Remembered as Wheeler’s Grove, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park holds stories within its 9.9 acres. In 1929, the City of Austin recognized the need for public space. They purchased land near the University of Texas. This marked the beginning of Eastwoods Neighborhood Park.
Before its official establishment, the area now known as Eastwoods Neighborhood Park had a rich history. It was called Wheeler’s Grove. Wheeler’s Grove was an important gathering place for African Americans in Austin. They celebrated Juneteenth there. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865. On that day, General Gordon Granger announced the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas. The Proclamation abolished slavery in 1863. People from all over Central Texas marched to Wheeler’s Grove. They enjoyed a day filled with festivities. Celebrations moved to Emancipation Park around 1905. This park was privately owned.
Eastwoods Neighborhood Park’s land acquisition happened in stages. In March 1929, the city bought a section north of Waller Creek. The purchase included a portion of outlot one. It also included lots six through ten of the Harris Park Addition. M.H. and Mae Crockett sold the land for $20,000. Later in June 1929, the city acquired more land south of Waller Creek. They bought lot ten from E.L. Grizzard. They also purchased lots 22-26 from Martha E. Routt. This cost $2,400. In 1948, the city sold parts of lots 25 and 26 to T.J. Farr. However, they kept the portions along the banks of Waller Creek. Eastwoods Neighborhood Park has maintained its 1948 layout.
Eastwoods Neighborhood Park became the birthplace of a unique Austin tradition. In 1964, Lloyd W. Birdwell Jr. and his University of Texas fraternity brothers started something special. They were trying to impress some girls who loved Winnie-the-Pooh stories. In the stories, Eeyore the donkey is always sad. He never gets a birthday party. The students decided to throw Eeyore a birthday party. They wanted to cheer him up. Eastwoods Park was chosen because it was close to the University.
The Eeyore’s Birthday Party tradition grew. In 1974, the celebration moved to Pease Park because it needed more space. Despite the move, the party kept its original spirit. It attracts thousands of people now. It has become a non-profit fundraiser. It retains its “hippie atmosphere”. It is a staple event in Austin. In 2007, a commemorative statue of Eeyore was placed in Eastwoods Neighborhood Park. This marked the park as the celebration’s birthplace.
A unique art piece enhances the park. A wooden tree stump was transformed into a wizard’s head. David Kestenbaum, a woodcarver, created the sculpture. A local resident commissioned Kestenbaum in 1990. Kestenbaum frequently works and teaches in Mexico.
Eastwoods Neighborhood Park is more than just a park. It holds historical and cultural significance. It represents Austin’s heritage. From Juneteenth celebrations at Wheeler’s Grove to its role as one of Austin’s first municipal parks, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park has always been a vital public space. Its legacy continues to enrich the community.