Update

Join us for the official ribbon cutting of the new playground on It’s My Park Day, Friday, November 1, 2025. The ceremony will take place at the new play area on Springdale Road from 9:00–9:30 a.m., followed by a community celebration including music, games, and park clean-up, and a preview of the next phase of trail work!

Background

The Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt encompasses 206 acres of hilly, wooded terrain intersected by creeks and ravines near the intersection of 51st Street and US-183 in East Austin. More than four miles of informal trails wind through the property, which previously lacked any major improvements. Portions of the greenbelt, once zoned for commercial and residential use, were rezoned entirely for public use in 2017.

In 2018, the parkland went through a significant vision planning process that was approved in early 2019. Through that process, priority projects were identified, with trails and play spaces ranking high among community-desired amenities.

Trails

In 2021, Austin Parks Foundation partnered with Austin Parks and Recreation, with support from St. David’s Foundation, to develop a trailhead on Springdale Road and improve community access to the greenbelt.

In 2023, Austin Parks Foundation and Austin Parks and Recreation received a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to complete approximately two miles of improvements on the existing natural trails at Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt. Texas Conservation Corps completed the first phase of trail work in 2024. The second phase will focus on the southern section of the trail network and will include closing eroded trails to support habitat restoration and improve wayfinding throughout the system. Crews will also work to establish a clear connection from the play area off Springdale Road to the trail connections on 51st Street.

Playground

Following approval of the vision plan in 2019, the Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association applied for a design services grant through Austin Parks Foundation to support development of a preliminary design and layout for the play area. The plan included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness equipment, an off-leash dog area, and trails. It was presented to the community for feedback during a virtual meeting on October 21, 2020.

After the concept plans were approved and the design documentation and permitting process were complete, construction began in Summer 2024 and was completed in Summer 2025. The new playground area off Springdale Road is now open to the public.

Anticipated Timeline

• 2021: Virtual Community Meeting to share the updated design of the playground area
• 2022: Design documentation
• 2023: Complete permit plans and submit for the Site Plan Permit for Phase I
• Summer 2024: Receive Permit/Begin Phase I Construction
• Summer 2025: Phase I Construction Complete
• Fall 2025: Phase 2 Trail Construction Begins

Community Engagement

Details on previous engagement can be found below.

Virtual Community Meeting

• December 8, 2021
• At this meeting, the project team shared updates and reviewed the updated design and features that were developed for the playground area. Spanish interpretation was provided.
• Community Meeting Presentation (PDF)

Design Progress Meeting

• October 21, 2020
• View presentation (PDF)
• Community Survey Results (PDF)
• Community Meeting Summary (PDF)

Funding and Resources

Austin Parks Foundation received funding from St. David's Foundation to create a trailhead, implement trail improvements, conduct additional community engagement and create detailed designs for a new playground area. Additional funds for the design and construction of the playground area were made available through Austin Parks Foundation Board Designated Funding, Austin Parks and Recreation parkland dedication funds, and 2018 Austin Parks and Recreation bond funding. Funding for the trail work has been provided by Austin Parks Foundation and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
 

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Charles Mabry, Project Manager, at (512) 974-9481 or by email.

Vision Plan Background

The Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt vision plan effort was initiated by area residents and was facilitated by the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA). The greenbelt went through an extensive community-led planning process in 2018. Through that planning process, priority projects were identified, with trails and play space being high on the list of community desired amenities.

Approved Vision Plan

The proposed vision plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Board on January 22, 2019.

Community Engagement through Planning Process

Public Input and Survey Summary
Public Input Summary

First Public Meeting
February 25, 2018
Givens Recreation Center
Public Engagement Summary

Second Public Meeting
April 3, 2018
Pecan Springs Elementary School Library, 3100 Rogge Lane
Summary of Second Public Meeting

Third Public Meeting
Thursday, Sep 27, 2018 6pm – 8pm
Education Service Center Region 13, State Capitol Room
5701 Springdale Rd, Austin
Public Meeting 3 - Presentation

Public Meeting 3 - Concept Boards

Trailhead Project

2019, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) applied to St. David's Foundation to develop a trailhead and improve some existing trails that have been carved out by bike riders and other users of this undeveloped park. There was also a desire from the community to work toward developing the playground area which needs a more detailed design to be ready for future funding and construction. APF was awarded funds for these projects and began designing the trailhead in 2019.

Community Engagement

Virtual Community Meeting

• October 21, 2020 at 5:30 pm
• View presentation (PDF)
• Community Survey Results (PDF)
• Community Meeting Summary (PDF)