Austin is known for its magnificent, well-maintained parks. One of the best-loved parks in South Austin is Garrison District Park. With 40 acres of green space, Garrison Park is a treasure for family outings and intimate gatherings, as well as play dates for mothers and their children. In the summer months, the Garrison Pool is a popular spot for locals to cool off, splash around and enjoy a sunny afternoon.
One of the park’s most beloved features is the lush shade beneath tall stands of thickly canopied trees. With plenty of sand and grass for playing, running, walking and exploring, Garrison District Park is often referred to as a “hidden forest” of delights.
A Haunted History
Located at 6001 Manchaca Road, Garrison Park is rumored to be haunted. In 1961, the City of Austin bought land from the Stanley family to develop the park, which included a small, historic family cemetery. The Stanley-Nolen Cemetery still has three graves in the park. As local lore has it, people driving by Garrison Park have reported sightings of ghostly apparitions in the graveyard laying flowers on the graves of the dead.
Regardless of the “haunted” sightings, Garrison Park has an abundance of popular amenities, and a bit of mystery only adds an alluring appeal for those who enjoy exploring the unknown. For most visitors however, the park’s nature trails and numerous other features offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure.
In addition to its expansive green spaces, Garrison Park’s playscape is a huge draw. The multi-level playscape is quite large, consistently capturing the imagination of children who play for hours without getting bored — a big part of the park’s popularity for “Mommy and Me” outings. Mothers spend quality time with their peers as their toddlers play together in a safe environment. Next to the huge playscape, there is a smaller playground for younger children. There are also four regular swings and two baby swings nearby. Benches and picnic tables are nestled in between the playground’s trees, a great spot for lunch or relaxing and unwinding.
Dive Right in: Sports, Barbecue, Hiking, Biking and Swimming!
Almost everything in the park is available to visitors free of charge throughout the year — including its three baseball fields, two basketball courts, one softball field, 28 barbecue pits, 28 picnic tables, large playground and extensive trails. Garrison Pool, open June through August, is a municipal pool that accommodates lap swimmers and recreational swimmers in addition to being available for swim lessons as well. The recreational swim area is roped off from the diving and lap areas, but it is the largest section of the main pool. In addition to the large pool, there is also a separate wading pool big enough for about 20 little ones and their parents. The pool does charge a modest admission fee of $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.
Among Garrison Pool’s most exciting features is its diving board — a rare find at municipal pools in Austin. The pool also offers changing rooms and vending machines for visitors’ convenience. Lifeguards are always on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers and divers.
In-the-know locals regard the park as one of Austin’s hidden treasures. While on most days, Garrison Park usually hosts a number of visitors, it doesn’t ever seem as crowded as some of Austin’s other popular parks often do, even on weekends. Much of the grounds are wooded, but visitors love the picnic tables and sitting areas spaced throughout the splendor of the trees in this shady natural oasis of leisurely recreation.