If you are in the mood for unusual, Austin never lets you down! Sparky Park aka Sparky Pocket Park in Austin is the site of an old electrical substation that was rededicated as a park in 2009.
Features include a Gratto Wall (art piece) that lines the wall of the cell tower whos revenue funds help funded the park, a doggie clean-up station, trellis tunnel, 1930’s substation building which has a function room, and small green space.
Our Thoughts on Sparky Park
The park is small, very small. Not a park in the sense to take your kids to play on swing sets and such. Thankfully, ours are teenagers so the lack of kiddie “equipment” didn’t phase them. The Gratto Wall kept them entertained for the short time we were there!
The Gratto Wall was really cool and it was amazing to see how they took an old electrical substation and instead of tearing it down, made it into a room to hold functions. The Gratto Wall actually surrounds the cell tower and makes it look like it belongs.
While the park is a neat place to stop and check out if you are in the area, it isn’t something I would drive out of my way for! When I first came across it, it appeared to be much bigger so we were a little disappointed. However, I do wish more neighborhoods would so this! Who knew a cell tower in the middle of a neighborhood could look so amazing?!
The park is good for kid’s birthday parties, small wedding ceremonies, and other small gatherings.
Getting There & Info
Address: Sparky Park is located at 3701 Grooms Street in Austin, Texas.
Parking: There is very little parking and all parking looks to be located in the alley (just a couple of parking spots along the alley side of the park.
