Austin prides itself on its natural environment; in fact, the beauty and resources flowing from Barton Creek, the Colorado Palma Plaza, and the surrounding hills are one of the reasons the city was built here to begin with.

It's also one the reasons people continue to move here, in droves, usually bringing their personal transport vehicles with them. Not all that surprising, then, that several of the city's smallest public parks—pocket parks, in the parlance—are basically glorified traffic islands. One (the second smallest) is even named as such.

But that doesn't mean they don't offer welcome respite from the sun-baked asphalt all around them (and us). All are well-kept, with grass and shade trees, and most are the site of neighborhood gatherings, events, and even musical performances.

Here are the city of Austin's five wee-est parks, in descending order of size.