Quarries Church

Beneath the roar of Mopac Expressway lies a hidden gem, the Quarries Church. Ever wondered how a church could exist so close to a major highway? The Quarries Church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the vision and dedication of a community. Quarries Church is part of a larger complex known as The Quarries, a 57-acre park nestled surprisingly in northwest Austin. This unique location offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. The Quarries Church shares its grounds with sports fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and even a 13-acre lake perfect for fishing and canoeing. The history of The Quarries dates back to the 1980s. Hyde Park Baptist Church sought a central location for its expanding recreation ministry. A church member purchased the land, a former limestone quarry, in 1983. It had been operated by M.E. Ruby. The quarry, flooded by groundwater, transformed into the lake you see today. Bob Lumpkin, then-Recreation Minister, spearheaded the development. He started with a baseball and football field. Over time, Hyde Park members contributed, building a pavilion used for youth activities and more. By 1984, The Quarries was clearly destined for something bigger. Plans emerged for a Christian Life Center (CLC) and expanding the sports fields. Fast forward to 2006, the new CLC opened. It boasts weight rooms, aerobic rooms, a gym, and a rock wall. The Quarries even has a Lakeside Grill. In the same year, the City of Austin designated The Quarries as a city park. This move encouraged use by the wider community. In 2009, the new Hyde Park High School campus opened nearby. The Quarries Church itself was also established that same year, further broadening the ministry’s reach. The Quarries continues to serve as a vibrant community hub, offering a place for fitness, recreation, and spiritual growth. From its humble beginnings as a quarry, this unique location has blossomed into a thriving center, a hidden oasis beneath the highway.