With the growth of the Rainey Street District, the connection between the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake and Rainey Street is becoming more vital for transportation and access to nature. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with The Trail Foundation to identify park improvements south of Cummings Street between Rainey and East Ave.

View south of Cummings Street toward the Trail and Lady Bird Lake

Project Description and Background

Outline of the area of Waller Beach park area that will be planned.

The project goal is to improve and enhance the ecological function of the site while providing spaces for recreational use and improved trail connectivity for the growing area. Previously in this area, The Trail Foundation completed the Miró Riveria Restroom in 2007 to bring a much-needed restroom to this stretch of the Trail. PARD and Public Works completed ADA enhancements to the restroom and the Trail in recent years, as well as an expansion of the Great Streets along Cummings St., complete with benches, sidewalk, and new shade trees. This gateway to the Trail is an important entry point that we envision improving the ecological function, providing expanded recreational benefit, and increasing amenities for the neighborhood and Trail users.

Preliminary Schedule

The project began in September 2019. Below is the anticipated schedule:

  • Community Engagement and Design Phase: September 2019 to December 2019
  • Cost estimation and fundraising: January 2020 to May 2020 (Current phase)

Funding and Resources

The Trail Foundation is funding the creation of a site plan with support from Intracorp.

Community Engagement

Community Meeting #1
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
On the Trail near Miro Rivera Restroom
September 28, 2019, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Community Survey #1 - Results (PDF) (closed September 28, 2019)

Community Meeting #2
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
On the Trail near Miro Rivera Restroom
November 9, 2019, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Community Survey #2 - Results (PDF) (closed November 23, 2019)

Community Meeting #3
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
On the Trail near Miro Rivera Restroom
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. to noon

Contact

For questions about this project, please contact Christine Chute Canul by email or phone at (512) 974-9515.

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