Parque Zaragoza

Since the late 1920’s, Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park has provided local residents a green space to enjoy. For multigenerational East Austin families, Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park is remembered for its Potluck Thanksgivings, Adult Amateur Baseball and Softball tournaments, synchronized swimming, annual neighborhood reunions and especially for its three and four day long Diez y Siez and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Neighboring towns were known to send their fiesta queen candidates to compete for annual crown. Many Tejano and Conjunto music legends have been known to perform on Parque Zaragoza's bandstand including Manuel Cowboy Donley.

Photo Credit

In this photo from 1934, several young men are in starting position for a running race at Parque Zaragoza in East Austin. Spectators stand in the background.

PICA-20324, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

East Austin's beloved San Juan, Mr. Johnny Limón, this past Cinco de Mayo had created a playlist of great Tejano Orchestra bands you can listen to by clicking "Johnny's Playlist" here.  

Founded on Cinco de Mayo 2020, Amigos de Parque Zaragoza is dedicated to advancing the legacy of past park leaders by enhancing our community’s park facilities for everyone to enjoy. Our mission is to unite the community through park activities, revive cherished traditions, and create new ones. We are committed to preserving and sharing Parque Zaragoza’s story, believing that the park’s legacy is still unfolding. Following the example of previous advocates, we see Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park as a hub of celebration and unity.

Photo Credit

Photo of the Comite Patriotico Mexicano at Parque Zaragoza in East Austin from the 1930s This group planned the Fiestas Patrias activities for Parque Zaragoza. Seated from left: Macrino Ortiz, Ignacio Orriaga, Frank Morales, Ignacio Acosta. Standing from left: Pedro Cortez, Severino Guerra, Frank Prado. A portrait of Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, who the park was named after, is seen in the background.

PICA-20328, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library

Learn more about Parque Zaragoza watching the documentary sharing its story!

Amigos de Parque Zaragoza is a dedicated group of neighborhood volunteers who regularly convene to enhance the park. They focus on beautification, safety, and community engagement by organizing clean-ups, addressing concerns, planning events, and ensuring the park remains a safe and enjoyable space for all.

Get Involved:

We have meetings at the Recreation Center on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6pm.

We host park clean ups on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10am.

We recommend joining the mailing list to see any changes to schedules.