City of Austin leaders and community members gathered in Southeast Austin this week to celebrate the opening of a network of trails and other amenities at the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt.
The city celebrated the new amenities in a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by leaders and community stakeholders on March 6. Now open to the public, the new amenities represent years of community organizing and advocacy to put forth the neighborhood’s vision for a shared space.
Improvements include a network of trails, a nature play area for kids, benches and picnic tables, landscaping, and other features. It was made possible in partnership with the neighborhood Adopt-a-Creek group, GAVA, and UT’s Community & Regional Planning Program.
Multiple city programs and departments were involved to make the project happen, including the Neighborhood Partnering Program, the Parks and Recreation, Austin Watershed Protection, Transportation and Public Works, and Capital Delivery Services.
“These projects carry special significance, not only because of the site’s history, but because they were brought forward by dedicated neighbors and community advocates,”said Transportation and Public Works Director Richard Mendoza. “They represent the power of collective action, with multiple city departments working hand-in-hand with the community to bring residents’ vision to life.”
In addition to the improvements, the city completed a nearby drainage project to address flooding issues in the area. During Phase 1, the city installed approximately 1,600 linear feet of new storm drain and relocated 1,200 linear feet of water and wastewater lines. That cost approximately $2.3 million, and was funded through 2018 bonds, the drainage charge, and the Regional Stormwater Management Program.
The upgraded storm drain system will direct stormwater to Williamson Creek instead of the detention pond at South Pleasant Valley Drive. That will reduce the amount of water entering the pond during heavy rain and lower the flood risk for nearby homes.
“For years, this area has seen repeated flooding during heavy rains,” said Watershed Protection Director Jorge Morales. “The new storm drain system helps protect the community as our region continues to experience more intense storms.”