The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), in consultation with the Austin Public Health Department, will reopen Bull Creek Greenbelt and Barton Creek Greenbelt beginning August 8, 2020.

As part of PARD's capacity management program, designed to alleviate environmental and community impacts, the Department will implement a pilot capacity management program at Barton Creek Greenbelt. This program will begin August 8 and is expected to continue for approximately 5 months. As a part of the pilot program Barton Creek Greenbelt will require a reservation in advance of visits Thursday through Sunday beginning Saturday, August 8, 2020. Reservations are free and can be made online beginning August 1. If a computer is not available, visitors may leave a voicemail at 512-974-6797.

As one of the formally recognized 2020 Leave No Trace Hot Spots, environmental impacts at Barton Creek Greenbelt have reached a critical level and continue to worsen. With increased traffic to the Greenbelt, litter (including pet waste), erosion, trail damage, water quality issues, and injuries continue to rise. Neighborhoods surrounding the residential entrances are particularly impacted by heavy traffic, public intoxication, and trash. By closely monitoring usage during the pilot program, Park Rangers will gather insight for future Barton Creek Greenbelt management strategies, educational opportunities and funding requirements. Advance reservations are currently required for visitors Thursdays through made online or, if a computer is not available, visitors may leave voicemail at 512-974-6797.