Emma Long Metropolitan Park Improvements

Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a large metropolitan park with a diverse user-base and a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities. Situated along Lake Austin, the park offers woodland trails, boating and water activities, camping, motorcycle course, archery range, and camping facilities. Phase 1 Improvements based on the Vision Plan has begun.

In Fall of 2016, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) completed a robust community engagement phase which culminated in a comprehensive planning document.

Vision Plan

Phase 1 Implementation Project Scope

The scope includes both architectural and site improvements through a phased approach to construction of Phase I. The main portion of work will occur in the central bathhouse and plaza area. Additional work includes extension of walking trails through the central lawn, provisions for landscaping, new volleyball courts, group camping areas, additional reservable picnic area, nature-based discovery area, infrastructure for mobile food trucks, and associated code and accessibility improvements.

Overhead drawing of Emma Long Metro Park. Shows areas of park that will be improved over 3 phases.

Project Schedule

Construction Start – September 14, 2020

Grove Area – October/November 2020

Bathhouse and Parking – November 2020/March 2021

Sidewalk – March/April 2021

Volleyball Court/Shelter – April/July 2021

Construction Completion – July 2021

Funding Source

Texas Parks & Wildlife Urban Outdoor Recreation Program Grant, 2012 and 2018 G.O. Bond funding, and Parkland Dedication.

Construction Updates

Notice Proceed

Issued for September 14, 2020

Environmental Mitigation

Installation of environmental mitigation measures
Approval of installation

1^st Phase – Grove Campground Area

Begins first week of October
Sidewalk, parking and tent pads are mostly complete.
Area north of restroom is under demolition.
Sidewalk connection to boat dock is complete.

2^nd Phase

Restroom buildings are closed through July 2021.
Asbestos removed January 26, 2021.
Demolition of plaza area and restrooms begins first week of February.

3^rd Phase

Layout and demolition of over 2000’ lineal feet of sidewalk.
Over 1,000 lineal feet has been completed.

The final planning documents are viewable here:

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Framework for the Vision

Chapter 3: Park Vision and Recommendations

Chapter 4: Implementation

Appendix A: Business Plan

Appendix B: Public Meeting No. 1 Report

Appendix C: Public Meeting No. 2 Report

Appendix D: Public Meeting No. 3 Report

Appendix E: Lake Austin Task Force Report and Recommendations

Community Engagement

Community engagement for the planning phase of this project has closed, but will resume during future design phases. A summary of the meetings and materials to date is shown below: