The Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park opened for operation in August 2007. Its original function was that of an aesthetically pleasing fountain with lights, music and fog, with limited public interaction. Soon after its opening, the popularity of the fountain increased public expectation that resulted in more interactive play with the water and lights.
Today, popularity of the fountain has grown to the point that our current water filtration system cannot sustain the number of daily park patrons interacting with the water. A joint analysis by several Parks and Recreation Department divisions has determined: The fountain is heavily used on a daily basis.
Daily maintenance is required to avoid shutdown.
- Water contact loads result in system failure and complete shutdown.
- Mechanical and cosmetic fountain improvements are required immediately.
The following problems have been identified concerning the safe and efficient operation of the Fountain:
Health & Safety Issues
Fountain Filter System
- Inadequate filtration results in excessive maintenance for operation and frequent closures.
Fountain Disinfection System
- New Texas Department of Health standards require the implementation of a supplemental treatment system or testing of water for Cryptosporidium.
Shallow Pools
- The five shallow pools are considered wading pools and require fencing to meet current Texas Department of Health Standards for Swimming Pools and Spas.
Granite Pavers
- Sharp edges on granite pavers have injured users.
- Replacement of grout and expansion joint material is recommended.
Granite Seat Walls
- Several granite blocks have been damaged by skate board activities.
- Repair of these blocks and installation of skate stops is requested by Central Park staff.
Operational Issues
Fountain Control System
- Control system failures have resulted in frequent fountain closures.
- The high cost of programming the existing control system restricts the variety of programs offered to the users.
Mechanical Repair Parts
- Repair parts and personnel are not available locally resulting in extended repair time.
Recommendations
- Maintain the fountain design as a decorative water fountain until further review and evaluation can be done.
- Install signage to discourage use as a public interactive water feature
- Bring the 5 shallow wading areas up to grade in order to meet current Texas Department of Health code standards. These features will be caped or covered with appropriate seating.
- Continue process of developing ideas for construction of a children’s garden and water splash pad on the southwest corner of Butler Park.
|
Description of Park |
This unique park features a fountain that displays programmed morning, afternoon and evening water shows, an observation hill overlooking Lady Bird Lake, a children's garden and a meadow.
Butler Park is one of Austin's first "green" parks. The park is irrigated with non-potable water from Lady Bird Lake. All the equipment purchased to maintain the park is "clean" - either powered by propane or electricity.
|
History |
The park is named in honor of Michael Butler, an Irish immigrant who ran a successful brick-making business on the South Austin land in the late 1800's.
Butler's heirs donated the land to the city in 1941 to use for civic purposes and honor Michael Butler's wishes. Over the years, pieces of the land were used for a baseball field, a coliseum, Palmer Auditorium, a parking lot. The 22 acre park was completed in August of 2007.
The council also named the children's garden in the park after the alliance, the fountain after noted writer and former press secretary to Lady Bird Johnson, Liz Carpenter, the meadow for Negro League Baseball Hall of Famer,Willie Wells and the observation hill for Texas music legend, Doug Sahm.
| | |
