Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr. Neighborhood Park

Park History

Situated on Copperbend Blvd in Austin, Texas, this cozy 5.505-acre green space wasn't always known as Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr. Neighborhood Park. Until 2018, locals knew it simply as Franklin Neighborhood Park. The renaming honors Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr., a powerful voice in Austin's African American community and a tireless champion for civil rights.

What makes this park's story unique is how Pastor Craig, his wife Brenda, and their Great Commission Baptist Church congregation essentially adopted what was once just an overlooked greenbelt. Their vision? Create a safe haven where community members could gather and connect. Through determination, community spirit, and a whole lot of elbow grease, they secured funding and transformed this space into the vibrant park you'll discover today.

Renovations and Improvements

The park's transformation didn't happen overnight. In 2013, Pastor Craig and his dedicated team collaborated with Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA) and local residents to secure a $13,000 grant from the Austin Parks Foundation.

This funding breathed new life into the space, making way for upgraded picnic tables, barbecue pits, a volleyball court, better lighting, colorful flower beds, porta-lets, and even a ping-pong table. These improvements enhanced both the park's functionality and its appeal to the surrounding neighborhood.

Members of Great Commission didn't stop there, either. They rolled up their sleeves to plant trees and regularly maintained the grounds, showing that sometimes the most meaningful change comes from grassroots efforts.

Park Features

Today, the park features a variety of amenities. Kids will love the expansive playground area with plenty of equipment to climb, swing, and slide on. Fitness buffs can take advantage of the dedicated workout zone featuring outdoor equipment and a track for walking or jogging.

If you're into sports, you'll appreciate the freshly resurfaced basketball court with crisp striping, a volleyball court for some friendly competition, and table tennis options. The covered picnic area with tables and nearby grilling area accommodate everything from birthday celebrations to casual weekend cookouts.

Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout the grounds on hot Texas days. And dog parents, take note - this park is dog-friendly with plenty of room for your four-legged friends to stretch their legs, plus convenient doggie bag stations.

Community Impact

The park's revitalization had a significant impact on the neighborhood. Following the improvements, the area saw crime rates drop by an impressive 38 percent in 2014. Neighbors began using the space more frequently to play, exercise, picnic, and connect with one another.

Even after Pastor Craig passed away in October 2017, his vision lives on. Neighbors, volunteers, park adopters, and his family continue the stewardship he began, ensuring this special place remains vibrant for years to come.

Recent Developments

The momentum hasn't slowed down. Recently, the park's team partnered with the Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin to install new outdoor fitness equipment and give the basketball court a much-needed refresh. Today, it's a clean, welcoming space where locals come for morning jogs, dog walks, and family time - showing the positive results of community-driven efforts.