AUSTIN, Texas — Families of Lady Bird Lake drowning victims met with The Trail Conservancy and City of Austin staff to see what's been done to fix things along the trail and to give their input on what needs to happen as improvements continue.
The group gathered near Rainey Street, where the trail starts. There is solar lighting now, along with increased park patrols, and the City is set to add cameras and permanent lighting soon.
Earlier this month, 33-year-old Jonathan Honey was found dead in Lady Bird Lake nearby. Jason John, 30, was found dead in February.
On Wednesday night, Jason's close friend, Josh Gale, was a part of this conversation. He said they are pleased to see the City wants to work with them to ease their fears and keep other Austinites safe.
"Some of the plan, phase one, all of that was already in development before Jason went missing," Gale said. "So they are allowing us to piggyback on that a little bit, and they definitely are altering little parts of it that they can. But a lot of it's already been approved and put into place. We're fans of it because it does build towards everything that we're asking for."
Gale said the altering of the plan includes the temporary lighting and fencing that has been installed along the trail. He also noted that because of the drownings and the loved ones they have lost, there will be a phase two to make even more safety modifications by the lake.
KVUE reached out to The Trail Conservancy for comment, but we were told an interview was not possible on Wednesday night.
As far as the improvements, Gale said Interim City Manager Jesús Garza's office is expected to give updates soon on what's to come for the trail.