East Metropolitan Park

Deep in the Blackland Prairie, lies a park that echoes the past and embraces the future. East Metropolitan Park, a sprawling 273-acre expanse, invites you to explore its diverse offerings. East Metropolitan Park was purchased in 2002. The recreational facilities were made possible by voter-approved park bonds. The park officially opened its gates to the public in 2006. East Metropolitan Park boasts a variety of amenities for every interest. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the baseball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts. There are also two fishing ponds stocked with catfish and rainbow trout, thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ Program. Nature lovers can wander along the park’s hiking trails, discover the wildflower meadows, and explore the restored tallgrass prairies and wetland areas. Families can relax in the picnic areas and let the kids loose on the playgrounds. East Metropolitan Park even has a swimming pool operated in partnership with the Greater Austin YMCA. But East Metropolitan Park holds more than just modern recreational opportunities. On the park grounds stands a simple, two-room cabin, a silent witness to the land’s rich history. This “tenant shack,” as it’s sometimes called, dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century. Research suggests that this land was once the site of the Hayden Springs School, an early rural African American school founded in 1884. Sandy Hayden, an African American landowner, sold an acre of his land to Travis County for the school. The school served the community until 1928. The fate of the original school building remains a mystery, whether moved or demolished. The existing cabin, possibly relocated to its current spot, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, adding a layer of historical intrigue to East Metropolitan Park. East Metropolitan Park is more than just a park. It’s a testament to the community’s vision, blending history, nature, and recreation into a vibrant tapestry.