Keeping the Browning Hangar Free and Open

The Browning Hangar at sunset, glowing pink against the evening sky in Austin.

An ordinary evening at the Browning Hangar

What is the Browning Hangar?

The Browning Hangar is a historic public structure in Austin that has long served as an open, informal community space. This site explains why keeping the Hangar free, public, and well maintained matters — and outlines a practical, long-term framework for doing so.

Austin has a clear opportunity to secure the future of one of its most important civic spaces.
 But without clear action, the Browning Hangar’s long-term public access could be lost.



Why the Browning Hangar Matters

Today, the Browning Hangar functions as an active public space — not just a preserved artifact.

  • A daily gathering space used by neighbors, families, and community groups

  • One of the last remaining structures from Austin’s aviation past

  • A gateway landmark at the heart of Mueller
  • 
A flexible, open space that supports many kinds of public life



For many people, the Hangar isn’t a destination so much as part of daily life. Once a space like this is lost — or its access quietly restricted — it cannot be truly replaced.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

Public places don’t disappear all at once. They fade.

 When long-term stewardship is unclear, civic spaces often drift toward

:

  • Reduced public access
  • Event-only or pay-to-use models
  • Decisions made without meaningful public input

None of these outcomes require bad intentions. They are simply what happens when responsibility is not clearly defined.

This site is written primarily for city officials, planners, and decision-makers who influence the future of public assets in Austin. Community members may find useful background here as well, but the focus is on outlining a realistic, implementable framework for long-term public stewardship.

A Practical, Proven Solution

In Austin, long-term stewardship of important public spaces often depends on clear roles, stable funding, and continuity beyond election cycles. The approach outlined here aligns with practices already familiar to the City and builds on how similar civic assets are managed locally.

Cities across the country protect important public spaces through nonprofit conservancies.

 A Browning Hangar Conservancy would:



  • Work with the City — not replace it
  • Raise private funds to reduce taxpayer burden
  • 
Ensure the Hangar remains free, open, and flexible
  • Provide consistent, professional stewardship

  • Create long-term stability beyond election cycles

This model is widely used by cities to protect public places without privatizing them.

A Space for the Whole Community

The Browning Hangar succeeds because it serves many people, in many ways:



  • Informal recreation and movement
  • Cultural and community gatherings
  • Families, kids, and everyday visitors

  • Neighborhood events and spontaneous use



Its strength is its openness as a shared civic asset.

What We’re Asking For

We are asking the City of Austin to take clear, timely steps to:



  • Support the formation of a Browning Hangar Conservancy

  • Establish long-term assurance of free public access

  • Invest in basic infrastructure and long-term maintenance

  • Ensure decisions about the Hangar reflect its citywide importance



These are reasonable, responsible actions — consistent with how Austin cares for its most valued public places.

Take Action Now

Decisions about the Browning Hangar are being made now — not years from now. 

A short message from you, right now, can help ensure this space remains public, open, and thriving.

 It's easy, just click the button below.

Tell City Council to Keep the Hangar Free and Open

(takes less than two minutes)

A Final Thought

Austin is known for protecting its wonderful attractions like Barton Springs and Zilker Park that make it unique. The Browning Hangar deserves the same care, clarity, and commitment we give to our other great public places.

For readers interested in additional background on long-term stewardship and governance, see browninghangar.org.

This effort is being led by community members who simply love the Browning Hangar and have no financial interest in it.