Jessie Andrews Park

Jessie Andrews Park is a one-acre greenspace located in the Mueller development of East Austin, Texas. Opened in 2020, it is the neighborhood's eighth park and is named after Jessie Andrews, the first female graduate and first female professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

The park features a unique centerpiece - a 20-foot octopus sculpture named Ocho. Created by Texas-based artist Dixie Friend Gay, this striking art installation sits atop the restroom building. The sculpture is crafted from forged metal and coated with color-shift paint designed to mimic how octopi camouflage themselves. The artist drew inspiration from classic creature movies of the 1950s and 1960s, such as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Mysterious Island," aiming to foster a sense of childlike wonder for park visitors.

Jessie Andrews Park offers a blend of natural and recreational spaces. It includes shaded strolling paths and a central open lawn suitable for various family activities. The park's design incorporates nature-inspired elements, providing a green oasis within the urban environment of Austin.