Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrates a major milestone at the grand opening of the newest green space at ACC Highland, the St. John Encampment Commons and UFCU Pavillion. The St. John Encampment Commons is named in recognition of the St. John’s Orphan Home, an African American school that once stood on the site in the early 1900s. The park is located on the northeast side of ACC Highland. 

Date: Monday, August 28

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Northeast corner of ACC Highland South Parking Garage, across Wilhelmina Delco Drive, opposite the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center

With its origins as a Reconstruction-era gathering site for African-American Baptists, the St. John Encampment Commons is a tribute to the area’s vibrant community, education, and empowerment history. The grand opening includes remarks from community organizations, including ACC, UFCU, and other community leaders. A ribbon-cutting and special performance will follow. The Commons features include:

• 2.5 acres of green space
• Outdoor tables and seating
• Gravel trails
• Outdoor art exhibits

The St. John Encampment Commons also is home to the UFCU Pavilion, a space designed to host college events, performances, and other ACC activities. ACC initiated the construction of the pavilion in March 2023. Click here to see images from the groundbreaking and of the new space. The pavilion is named in appreciation of the generous $5 million donation from the University Federal Credit Union in 2022 to support student scholarships at ACC. It was the largest donation to student scholarships in the college’s 50-year history.

Tags: grand opening, Green Space, scholarships, St. John Encampment Commons, UFCU Pavillion