Beginning March 1st, Zilker Park payment for parking will be required Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and special events. New lots at Stratford Road and Azie Morton Road have paid parking effective May 1st.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will continue to implement automated parking pay stations for parking areas within Zilker Metropolitan Park on March 27, 2023. This means that the parking lots near Stratford Road, north of the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the south Barton Springs Pool lot near Azie Morton Road will now have pay stations like the rest of the park. The automated parking stalls for these final parking areas will be activated on May 1, 2023.
Seasonal paid parking at all other Zilker Park areas began on March 1, 2023, and will continue through Labor Day. Payment is only required on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and special events per the current policy. Beginning May 1, the fee will be $7 (up from $5) for parking all day or partial days during the hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Beginning the parking fees at 8 a.m. allows early morning swimmers to utilize Barton Springs Pool without a parking fee. City of Austin swimming pool season passes include parking. In addition, the Department is working with Little League families to ensure access on game days.
There will also be a seasonal free weekend and holiday shuttle service every 20 minutes to Zilker Metropolitan Park from the One Texas Center parking garage, 505 Barton Springs Rd. It is anticipated to run Memorial day through Labor Day, specific dates to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Background
In 2016, the Parks and Recreation Department began installing pay stations to increase efficiency in Zilker Park parking lots by reducing both traffic congestion and operating expenses. After installation at most parking areas, the Department paused installation before the parking lot at Azie Morton Road and Stratford Road. Since that time, parking challenges in these two lots have increased, leading to a need for consistency across the park for parking.
The Department worked closely with concerned residents and partner organizations before finalizing the process that began in 2016. With the completion of the automated parking station implementation across Zilker Park, community members can expect more consistent rules and enforcement. In addition, funds from parking support improvements at Zilker Park, such as safety initiatives, lighting and future electric vehicle stations.
