Draft Zilker Park Vision Plan Available for Review

 

Community Can Provide Feedback Through January 8, 2023

Today, the Parks and Recreation Department released the draft Zilker Park Vision Plan document and map and is seeking community feedback. Community members can provide feedback in a number of ways:  Reading and commenting on the draft plan document online: Community members can read the entire draft plan and provide comments directly on the document now through January 8, 2023.  Reviewing the draft plan map and completing the survey: For community members who may not have time to read the entire draft plan, they can review the draft plan map of the park and provide responses to the survey tool. Connecting with the planning team at community meetings or pop-ups: Community members may also have additional questions as they review the draft plan and map. The planning team will be available at community meetings and pop-ups as detailed below. Community Meeting #5: Virtual and In-Person Community members can also participate at two Community Meeting options for the Zilker Park Vision Plan. Wednesday, December 7, Austin Parks and Recreation will host a virtual meeting, record it and post it online afterward. Saturday, December 10, the Department will host an in-person open house meeting at McBeth Recreation Center in Zilker Park.   Virtual Meeting Wednesday, December 7, 6 p.m. Zoom Registration   In-Person Open House Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. McBeth Recreation Center 2401 Columbus Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Take CapMetro Bus 30: MoPac/Bee Caves stop, follow the trail to McBeth Parking: Park in McBeth parking lot, come-and-go event ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided at both meetings.   During each meeting, the planning team will share the draft vision plan, highlighting each section of the park and noting how previous community input contributed to the plan. Both meetings will have opportunities for questions and comments.   Pop-Up Opportunities Across Austin Finally, the project team will connect across Austin through the next "pop-up" series. Project team members will be connecting to communities in all 10 City Council Districts as well as Zilker Park. Planning for the pop-ups is still under way and will be shared ahead of each pop-up via social media and on the project webpage. The initial pop-ups will include:  November 17, 6:30 p.m. AARC Phase 2 Reveal Community Meeting (District 1) November 19, 11 a.m. Gus Garcia Recreation Center's Turkey Loteria (District 4) November 27, 5:30 p.m. Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting (Zilker Park) December 3, 10 a.m. Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park Open House (District 9) December 10, 10 a.m. Dittmar Recreation Center's Charlie Brown Christmas (District 2) December 17, 10 a.m. Armadillo Neighborhood Park Nature Play Open House (District 2) About the Vision Plan The Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan is a community-driven planning process to establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of Zilker Metropolitan Park. It is the first comprehensive planning initiative to encompass the park’s 350 acres and associated facilities.   Zilker Metropolitan Park is Austin’s oldest metropolitan park. In 1997, Zilker Metropolitan Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the park includes many resources of historical, architectural, and archeological significance.   Today, the park serves as a hub for many recreational activities and includes major facilities and amenities such as Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Clubhouse, Girl Scout Lodge, Sunshine Camp, Zilker Hillside Theater, Zilker Caretaker Lodge, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, McBeth Recreation Center, the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and Barton Creek Trail. The park is home to large-scale events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Trail of Lights, and ABC Kite Fest. More information can be found on the project webpage.