Zilker Park Improvement Project Construction to start January 2009

For Immediate Release
November 6, 2008

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department will start major park improvements to the 42 acre portion of Zilker Park, between Barton Springs Road, Lou Neff Road and Stratford Drive. The Parks and Recreation Department has implemented a multiple year improvement project to develop and maintain the turf, conserve potable water, and enhance the overall appearance of the park. These improvements will provide a durable, resilient turf that will serve to create an area that visitors will use for recreational and leisure activities.

The Zilker Park Improvement Project is being implemented in three phases. Phase I was completed in 2006. The need for turf improvements to this area became apparent during the 2006 Austin City Limits Music festival when a large number of concert goers were treated for dust related health issues. Later that year large diameter water lines were installed to bring sufficient amounts of water to the field. Large water cannons were manually operated at night, but water cannons have not been able to keep up with Central Texas drought demands. With the ability to water the existing turf the department has been able to reduce the dust generated by many park users to the numerous events held every year. This irrigation system improvement has helped improve turf conditions and the enjoyment of events but an automatic sprinkler system is needed to keep up with water demands during the summer.

Phase II improvements are under construction and include the installation of an irrigation pump station which will provide raw water from Lady Bird Lake. This will provide the department with the ability to water the park with non-potable water, supporting the Austin City Council resolution to save potable water. This measure will save a significant quantity of treated water a day in our peak season.

Phase III - The scope of work for this phase, which begins January 2009, will include a major turf improvement program to provide the Parks and Recreation Department with the proper infrastructure to maintain this premier park. Other improvements included in this phase are: an irrigation system, drinking fountains and turf replacement to support use of this park area. Construction to the 42 acres will make it necessary to close this area January 2009 through June 2009. Events normally scheduled for this area of Zilker Park will be moved to other venues in the Parks system. Temporary volleyball courts will also be built in the parks system to temporarily replace those in the 42 acres of Zilker Park.

Zilker Park is a popular park for all kinds of recreation activities and organized park activities which include soccer, sand volleyball and rugby games. This 42 acre section of Zilker Park is also home to the annual Trail of Lights festival, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the longest running Kite Festival in the United States, and the summer Blues on the Green concerts. Project improvements will provide a healthier environment for Zilker Park patrons for decades to come. The cost for the improvements will be paid through a grant from C3 Productions, the producers for the Austin City Limit Festival and with assistance from the Austin Parks Foundation.

Zilker Park Map

Area to be closed is highlighted in red

Contact:
Victor Ovalle, Program Manager, Public Information and Marketing (512)-974-6745