Austin Gardens
Continued investment in our parks and facilities is critical to the District’s mission. The Park Board’s policy states that each park site plan will be revisited and updated within a 10-year period. The Park District is in the process of revisiting each park site plan per this policy in order to identify additional park amenities desired by our residents, to budget strategically for these improvements and to be prepared for grant opportunities.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback on park plans currently in progress, please contact Bill Hamilton, Superintendent of Parks & Planning.
Current Plan
Past Plans
Henry W. Austin, Jr. donated the land for Austin Gardens to the Park District in 1947 on the condition that it remains a public park bearing the Austin family name. The District officially received ownership of the property upon the death of Mrs. Austin in 1954. The park includes a wildflower woodland habitat first planted in 1970 by members of the League of Women Voters, as well as pathways and hundreds of trees. A Trust for Austin Gardens is held by the Oak
Park-River Forest Community Foundation and has a value of close to $500,000. Proceeds of the trust can be used for extraordinary maintenance and recreation activities.
