Zilker Park Vision

Austin Parks and Recreation board approves Zilker Park Vision Plan despite opposition

The City clarified last week that it is not selling any part of the park to a private company.

Photo by Daydreamer Creative on Unsplash

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is clearing the way for improvements to Zilker Park. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, May 23, the PARD board voted to approve the Zilker Park Vision Plan, 7-3.

But before the board made its decision, it heard from dozens of community members. Some supported the plan, while others were against it.

The vision plan, first introduced in November 2022, includes more parking garages, pedestrian bridges and some changes to Barton Springs Road. It is designed to protect the greenspace and accommodate Austin's growing population – but some residents present at Monday night's board meeting said the plan needed heavy edits.

Other proposed improvements to the park including putting a visitors center near Barton Springs Pool, installing playscapes and designating an area for recreational activities.

Several people also spoke Monday night about a rumor that the City of Austin is planning to privatize Zilker Park. The City clarified last week that it is not selling any part of the park to a private company, and the PARD will continue to keep control of it.

Now that the Zilker Vision Plan has been approved by the PARD board, it will go to the full Austin City Council for more discussion.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

development news

A new plaza may take some cars off Austin's famous Congress Avenue

Rendering of the proposed plaza on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin

Rendering courtesy of KVUE

Rows of parking spots might eventually be replaced with widened bike paths and more pedestrian space.

Austin's Congress Avenue could soon undergo some major changes.

Home to a selection of restaurants, vintage shops, bars and more, the city is looking to make the popular destination more pedestrian-friendly, with the help of the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI).

The project would include a series of changes stretching from Cesar Chavez Street to 11th Street, notably adding a public plaza from Seventh Street to 11th Street.

The city says the Ninth Street through 11th Street blocks can be fully upgraded with current funds, while Seventh Street to Ninth Street can be partially improved until additional investments are made.

Rendering of the proposed plaza on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin A bird's-eye view of the proposed plaza.Rendering courtesy of Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative via KVUE

The implementation of the plaza would halt all drivers just north of Seventh Street while allowing drivers to continue on Seventh through 11th streets heading east and westward.

This isn't the only upgrade that could be coming to the area. The project would also eliminate all current parking options on Congress Avenue – roughly 94 spots – instead creating more room for walkability near the restaurants, shops and other popular areas.

Other changes include widened bicycle lanes and new turn lanes at the 100 and 500 blocks.

Rendering of the proposed plaza on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin A close-up brings the viewer into the action.City of Austin/austintexas.gov

So far, the project's first phase is expected to cost roughly $22 million, funded mostly by the 2020 Active Transportation and Safety Bond. The full initiative is projected at $130 million, with additional financial support needed.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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