You wouldn’t know it from the street, but Gus Garcia Recreation Center is awesome. Recent improvements have transformed the center’s grounds, adding a community garden, a rainwater harvesting system, two new KOMPAN playgrounds, picnic tables, a sports field bordered by crushed granite trails, and an outdoor fitness plaza. Park in the lot out front, then head around back to see all that’s new!
KOMPAN equipment is so much fun, offering energetic tikes ample non-linear kinetic play opportunities. They can climb and spin to their heart’s content. You may recognize some KOMPAN pieces from the playgrounds in Mueller Lake Park and Lake Pflugerville Park, or the playground formerly located in the IKEA Round Rock parking lot. The unique merry-go-round and spinning bucket seat are two of my kids’ favorites.
Gus Garcia Recreation Center offers two playgrounds for littles: one for ages 2-5 and a larger one for ages 5-12. Neither playground is enclosed, but they are surrounded by wide open space, making it fairly easy to keep an eye on your kids. Plus, the playgrounds are not near the street, which is nice.
For teens and adults, the park area offers Fitness Zone equipment, also designed by KOMPAN. Each station offers instructions on how to make the most of your exercise regimen.
There is not a lot of shade in the park area, so you may want to wait for a cool day to take advantage of the picnic tables and benches. Also, the restrooms are inside the rec center, so check the hours before heading over there to play.
Inside the rec center, you will find a free game room with ping pong and pool tables, as well as a free computer lab. The center also offers open play basketball and volleyball for adults (call for times), and free community events. Upcoming events will include National Night Out, Turkey Bingo, and Breakfast with Santa.
Fore more information on the Recreation Center Phase II improvements, read this City of Austin document.
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 East Rundberg Lane
Austin, Texas
