The John Gaines Park, Playground and Pool in Austin is a great space to bring families of all ages to relax on a hot day! 

Adjacent to the old airport tower in the East Central Neighborhood of Mueller, John Gaines Park & Pool offers green space for families equipped with a swimming pool, community garden, shaded picnic area, large lawn, and natural playscape. 

Start by exploring the tunnels and hills built to imitate the former airport’s runways. Head over to the playground which includes a climbing net and swing set. Finally, enter the community pool (check the hours and season!) with changing facilities and a separate baby pool for young kiddos. The changing room has a covered area in one spot, and another where it is not covered so the sunlight can stream in. The park also includes a community garden that is open to the public if you want to stop and smell the flowers and check out the produce growing there. Rest and eat at the picnic tables under the shade of the garden facilities. 

There are beautiful murals on the bottom of the pool and there is a kids pool that is only feet away from the larger pool. The kids pool goes to about 15 inches in depth. The area is all very well-made out of stone and is natural looking and beautiful. 

There is a playground with many mounds of turf, monkey bars, slides, and rocks for climbing, and plenty of shade around the park portion of the area.