Republic Square is one of the three squares that were part of Austin’s original layout of the city. Since its establishment, the park has been transformed into a parking lot and then back to a park in 1974 when the Sierra Club and the Parks and Recreation Department decided to restore the property to its original form. The park is located in downtown Austin and is a great place to relax, attend fun events year round, and even grab a bite to eat at the newly opened Salt & Time cafe.