AUSTIN, Texas — After being closed for several days due to heavy rain, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is reopening May 13.
Austin Parks & Recreation announced the Greenbelt will open at noon, but that park users should stick to the official trails and be careful as the soil is slick and muddy.
Over Mother's Day weekend, the weather was fantastic. The parks department asked people to stay away from the trails, but not everyone heeded the warning.
"To see the water crystal clear ... it's quite a site," said Lorrie Dehaas, who said she visits Barton Springs nearly every day. "I bring my friends to check it out so I'm kind of bummed about it."
Her weekend plans where ruined after last week's storms forced her to cancel her sightseeing trip.
"I have some friends from out of town and I wanted them to see how beautiful and natural it is," she said.
Intense flooding had the Greenbelt and Barton Springs Pool closed to the public.
"They have to understand we close it for a reason for their safety," said Charles Vaclavik with Austin Parks and Recreation.
He said crossing the barricades could put you at risk.
RELATED:
"It's a natural space and there are a lot of hazards there," Vaclavik explained. "Basically, when it rains and the soil gets saturated, there are several dangers that sometimes people aren't aware [of]."
Crews have not been able to fully assess damages because of weekend showers.
"We have staff that goes out and evaluates the conditions," he said. "We don't just close it just because, we have to make sure it's necessary."
Dehaas said putting yourself at risk could cause problems for others.
"You don't want to put rescue people in danger for saving your life," she said, worried that some of these areas are not accessible for rescue teams. "Think about the people trying to save your life."
If the weather permits, crews will be assessing the area Monday morning taking a look at damages.
"I would say please just use your head," Dehaas explained.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: