The concept plan for Highland Neighborhood Park was completed in 2017 through input from community members and provides a vision for future development. Phase 1 of implementation was completed in 2019 and included the installation of a new playground. Phase 2 of implementation began with community input to further the park design and prioritize the improvements for the next phase. As of July 2024, Phase 2 is complete and open to the public. Construction on a new pedestrian bridge began in January 2025. City Council District 4
Project Description
Highland Neighborhood Park will soon have a new bridge for improved pedestrian connectivity. The work includes the demolition of a portion of the new sidewalk to make an ADA connection, installation of bridge abutments, and the delivery and installation of a new bridge connecting the existing sidewalk to the natural surface trail across the Waller Creek tributary. The construction site will be revegetated upon completion. The loop trail at Highland Park will be temporarily closed during construction.
Anticipated Timeline
Winter 2025: Construction begins (ongoing)
Spring 2025: Construction complete and open to the public
Funding and Resources
The project is funded by Austin Parks Foundation through an ACL Music Festival Community Impact Grant applied for by the Highland Neighborhood Association.
Contact Information
For more information or project questions, contact Lindsey Machamer, Project Management Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department by phone at (512) 974-9541 or by email.
- Previous Improvement Projects
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Concept Planning Process and Phase 1 Implementation
- View the final Concept Plan Report (PDF)
- Phase 1 Implementation (2019)
- Concept Plan Background (2015-2017)
- Concept Plan Community Engagement (2016)
Project Description
The scope for phase 2 of the concept plan implementation included: two 125’ ball fields with lighting, a new site irrigation system, a loop walking trail, benches, a new drinking fountain, parking lot improvements, utilities for a future restroom/community building and 25 additional trees. The design reflects sensitivity for the Waller Creek watershed and provides green infrastructure opportunities in collaboration with Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. The project also participated in the City of Austin Arts in Public Places (AIPP) program to commission a permanent art installation within the park.
Project Timeline
- April 2021: Community Engagement (Complete)
- Summer 2021: Permitting and Construction Documents (Complete)
- Fall 2022: Construction Started
- Summer 2024: Construction Completion
Community Engagement
PARD held two virtual meetings in 2021. The purpose of the meetings was to develop the design of the concept plan further and to prioritize the scope of phase 2. A summary of the two community meetings can be found below.
Virtual Community Meeting #1
March 31, 2021- Zoom meeting recording (YouTube)
- Meeting chat (PDF)
- Presentation (PDF, 12 MB)
- Presentación en español (PDF, 12 MB)
Virtual Community Meeting #2
June 24, 2021- Zoom recording - Grabación en español (YouTube)
- Presentation (English/español, PDF, 6 MB)
- Meeting chat (PDF)
Community Survey: March 31 to April 25, 2021 (view summary of results)
Community members identified preferences between variations of park designs.
Funding and Resources
This project construction is funded through the 2018 GO Bond and Parkland Dedication funding. Additionally, an Urban Forestry Grant through the City of Austin Development Services was awarded for the planting of 25 additional trees. The Highland Park Neighborhood Association has also applied for an Austin Parks Foundation grant for additional funding.
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