Austin, TX, September 9, 2025

News Summary

A community meeting held at Martin Middle School in East Austin brought together residents and police to discuss safety issues at Edward Rendon Senior Park. Concerns about reckless driving and violence, particularly during weekly car shows, have prompted police to increase their presence at the park. Residents expressed their desire for safety improvements, while local leaders vowed to collaborate with officials to enhance security measures. The meeting coincided with alarming statistics of calls for service related to park safety, highlighting the need for urgent action to ensure the park remains a safe, family-friendly environment.

Austin, Texas – Community Safety Meeting Addresses Growing Concerns at Edward Rendon Senior Park in East Austin

Concerns over safety at Edward Rendon Senior Park have prompted a critical community meeting involving residents and police in East Austin. This gathering, held at Martin Middle School, was led by Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and aimed to address the alarming issues facing the park’s visitors.

Residents openly shared their experiences and expressed hopes for changes to improve park safety. Sandy Boone, a neighbor living close to the park, highlighted complaints from several local residents regarding ongoing issues with unsafe driving and disruptive crowds during events held every Sunday.

Every Sunday, groups gather at the park to showcase cars, a tradition that some residents love. However, others feel it brings risks, as they have witnessed an increase in reckless behavior, including loud revving engines and dangerous driving practices. This behavior has become particularly concerning for families in the area, disrupting their enjoyment of the park.

Compounding these issues, incidents of violence, including shootings, have also been reported on Sundays at the park. Between March and August of this year, the police department received nearly 160 calls for service concerning various issues, including 34 calls for reckless driving and four incidents of shots fired. This uptick in violence has intensified fears among community members about their safety while visiting the park.

The granddaughter of Edward Rendon Sr., Bertha Rendon Delgado, expressed a strong desire for the park to remain a safe gathering place, stressing the importance of free from gun violence. In response to these escalating concerns, Austin police have committed to assigning four officers each weekend to monitor the car shows, aiming to enhance safety during busy hours.

City officials are also looking into plans to redesign nearby roads as a measure to improve safety around the park. Chief Davis underlined the significance of cooperation between police and the community to address safety effectively. Residents, including business owners who have observed an increase in unsafe behavior over the years, are eager to collaborate with the authorities to restore a sense of security.

Recent violent incidents have raised alarms, particularly after an attack on a teenager during a “Low Rider Sunday” event, which prompted arrests and brought a sense of relief to many in the community. Local leaders and residents are actively pursuing improvements to the park’s security, including enhanced lighting and safety measures.

As community members join forces to foster a safer environment at Edward Rendon Senior Park, they express their keen desire to maintain this cherished place as a family-friendly and enjoyable space. The commitment from local leaders and police shows promise for the future of this vital community hub.

Key Statistics from Community Concerns

• Total calls for service regarding park issues: 160 (March – August)
• Calls for reckless driving: 34
• Incidents of shots fired: 4

Community Safety Efforts

• Assignment of four police officers during car shows
• Plans to redesign nearby roads for safety
• Improvements to security and lighting in the park

Background on Edward Rendon Senior Park

Located in East Austin, Edward Rendon Senior Park has historically served as a communal gathering spot for local residents. However, recent safety concerns have overshadowed its recreational purpose, prompting calls for increased enforcement and community involvement to safeguard this vital area of the neighborhood.

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Additional Resources

• CBS Austin
• Wikipedia: Edward Rendon Sr Park
• KVUE
• Google Search: Edward Rendon Sr Park
• KVUE Video
• Google Scholar: Edward Rendon Sr Park
• FOX 7 Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Edward Rendon Sr Park
• KVUE Article
• Google News: Edward Rendon Sr Park

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.