community
Pease Park Serves Thousands Along Austin's Shoal Creek
The park continues to serve students, families and event organizers in central Austin.
How we reported this
Pease Park sits west of downtown Austin, running parallel to Shoal Creek. The land was donated to the city in 1875 by former Texas Governor Elisha M. Pease and his wife, establishing one of the earliest public green spaces in the area.
The park holds ongoing importance for Austin residents because it connects directly to daily routines for nearby students and hosts recurring community events. University of Texas at Austin students use the grounds regularly, while the annual Eeyore's Birthday Party draws thousands each spring for music, costumes and drum circles.
Development and recent changes
Early improvements came in 1926 when the city and civic groups added stone gates, restrooms and other features. The Civilian Conservation Corps installed concrete picnic tables in the 1930s, and a hike-and-bike trail linked the park to Austin's larger network in the 1950s. In 2019 construction began on the Kingsbury Commons project; work finished in 2021 as part of a broader master plan. Artist Thomas Dambo built a wooden troll named Malin there in 2024; the installation burned in 2026.
A disc golf course that once ran along Shoal Creek closed in 2011 after environmental concerns were raised. The City of Austin has documented these changes through its own records on the park's history and use.
Visiting the park today
Residents reach Pease Park by foot, bike or car from central Austin neighborhoods. The grounds remain open for walking, picnics and informal gatherings along the creek. The stone entrance gates at the south end still mark the original 1926 entrances. Austin visitors planning a trip can check the City of Austin website for any current trail conditions or event schedules before heading to Kingsbury Street.