Open Room

Love this public art space. I've held two parties here now: dinner and brunch. It's large enough for about 25 people. You can't reserve it, but I've gotten lucky both times I've tried. There's parking available at Seaholm, bathrooms at Trader Joe's (pick up some extra snacks and you can get a code for the door). There are trashcans and doggie bags nearby, but bringing wipes and recycle bin is a good idea. Last time we arrived someone had broken a wine bottle and left it, glass and all. Be considerate! :)

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 2nd 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 3rd 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.

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.

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

Celebrated the end of cancer treatment and the one year anniversary of my diagnosis with a surprise picnic give by my work family. Beautiful space for fantastic celebrations with friends and co-workers!