Wooten Neighborhood Park has undergone significant community-driven enhancements since 2005, transforming it into a cherished green space for residents. The Wooten Neighborhood Association, through the Park Committee, has worked with various businesses, non-profits, and the City to improve and enhance our wonderful park.
The Park Committee officially began in January 2013 when WNA President Josh Merritt proposed a Park Advocacy Group/committee. Laura Tomlinson and Joanne Garrett volunteer to co-chair. Since then, a key team of volunteers has maintained, improved, and kept Wooten Park at the heart of the neighborhood. Before the committee, volunteers worked with the City to keep improving the park.
Key Initiatives
It’s My Park Day
In March 2013, the annual, and now bi-annual, tradition of It’s My Park Day began in Wooten!
Over 30 volunteers work with the Park Committee to mulch the trees, replenish the gravel on the walking trail, and tend to the garden beds. The Austin Parks Foundation (APF) sponsors each event.
It’s My Park Day occurs every March and November.
Trees
In 2005, 15 trees were generously donated by APF and planted by dedicated residents. In November 2013, TreeFolks donated over 70 more trees, with the City committing to nurture them, showcasing our commitment to creating a vibrant environment.
Pavillion
One of the Park Committee’s largest undertakings was the installation of a pavilion near the playground. To make this pavilion a reality, the committee collaborated with the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Wooten Elementary/Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Redeemer Lutheran Church for over two years. Starting in January 2016, the committee focused on understanding the requirements for building a pavilion and used that information to apply for grants, raise funds, and generate community support. Their efforts culminated in 2017, when the Wooten Park Committee received exciting news: the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) awarded them a grant to help fund the pavilion’s construction.
Once the funding was secured, PARD began building the pavilion. By August 2018, it was completed. The pavilion now provides much-needed shade, as well as four additional picnic tables, two trash cans (including one for recyclables), and new sidewalks for ADA compliance. Almost three years after the initial discussions, the Austin Parks Foundation hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 2018 to celebrate the new pavilion. Various speakers attended the event, including our City Council representative at the time, Leslie Pool. The Wooten Elementary choir, cheerleaders, and dance squad provided entertainment for the occasion.
Park Improvement
The Park Committee has focused on enhancing the park and its amenities. Here are some key efforts:
In 2010, with a grant from Texas Action for Healthy Kids, Wooten Elementary’s school nurse led a project to install three raised beds and a crushed granite walking trail, with help from local residents. In 2013, Keep Austin Beautiful donated native plants to go in the raised pollinator beds by the school.
In 2014, we replaced the Wooten Neighborhood Park sign at Dale and Burrell and received a $500 “Love Your Block” grant from The Bloomberg Center, along with $263 in donations from neighbors, to landscape the area.
In 2017, we persuaded the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) to install a new toddler swing set, add a sandbox, regrade the walking trail, and add dual-level fountains near the playground.
In 2019, with support from KABOOM!, Landscape Structures, The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and PARD, we replaced the old playscape. Community members and students helped design it, and Dell employees assisted in the installation.
In 2022, we revamped the landscaped bed at Dale and Burrell by laying down weed cloth, adding river rocks, and planting new plants.
Fundraising and Community
To fund improvements to our park, including the pavilion, the committee engages in fundraising activities. Since 2014, the Park Committee has maintained its own fund to support various initiatives. Funds are raised through community-centered events, such as “Carols and Cocoa.”
“Carols and Cocoa” started in 2016 to help gather money for the pavilion. This nearly annual event features warm hot cocoa and holiday caroling, with local businesses generously donating everything needed to make the event possible.
We also offer yard signs that say “We Love Wooten Park,” which were sold exclusively to help meet the grant match requirement for the pavilion.
During the pandemic, the park became a refuge for many residents, providing a safe space to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Wooten resident Rena McElroy Clegg brightened the area with her beautiful chalk drawings on the sidewalks around the park.
