Abridged stories from online NEWS BREIFS Threeoptions for Zilker ParkVisionPlanpresentedat communitymeeting
now,” Hempel said. “I want to stress that [on] the plan concepts, we are wanting to get your feedback on what elements you like or what resonates with you from each of the concepts as they come together for the final plan.” “We really hope that you spend time studying the plans and let us know your thoughts, and get the word out about the survey,” Design Workshop Principal Kurt Culbertson said. The full presentation of the three vision plans is available on the city’s website, along with ways for the community to share their experiences and opinions on the proposed plans. A fifth community meeting is set for June to discuss plan implementation, but an exact date has not been set. The final draft of the Vision Plan is expected to be completed after that meeting, followed by a review and potential adoption by city boards, commissions and the Council over the summer and into late 2022. “THESEPLANS CAME TOGETHERAFTER ALLOF THE ENGAGEMENTTHATWE’VE BEENDOINGFOROVERAYEARNOW.” CLAIRE HEMPEL, PRINCIPAL AT DESIGNWORKSHOP
BY GRACE DICKENS
CHOOSING A PLAN
The city of Austin presented three plans for Zilker Park during its fourth community meeting concern- ing the development of the Zilker Park Vision Plan, intended to guide the development of the 350-acre park for the next several decades. All three plans include the rehabilitation of Barton Creek, the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, ecological restoration, the coordina- tion of people and roadways, and accessibility for those with disabilities. All three plans also include unique approaches to roadway connectivity and safety, including in-park bus routes with external connectivity to the larger bus system in Austin. The plans proposed at the virtual meeting combine ideas from previous alternatives and community input, according to the city. Each of the three plans includes different solutions to issues in the park, including differing approaches to parking, ecological restoration, safety, accessibility and transportation. The plans were not presented as definitive options for the community to vote on but instead serve as a way to make decisions moving forward, said Claire Hempel, principal of the consulting firm in charge of the planning effort, DesignWorkshop. “These plans came together after all of the engagement that we’ve been doing for over a year
The city of Austin wants residents to consider elements of three plans presented for the Zilker Park Vision Plan, which will guide the park’s development.
3 REGENERATE • Repurpose Caretaker’s Cottage and Quonset Hut to welcome center • Create a boardwalk on Lady Bird Lake • No parking garages 2 EDGES • Construct parking garages at perimeter of the park • Create sports complex at Polo Field Lawn • Construct a tunnel under Barton Springs Road for pedestrians and bikes 1 STITCH • Add a land bridge over Barton Springs Road • Create a sports complex at Rugby Field • Remove vehicular traffic from Lou Neff Road
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
19
LAKE TRAVIS - WESTLAKE EDITION • MARCH 2022
Powered by FlippingBook