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| On February 17, 2022, a complete application to rename Pan American Neighborhood Park was received, proposing to rename the park to Tony Castillo Pan American Neighborhood Park to honor Coach Castillo's 65 years of service to East Austin and the Pan Am complex. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking feedback from community members on this proposed name change. A community survey (in Spanish) is open now through June 4, 2022 for community members to provide input. In addition, two opportunities for community discussion are available in April. Virtual Community Meeting Thursday, April 28, 2022, 7 p.m. Zoom Registration Link In-Person Community Meeting Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10:30 a.m. A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center 2100 East 3rd St., Austin, TX 78702 At each meeting, attendees will learn about the renaming process, some background of the park and Tony Castillo, and have the opportunity to discuss the possible name change. All comments and survey results will be collected and presented to the Parks and Recreation Department Director for her recommendation. Learn more about the process on the project webpage. Background of Tony Castillo (adapted from Application) Coach Augustine "Tony" Castillo is a product of East Austin who served the community at Pan Am Park for 65 years. He attended elementary school at Zavala Elementary School, next to Pan Am Park, before attending Allan Middle School and graduating in the first class at Johnston High School. His involvement in the community dates back to his teenage years in the 1950s when he was among the founders of the Jokers softball team. He continued his efforts by organizing a Jokers basketball team and hosted league tournaments for neighborhood youth. He coached sports at his alma mater Johnston High School before moving to Akins High prior to retirement. In addition to sports, Castillo played important roles in expanding the community’s political voice. His membership in LUCHA was significant in the election of first-time Latino office holders from East Austin that included Richard Moya, John Treviño, and Gonzalo Barrientos. In his approach of “leading by example,” Castillo completed his studies at the University of Texas, taught in the classrooms of Austin ISD, and became head coach of the former Johnston High School Rams, leading the team to a historic “Final Four” state tournament appearance at the University of Texas in 1986. View the submitted renaming application here. |
