Rainey Street in Austin Set to Open Temporary Pocket Park This Summer

The vibrant Rainey Street District in Austin, Texas, known for its towering condominiums and lively venues, is set to welcome a more serene addition this summer – a temporary pocket park. Nestled at the corner of Rainey and River Streets, the small 0.27-acre parcel is the topic of ongoing discussion in this downtown Austin neighborhood.

A Bit of History

Owned by the City of Austin since 2003, this corner tract of city-owned land at 64 Rainey Street has an interesting backstory. It was designated as parkland in 2014, but long time Rainey residents will remember that the site was once home to a gravel parking lot. In years following, it was utilized for construction staging on the 70 Rainey condo tower. The eventual plan, however, was always to transform the space into a small park paying homage to the street’s history as a working-class neighborhood.

The Vision for the Park

Working in concert with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) next door, which is currently undergoing an extensive expansion project, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department aims to give this lot a complete makeover. Based on community feedback, the design for the space will include a grand entrance to the revamped MACC site, historic markers and storytelling elements depicting the neighborhood’s past, and recreations of the iconic murals by local artist Raul Valdez.

While construction on these permanent elements isn’t expected to commence until at least the end of the year, the city has planned a fun surprise for the summer. A “temporary activation” will be installed at the 64 Rainey space to generate public interest in its potential.

Temporary Activation Concept

The temporary setup will feature donated pieces of large artistic furniture fashioned from used wind turbine blades. This unique installation comes from the Ohio-based company, Canvus, known for repurposing industrial materials into innovative designs. To add a local touch, the furniture will be decorated with site-specific artwork by students of the MACC’s Caminos teen leadership program.

A Tiny Oasis in the Heart of the City

In the midst of city hustle and bustle, public spaces can serve as tiny oases, offering relaxation and a sense of community. The Canvus installations provide an effortless simplicity that fits perfectly into the mix. However, concerns remain about the lack of significant shade, which may interfere with the project’s summer debut.

Weather permitting, this exciting temporary activation will be available to the public next month offering a glimpse into what the permanent pocket park at 64 Rainey might look like.

About Rainey Street District

The Rainey Street District, formerly a residential street with historic houses, has been transformed into a popular nightlife district. The area is known for its unique combination of original bungalows-turned-bars and modern skyscrapers, creating a distinctive, bustling community in the heart of downtown Austin.

An Exciting Addition to the District

This temporary pocket park is an exciting addition to the Rainey Street District, offering a breath of fresh air amidst the high-rises. Locals and tourists alike can look forward to chilling out and catching the summer breeze at the 64 Rainey pocket park.

Austin is a thriving, evolving city with a rich history and a promising future. This pocket park, though small in size, will offer a valuable space for the community to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and appreciate the city’s vibrant cultural and historical blend.