Join the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Black Austin Tours for engaging and thought-provoking tours of Rosewood Neighborhood Park and Parque Zaragoza.
The 1928 City of Austin Plan formalized the city’s parks system, but it is infamous for segregating Black citizens to the east side of the city, designating it the “Negro District.” This proposal provided utilities and municipal services only to that area, a practice common in many Southern cities during the Jim Crow era of “separate but equal.” Although Latinos were not explicitly mentioned in this segregation, many in the community followed a similar pattern. Despite its discriminatory foundations, the Plan contributed to the development of thriving and vibrant communities in East Austin.
Rosewood Park was established soon after, becoming the only segregated park for African Americans when it opened in 1929 to serve the local community. At the same time, Mexican American leaders, feeling dissatisfied with the limited area allocated for their community, organized to advocate for a larger park. Their efforts led to the opening of Parque Zaragoza in 1931, specifically designed to serve the Latino community in Austin.
For nearly 95 years, these parks have remained among the few publicly funded recreational areas available to otherwise disenfranchised and underserved communities. Join expert guides from Black Austin Tours to learn about the captivating history of both parks, including their roles in New Deal projects, and hear from community elders as they share their experiences at these treasured locations.
