Austin’s historic Brush Square was named a 2024 Lone Star Legacy Park

Brush Square was one of four designated public squares in the 1839 original plat of Austin, was developed into a park in 1913 and is home today to three relocated historic buildings: the O. Henry Museum, Central Fire Station #1 and the Susanna Dickinson Museum. And as of Feb. 29, the location at 409 E. Fifth St. is one of six Texas parks honored as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society at the association’s annual conference in Galveston. A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To be considered, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and meet criteria related to historic, architectural and natural significance. “Brush Square is one of the oldest green spaces in the city, and its location in the heart of downtown Austin next to the convention center makes it a special place for both residents and visitors,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Department director. Other Texas parks recognized in 2024 include Carver Park in Cleburne, Huntsville State Park, Martin Luther King (MLK) Park in San Antonio, Menard Park in Galveston and White Rock Lake in Dallas. Other Austin parks to previously receive the Lone Star Legacy designation include Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park, Givens District Park and Pan Am Neighborhood Park.