The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is partnering with Austin Parks Foundation (APF) and the Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) to construct the trailhead at the entrance to the Violet Crown Trail at the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Zilker Metropolitan. Currently, no a trailhead exists even though hundreds of trail users daily enter the trail at this point.
Background
In 2006 HCC began planning a regional trail system, originally called the Walk for a Day Trai,l with the aim of creating the first regional trail system in Central Texas. The goal of the project was to provide a unique recreational experience through urban wildlands, greenbelts, parkland, public right-of-ways and water quality lands. Along its route the trail will connect scenic natural areas to neighborhoods, shopping centers, a library, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Once complete, the 30 mile trail will be the longest trail of its kind in Central Texas.
After years of planning, design and permitting Hill Country Conservancy began work in 2014 on the first six-mile segment of trail beginning at the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead at Zilker Metropolitan Park, continuing through the Greenbelt, the Barton Creek Wilderness Park and Gaines Creek Park to the next Violet Crown trailhead at Hwy 290 in Sunset Valley. The first segment of trail officially opened in August 2015.
Zilker Trailhead Schedule
Construction is intended to begin in Fall 2020 with a projected completion date of Winter 2021. However, delays may occur due to the COVID-19 situation.
Zilker Trailhead Funding
Funding is being provided through HCC, APF, and City of Austin Parkland Dedication funds.
Community Engagement
Community engagement began in Fall 2017 and ended in November 2018. Please review the information below.
- Concept Boards (PDF)
- Public Engagement Report (PDF)
Additional information sharing final design and ways to get involved will be coming in spring 2020.
HCC has completed the trail from Slaughter Lane to Slaughter Creek including a low-water crossing allows trail users to cross Slaughter Creek safely. HCC will begin constructing in the Summer of 2020 trail connections from the south side of Slaughter Creek westward to connect to existing trails in Circle C Part on the west side of Mopac and eastward to connect to a future trailhead near the La Crosse Ave cul de sac.