Nicholas Dawson Park
600 W. Gibson Street | Second entrance at S. 3rd & James Street

Nestled along East Bouldin Creek, Nicholas Dawson Park is a 3-acre hidden gem cherished for its natural beauty and community spirit. A favorite spot for birdwatchers during migration season, the park’s tranquil pools and shaded creek beds are home to snapping turtles, foxes, coyotes, and even the occasional crane.

Over the years, the Bouldin community has played a big role in shaping this park. After a spirited creek cleanup in the mid-2000s, a swing set, concrete, and labor were all donated—by the end of the day, a playground had come to life. A decade later, the City of Austin replaced it with a new playscape, and neighbors continued enhancing the space with gardens, including flower beds installed by a resident on S. 3rd Street.

In 2008, a grant-funded “green wall” was added to create a buffer between the park’s north end and nearby homes. And in 2007, during a major sewer line replacement, the BCNA Parks Committee worked closely with Austin Water to protect several heritage trees by rerouting the project.

Efforts to manage stormwater runoff led to a rain garden installation in 2011–12, though the swing area still tends to flood after heavy rains. Still, the park remains a gathering place for neighborhood events and a beloved slice of green in the heart of Bouldin.