John Gaines Park

A Piece of Austin History

Situated in Austin's Mueller community, John Gaines Park spans a modest 3.63 acres in the southeast district. This nearby retreat emerged from the transformation of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport site, bringing new life to this historic area.

The park pays tribute to Austin's first African-American police officer, as a namesake and has become the heart of the surrounding neighborhoods, where communities connect and memories take root.

Get Outside and Play

If you're looking to break a sweat or simply enjoy some fresh air, this park offers a little bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts.

Green thumbs will appreciate the community garden with its impressive 132 garden plots where locals grow everything from tomatoes to zinnias. If you're into sustainable living, you'll come across all the essentials here: compost bins, a covered work area for those occasional drizzly days, and a communal tool shed stocked with gardening basics.

When Austin's infamous summer heat kicks in, the swimming center becomes the neighborhood's oasis. With dedicated lap lanes for your morning exercise routine and a separate children's wading pool, it's an ideal spot to cool off without heading to Barton Springs.

Kid-Friendly Corner

The little ones won't be bored for a second at John Gaines Park. The custom-designed playscape cleverly nods to the land's airport history - learning through play at its finest. Toddlers especially love scrambling over the hills, crawling through tunnels, and testing their skills on various climbing structures. The turf surfaces are a practical touch that parents will appreciate when laundry day rolls around.

The park offers two swings for the swing enthusiasts, with plenty of mature trees providing much-needed shade during those scorching Texas afternoons. Parents can keep an eye on the action while perched on the decorative rocks that double as natural seating around the play area.

Sprawling open lawns invite impromptu frisbee games, picnic blankets, dog playdates, or just a peaceful spot to read. These flexible spaces often host neighborhood gatherings, becoming the backdrop for community memories.

Green by Design

The park features eco-friendly design elements including rain gardens capturing runoff and native plant species reducing water needs, consistent with Mueller's broader environmental approach.

The Basics

You'll discover public restrooms available throughout your visit, but like many park facilities, the maintenance quality can be hit or miss depending on the day.