The playground at Walnut Creek Metro Park will soon be renovated to provide a leading, accessible playground for children of all ages and abilities in North Austin. The design features a loop exploration path through a sensory garden, rubber safety surface with a variety of ground-level play opportunities, and an iconic platform structure that thematically aligns with the natural areas surrounding the playground. The playground will be closed beginning Monday, December 7 through May 2021. This nature-play expansion is supported by a grant from St. David's Foundation.
View video of preliminary design
Park History
Walnut Creek Metro Park is a 293-acre public park in Northeast Austin. The park was mostly developed in the 1960s and '70s, with the current playground installed in the early 2000s. The metropolitan park serves citizens across Austin.
Project Description
This project will focus on providing a new, enjoyable playground in Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park that meets and exceeds accessibility and playground standards, while providing improved play opportunities for park visitors. The playground will likely remain in its current location, but the new design will be expanded to incorporate nature discovery opportunities throughout the space.
The park project is expected to be complete by late 2020. We believe this park will create a more inclusive, comfortable space for many years to come.
Project Objectives
- Improve accessibility and inclusivity for children of all ages and abilities
- Limit risk to playground safety hazards including low branches and nearby parking lot
- Provide new play features to allow maximum enjoyment of the area
- Provide nature play opportunities
Anticipated Schedule
December 2020: Construction Begins
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The playground will be closed beginning Monday, December 7 through May 2021.
May 2021: New Playground Opens
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Community Engagement
Throughout the project, PARD staff will provide several opportunities for citizen input on the type and style of proposed playground equipment.
Community Meeting #1
Walnut Creek Metro Park at the Playground
12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753
January 18, 2020, 10 a.m. to noon
Online Survey #1 - closed June 9, 2020
Online Survey #2 - closed July 17, 2020
Funding and Resources
The playground replacement project is funded through the 2018 Bond. The nature play expansion is funded through the St. David’s Foundation Parks with Purpose grant.
Contact
For questions regarding this project, please contact Patrick Beyer at (512) 974-9476.