Austin, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis met with East Austin residents to discuss rising safety concerns at Edward Rendon Sr. Park. Reckless driving and incidents of gunfire have increased fears among locals. The police department plans to bolster their presence and community engagement in response to these issues, emphasizing the need for collaboration between law enforcement and residents for a safer environment.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis recently met with residents of East Austin to address growing safety concerns at Edward Rendon Sr. Park. The meeting, held at Martin Middle School, highlighted serious issues related to reckless driving and public safety that have been reported by the community.
Since March, the Austin Police Department has received over 30 calls regarding reckless driving incidents in the area. Residents reported vehicles driving dangerously close to children and pedestrians, racing on Nash Hernandez and Comal streets, performing doughnuts in parking lots, and colliding with stationary objects. This increase in reckless behavior has sparked fears among locals, particularly concerning incidents of gunfire near the school.
During the community meeting, Chief Davis emphasized the need to tackle quality of life issues and violent crime, stating that collaboration between police and residents is essential for maintaining safety during recreational events. Community members shared their experiences, particularly noting that after traditional car shows in the park transitioned to larger gatherings, safety escalated into a major concern.
Reported incidents during the weekends have raised alarms. Between March and August, police responded to nearly 160 calls for service on Sundays, with 34 specifically concerning reckless driving and four related to shots being fired. Residents suggested that “bad actors” attending these gatherings, who do not belong to any organized car club, have been contributing to the unsafe conditions.
As a response to the escalating situation, the Austin Police Department has implemented measures to enhance public safety. Chief Davis noted that the department would have full staff shifts assigned to the area and plans to increase interactions with residents, moving neighborhood meetings from quarterly to monthly sessions. Police will enforce noise ordinances in a staggered approach and have committed to assigning four officers to monitor the car show events every weekend.
In addition to increased police presence, the community has expressed a desire for infrastructural changes to improve safety. The city officials are currently working on redesigning nearby roads aimed at enhancing safety measures. Residents are hopeful that these initiatives will restore the park to a place of community enjoyment without the accompanying risks.
Kimery Duda, founder of the Expedition School near the park, reported alarming instances where bullets flew through the trees, forcing staff to take cover. Bertha Rendon Delgado, granddaughter of Edward Rendon Sr., also voiced the need to prioritize safety for the community to preserve the park’s reputation as a beloved gathering space.
Chief Davis reaffirmed that the Austin Police Department is dedicated to addressing these issues proactively, encouraging continued cooperation between law enforcement and community members to create a safer environment at Edward Rendon Sr. Park.
FAQ
What issues were raised during the community meeting about Edward Rendon Sr. Park?
The main concerns included reckless driving, noise issues, and incidents of gunfire in the vicinity of the park, particularly during large gatherings.
What actions is the Austin Police Department taking to address these concerns?
The department has assigned four officers to monitor weekend car shows, plans to increase neighborhood engagement meetings from quarterly to monthly, and is assessing options for road redesigns for safety improvements.
How many calls for service did the police respond to at Edward Rendon Sr. Park between March and August?
Police responded to nearly 160 calls for service on Sundays during that period, which included reckless driving and shots fired incidents.
What has the community requested to enhance safety in the park?
Residents have requested more police presence during gatherings, as well as infrastructural changes to improve safety measures in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Safety Meeting Addresses Concerns at Edward Rendon Senior Park
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Police
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Edward Rendon Sr Park
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Police Reorganization
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Chief
- Dallas News
- Google News: Eddie Garcia Police Chief
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.
