AUSTIN, Texas — After years of planning and plenty of pushback, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has laid out the next steps for Zilker Park's Vision Plan.
The plan has been in the works for almost three years, and come Aug. 31, the Austin City Council could consider taking action, deciding on whether to make it a reality or not.
In a newsletter, Watson said the plan will be part of a work session on Aug. 29. Then the council will take it into consideration on Aug. 31. He also noted on that day, the City will welcome public comment.
"There are some parts of this plan that are really good improvements, but I understand the unhappiness and fear some people have," Watson said in the newsletter.
Those fears revolve around the drafted plan, which includes an amphitheater, plans for parking garages and nature restoration.
According to the Parks and Recreation Department, the ultimate goal is to have some kind of framework set so improvements can be made.
A department spokesperson pointed KVUE toward a memo sent to the City and the mayor where the department mentioned the plan to review feedback and "look forward to completing this vision planning process, and working towards a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future for Zilker Park."
Officials also clarified to KVUE that the Parks and Recreation Department does not want the park to change, "however, Austin has changed and there can be adjustments to the plan."
KVUE reached out to Watson's office to further address his statements. A spokesperson for Watson explained the City's focus at the moment is on the budget.
In the newsletter, the mayor pointed that there is currently no money to pay for the proposed vision plan and there are other parks that need to be prioritized.
KVUE reached out to the Parks and Recreation Department with a list of questions. Below are the responses.
Why did the department do the plan?
"Zilker Park has operated for more than one hundred years without an over-arching framework that considers the ecological health of the park and the critical goals of equity, multi-modal access, climate resiliency and operational efficiency. Like other City of Austin vision plans, this plan will provide a framework for the future use and restoration of the park. Austin Parks and Recreation’s Long Range Plan aims to have a vision plan for all metropolitan and district parks. Having an approved vision plan in place also allows the City to qualify for grants through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to approve the vision plan lies with City Council.
Additionally, the City is making substantial investments around the perimeter of the park such as the Barton Springs Road Bridge project over Barton Creek, a new Dougherty Arts Center and parking garage on Toomey Road, and restoration of the hike and bike trail on the east side of Barton Creek, all projects adjacent to the park. With these new investments coming, the timing aligns to consider long-term solutions for Zilker Park."
If it [Zilker Park's Vision plan] gets shot down, what are next steps?
"The Department will follow the direction of the Council when the draft is presented for action. The anticipated timeline for this is the work session on August 29 and the Council meeting on August 31, 2023."
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