Richard Moya Park

Park History

Set in eastern Travis County, about 20 minutes from downtown Austin, Richard Moya Park spans a generous 92 acres of recreational space. Founded in 1980 under the rather bureaucratic name "The Precinct Four Park on Burleson Road," it was later renamed in 1986 to honor Richard Moya, the first Mexican-American elected to public office in Travis County, who served as County Commissioner from 1970 to 1986.

Here's a fun bit of local history: the park was actually once a thriving pecan orchard. This explains all those gorgeous mature pecan trees dotting the landscape. If you visit during fall, you'll likely spot locals gathering pecans that have fallen from these heritage trees - a sweet connection to the land's agricultural past.

Natural Features

The park features the gentle rolling terrain characteristic of the Blackland Prairie ecosystem. Towering pecan and oak trees cast welcome shadows across grassy picnic areas within the grounds.

The peaceful, wooded environment is bordered to the south by Onion Creek, making it great for nature exploration, school field trips, and bird watching. The creek flows nicely and offers some pretty scenic views - it's definitely worth finding one of the trails that lead down to the water's edge.

Just a heads-up: keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the possibility of snakes near watery areas and poison ivy on some trees. You might notice the park sits lower than the surrounding road - this isn't by accident. The design likely helps with flood mitigation, which explains the lush greenery you'll find throughout.

Historic Bridge

A highlight of the park is the historic Moore's Crossing Bridge spanning Onion Creek. Built in 1922, this bridge actually incorporates three spans from the original 1884 iron Congress Avenue Bridge that once crossed the Colorado River in downtown Austin.

When the park opened in 1980, the bridge was closed to vehicles and converted to a pedestrian walkway. Recognized as a Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 1980, it underwent a loving restoration in 1994.

The bridge has become something of a local photography hotspot, with many using its distinctive architecture as a backdrop for engagement photos and baby announcements.

Recreational Opportunities

The park features two miles of hike and bike trails winding through magnificent pecan groves. These wide, paved pathways are accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges.

There are multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Several play areas feature shade canopies - helpful during those scorching Texas summers. The playgrounds have cushioned foam flooring for safety and are surrounded by benches where you can relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.

If you're into sports, you'll appreciate the basketball courts and volleyball courts available for use. The open areas throughout the park are meant for casual games of frisbee or catch.

Amenities

Concrete picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, many positioned under the cooling shade of massive pecan trees. Several areas include BBQ pits and grills - fantastic for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or reunions.

Planning a larger event? Multiple pavilions are available for reservation. These covered structures provide protection from the elements and many include access to grilling facilities.

Clean restroom facilities are conveniently located within the park, particularly near playground areas. Most are well-maintained and stocked, however you'll also find some portable toilets in certain sections.

Ample parking is available in multiple lots around the park, making it easy to access different areas and amenities without a long trek.

Visitor Information

The park welcomes visitors daily from 8AM to 8PM, however occasionally it may close at dusk rather than the posted time.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends - Richard Moya Park is dog-friendly, however your pets need to stay on leash at all times. Pet waste stations are provided to help keep the grounds clean for everyone.

One thing to note: you'll likely notice frequent air traffic due to the park's proximity to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. While this might occasionally interrupt the peace and quiet, many visitors actually enjoy watching the airliners on their final approach to the airport - an unexpected bonus for aviation enthusiasts!