Rosewood Neighborhood Park

Rosewood Neighborhood Park is a 13.9-acre public park located in East Austin, Texas, approximately two miles northeast of downtown. Established in 1929, it holds historical significance as Austin's first public space for African Americans during the era of segregation. The park was created from a portion of the 40-acre homestead of Rudolph Bertram, a local merchant, and includes a limestone house built in the 1870s that was later repurposed as a recreation center.

Throughout its history, Rosewood Park has been a central gathering place for the community. It has hosted various events, including sports leagues, concerts, pageants, and holiday festivities. Notably, the park has been the site of Austin's annual Juneteenth celebration since its opening, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

During the Great Depression, the park benefited from improvements funded by the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), including the addition of roads, lights, and a bandstand. In 1944, the Doris Miller Auditorium was constructed, named after a Texas native and the first African American awarded the Navy Cross. This auditorium became a popular venue on the "Chitlin' Circuit," hosting performances by renowned African American entertainers such as Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie.

The park underwent quiet integration in the summer of 1963, along with other Austin city pools and parks. Today, Rosewood Neighborhood Park continues to serve as a vital community space, offering a variety of recreational facilities and preserving its rich cultural history.

In February 2019, Rosewood Neighborhood Park was designated as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation & Parks Society, recognizing its significant role in the history of Austin and the state of Texas.