Around Austin
Proposed changes for Mount Bonnell would improve its design
KVUE -- Since the 1840s historical documents have recorded visitors taking advantage of the sweeping views of Mt. Bonnell. More than 170 years later, the scenic area attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Mt. Bonnell is located 775 feet above sea level and is one of the highest points in Austin. Now a group is volunteering to make the space more attractive.
The West Point Society of Central Texas has spent years on plans to improve the design at the top of Mt. Bonnell. They are willing to donate $150,000 worth of help to change the landscape, add benches and possibly remove retaining walls that block the view.
The group also wants to replace a limestone monument donated by the Covert family when they gave the county the land in the late 1930s.
"It's historic, but it's broken and falling apart. We would like to see it restored and put in a safe place, and replace it with a more permanent replica made of granite," said West Point grad and volunteer Fred Bothwell.
Before the project moves forward, the City of Austin wants public feedback.
"It's very important to the parks department that we get the community buy-in," said landscape architect Reynaldo Hernandez.
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