student art market as we watch our racers compete for the grand prize cup!

More info: austintexas.gov/tcta
Saturday April 181:00-4:00 pm
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Dr, Austin, TX 78724

04/17/2026

04/17/2026

The Turner-Roberts Recreation Center Multipurpose Gym officially opened its doors to the community!

Gym Hours:
Daytime: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Evening: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Adult Basketball:
Monday through Friday, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Youth/Teen Open Play: Saturdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Schedule is subject to change without notice. Parents must accompany children ages 10 and under. Children ages 11–15 are welcome to come by themselves.

Have questions?
Give us a call at 512-978-2690.
We can't wait to see you on the court!
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
7201 Colony Loop Dr.