In addition to the Gold Medal, Austin Parks and Recreation programs and facilities prove themselves award quality to many audiences. Austin is a City within a park and parks have always been a part of Austin. The parks system started with the founding of Austin in 1839. The City's original layout included three squares set aside for public use. Wooldridge, Brush, and Republic Squares were Austin's first parks and are still enjoyed today.
Republic Square offers a tree lined respite from the construction currently renovating downtown.
Wooldridge Square came to popularity as a site for band concerts and political rallies and to this day still hosts civic events. The year 1875 marked the first gift of land to the City of Austin with specific direction that it be used as a park. Governor E.M. Pease donated 23 acres of land around Shoal Creek known as Pease Park. A jewel of the park system, Barton Springs and 35 acres surrounding it was deeded to the City in 1918 by A.J. Zilker. As Austin grew, so did its desire for parks and recreation facilities.