Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr. Neighborhood Park

Park History

This 5.505-acre neighborhood park located on Copperbend Blvd in Austin, Texas was formerly known as Franklin Neighborhood Park. It was renamed in 2018 to honor Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr., an influential leader in the African American community of Austin and a staunch advocate for civil rights.

Pastor Craig, along with his wife Brenda and their congregation at Great Commission Baptist Church, adopted the park with the mission of creating a safe community gathering space. Through their dedicated efforts and community involvement, they secured grants and made significant improvements to the park over the years.

Renovations and Improvements

The park underwent substantial renovations and upgrades thanks to the efforts of Pastor Craig and his team. In 2013, they worked with representatives from non-profit Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA) and a committee of citizens to secure a $13,000 grant from Austin Parks Foundation.

This funding allowed them to upgrade and add picnic tables, barbecue pits, a volleyball pit, lighting, flower beds, porta-lets, and a ping-pong table. The improvements made to the park had a positive impact on the surrounding community.

Community Impact

After the upgrades, the area's crime rate reportedly decreased by 38 percent in 2014. The park became a hub for community activities, with neighbors returning to use it for playing, exercising, picnicking, and gathering with friends and family.

Even after Pastor Craig's passing in October 2017, the park continues to thrive. Neighbors, volunteers, park adopters, and Pastor Craig's family carry on his legacy of stewardship.

Recent Developments

The team at Pastor Craig Park has partnered with Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin to install outdoor fitness equipment and resurface and stripe the basketball court.