Years of planning, a spectacular fundraising effort, and an unprecedented public-private partnership all set the stage Wednesday morning for the groundbreaking of a world-class public green space at Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park, Austin’s first and oldest public park.

This exciting event included short speeches from Texas State Senator Kirk Watson; City of Austin Mayor Steve Adler; City of Austin Council Member Kathie Tovo, CEO of Pease Park Conservancy, Heath Riddles; and the Assistant Director of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Liana Kallivoka.

The groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the construction phase of Kingsbury Commons, an effort to revitalize the lower 10 acres of Pease Park. Ten Eyck Landscape Architects and its team of experts thoughtfully designed the space to dramatically enhance park visitors’ experience, sustain the park’s ecology, and increase park attendance and capacity. Some project features include the adaptive repurposing of the Tudor Cottage as a community gathering space with new terraced seating, a unique nature play area, a state-of-the-art water play feature, an innovative treescape, and improved sport courts and play equipment. All modifications will be woven into the woodland in a manner that will protect the canopy and allow the park to retain its familiar and beloved natural atmosphere.

“We are creating a world-class public green space, befitting of Austin’s central city park, and we could not be more excited that the day is finally here,” said CEO of Pease Park Conservancy, Heath Riddles. “We have assembled an incredible group of industry leaders on this project, and the latest ideas around outdoor design and nature play will be brought to life in this space. Pease Park truly is the ‘people’s park,’ and we are eager to welcome the Austin community into this exciting and dynamic cultural landscape.”

Along with the Conservancy and TELA’s joint effort, the two teams are partnering with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department to protect and conserve the natural landscape of this historic park. 

“Pease Park is a beautiful and treasured asset for the City of Austin. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is proud to partner with Pease Park Conservancy and support their efforts to ensure that generations of Austinites can continue to use and enjoy this historic place,” said PARD Director, Kimberly McNeeley. 

During the groundbreaking of this exciting project, the Conservancy also announced the launch of a major capital campaign, with a goal of raising $15 million for the construction and ongoing operations and maintenance of Kingsbury Commons. Appreciation and thanks go out to the Moody Foundation for its lead gift of $9.7 million given in 2017, which will be funding the construction portion of Kingsbury Commons. In addition to the instrumental grant from the Moody Foundation, Pease Park Conservancy received additional support from two $1 million donors — Lynne Dobson and Greg Wooldridge and Dale and Libby Linebarger - who were announced and recognized at the groundbreaking. 

In total, the Conservancy has raised more than $13 million toward its $15 million goal. The Austin community is invited to help Pease Park Conservancy cross the finish line in this important campaign.  

“We are proud to provide the lead gift in this important campaign. Austin has become a world class city, and we believe our green spaces should keep pace with that incredible growth and vitality,” said Ross Moody, Moody Foundation trustee. “Pease Park is, in many ways, Austin’s Central Park, and it is important that this focal point of our park system reflect the iconic nature of Austin itself.”

Pease Park Conservancy is working with the City of Austin on a partnership agreement for the operation and maintenance of Kingsbury Commons. The completion of the Kingsbury Commons is estimated to be in the Spring of 2021.