Open Room

Open Room is a beautiful piece of usable community art – a large sculpture in the form of a picnic table. The art is surrounded by a tree grove and a lovely oval path, it is next to an on-​leash dog park and the Pfluger pedestrian bridge providing access to Lady Bird lake. It is used for family birthday parties, by parents and kids, young adults, disabled individuals (there is convenient acres in 2^nd street), and the elderly. There is space for nearby games and competitions.
One reviewer complained about lack of access to water fountains and restrooms. My suggestions? Luke’s locker, black dog and trader joes all have dog water bowls out, sometimes they also have water coolers for people, You could purchase water at black dog (across the street) or trader joes (in the nearby Austin power plant in 3^rd st). There is a public bathroom at trader joes. While there is a lot of construction along lady bird lake, they do have several port-​a-​potties lined up across Cesar Chavez. I’m not sure how long those will be there. Enjoy!
This is another beautiful community asset. Thank you Austin. Thank you to artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.

No bathroom or water fountains nearby. I know Austin is weird and slow, but table has been there for a couple of years now.

Who knew this was here? What a super sweet space! Located right next to the Seaholm Power plant, this acre of space was, per their website, «conceived as a social sculpture, a place of encounters and stage for everyday life and stories to unfold.» Also, it is first-​come, first-​served so you may end up sharing the area with strangers.
It’s gorgeous and green, a perfect area for a picnic, a party, an outdoor movie. I hear you can also get a permit to use the bridge to have a dannnnce partayyyy! There are two picnic tables end to end as a permanent installation and to the right, a sloping area that’s green even in the height of summer.
Next time you’re looking for an area to host a group of folks, this might just be the ticket. But give them a map, for sure.