Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center Video Tour
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Out-Of-School Time Youth Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities for youth that expose them to critical thinking and leadership development while helping explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play. Come and experience the spectrum of opportunities with the Parks and Recreation Youth Programs.
Afterschool (Pickup: Sanchez & UT Elementary) (PDF)     C-Day Camps (PDF)Youth Summer CampSkate Crew (PDF)Slime-ology (PDF)Thanksgiving CampSwim Safe Youth Sports
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round co-ed youth sports that teach fundamentals and stress sportsmanship. Our seasonal leagues provide a safe recreational setting structured for a beginner to intermediate player. Lead by volunteer coaches, games are noncompetitive in order to emphasize teamwork and physical fitness.Â
BasketballSoccerYouth Futsal Drills & SkillsTennis Play DaysFall Youth Sports (PDF)Teen Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that encourage Youth Development through outdoor exploration, the arts, critical thinking, and leadership development.
Totally Cool Totally Art (TCTA)Summer CampToddler Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs that foster Youth Development in a safe and caring environment. We believe in creating opportunities to help explore interest through enhancements, arts, and active play.
Toddler Fundamentals and Fun Sports LeagueNature Play (PDF)First Fridays (PDF)Art in Cahoots Adult and 50+ ProgramsÂ
The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of Senior Programs and Services for adults and people 50 years of age and older. We are committed to providing an environment that encourages active and healthy lifestyles through recreational and educational programs and services.
Senior Congregate Meal ProgramVarsity Generation Calendar (PDF)Zumba (PDF)Core Fitness (PDF)Ceramics (PDF)Pintar y Platicar (PDF)Community and Special Events
The Parks and Recreation Department provides opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to come together and socialize, meet new people, enhance existing relationships, and create community.
October – Community Halloween Carnival & Haunted HouseOctober – Movies Under the Star Fall SeriesNovember – Community Thanksgiving DinnerDecember – Night Before Christmas BreakUpcoming Events (PDF)February – Youth Valentines DanceMarch – Dog ExtravaganzaApril – Community Easter Egg HuntMay – Loteria FiestaJune – August – Movies Under the StarsSeptember – 16 de Septiembre CelebrationMulti-Court Use (Tennis-Pickleball-Badminton) (PDF)Fall Brochure (PDF)
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Facility and Grounds Rental Information
User Guide and Rental Agreement
Video Tour of Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center
Mendez Recreation Center Staff
Jonathon Haynes Recreation Supervisor
Stephanie Martinez Program Specialist
Jesse Titus Program Specialist
Antonia Riojas Program Instructor
Cindy Palacios Buildings & Grounds Assistant
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Renaming the Recreation Center
The Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center was named to honor a pillar of East Austin, Rudy Mendez. Learn more about the process and about Rudy.
Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez, born in Austin in 1944, studied dance and performing arts in New York and Spain. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chile and Costa Rica, touring with each country’s national ballet company and developing performing arts curriculum and programs for youth. In 1978, he returned to Austin and founded the Ballet East Dance Company to provide a platform for young choreographers and dancers and to develop vigorous outreach to Black and Hispanic communities in East Austin. From 1978 to 2000, Mr. Mendez worked for the Parks and Recreation Department as a program specialist at Metz Recreation Center. In 1989, he developed the city-wide program “Dare to Dance,” recognized nationally. Mr. Mendez also created the Folkloric Dance and Mentoring Program to encourage students of living in East Austin to graduate high school. Rudy Mendez died in 2019.
