Walsh Boat Landing

Watercraft/Boat Rentals - As of August 14, 2020 - the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department implemented guidelines regarding commercial uses at the site.  See the "Posted Guideline and Closure Information" below.  All commercial uses require a permit for those who qualify to receive approval under the guidelines. These requirements apply to any watercraft at the property used for any commercial purpose.  Any watercraft or company not meeting the guidelines may not legally operate at the site.

Posted Commercial Use Guidelines/ Permit Requirements

Posted Guidelines

Posted: 8/14/2020 - Guidelines for Use of Walsh Boat Landing

As authorized by City Code Section 8-1-3, the Director of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department issues the following guidelines:

• Effective August 15, 2020, Walsh Boat Landing, including the park, docks, and boat launches, is open to the public.
• Also effective August 15, 2020, the following guidelines apply to Walsh Boat Landing. These guidelines prohibit all commercial activity that boards or disembarks passengers from the docks, boat launches, or any other part of Walsh Boat Landing.
• These guidelines supersede any prior guidelines regarding the use of Walsh Boat Landing.
• Overview Map of Site Related to Guidelines
• Information about Temporary Concession Permits

Park Rules and Laws Common to the Park/Boating

Rules:

• Pets must remain on leash and under the control of the owner at all times. Styrofoam is prohibited.

Common City of Austin Laws:

• Alcohol is prohibited by Ordinance in all City of Austin parks except by permit.
• Commercial Activity, Vending or Concessions are prohibited without a permit from the parks department.
• Glass containers are prohibited in the entire park system.
• Smoking is prohibited in all park areas.  Violations are a Class C Misdemeanor.
• Amplified Sound/Music on the waterway - A person may not operate sound equipment in a watercraft audible or causing a vibration 100 feet from the equipment. NO amplified sound is permitted on land component of the park grounds.
• 8-5-81 - WATERCRAFT AND OTHER MOTORIZED CRAFT ON LAKE AUSTIN. (A) A person may not use or possess a jet ski, wet bike, motorized surfboard, or similar device on Lake Austin:  (1) from sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial Day; (2) from sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor Day; or (3) from sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5.
• Boating: Know Before You Go - Austin Police Department Boating Video

Full Park Rules

 

 

Park Map and Location

Location: 1600 Scenic Dr., Austin, Texas 78703

William Walsh

William Walsh grew up in Limerick and County Kerry, Ireland, but left his home country during the great famine. Following several years of service in the British Navy, young William came to the U.S. just before the Civil War and joined the Union Navy. Afterward, he assisted in building federal forts in Texas, such as Fort McKavett, Fort Clark, and others. He established kilns in Austin, Round Rock, and McNeil, producing lime for structures throughout Texas. Walsh was one of the largest lime manufacturers in the state at the height of operations.

In the late 1800s, his company supplied stone and lime to buildings, including the Texas State Capitol, St. Edward’s University, and St. Mary’s cathedral in Austin. Known for its purity, Walsh’s lime won the gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Walsh had substantial land holdings along the Colorado River, including much of today’s Tarrytown and Davenport Ranch. The William Walsh Boat Landing, dedicated in his honor in 1957, was once part of his homestead.

The family of William Walsh and community members celebrated the unveiling of the Walsh Boat Landing Interpretive Marker on March 23, 2025.