The Confluence
Temporary Trail Impacts
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail will be narrowed on the north shore near the Confluence and Austin Rowing Club building for Austin Water emergency repairs in the area during July 2026. Trail users are encouraged to significantly slow down as they approach the area and follow on-site staff instructions. The Confluence lattice bridge that connects the Waterloo Greenway to the Butler Trail will be closed until the work is completed. Waterloo Greenway users will be rerouted to the Butler Trail either in front of or behind the Waterline building depending on work requirements.
CIP ID: 12861.002
Project Overview
The Confluence is now open to the public. The second phase of the Waterloo Greenway, the Confluence includes the restoration and reconstruction of approximately 13 acres along Waller Creek between 4th Street and Lady Bird Lake.
Environmental benefits include the stabilization of the creek banks, improved water quality, over 200,000 new plants and 1,600 new trees. We are seeking Gold certification under the SITES Rating System, a demonstration of the City’s commitment to sustainable land development and environmental stewardship.
Park Features
- Three lattice bridges providing new east-west pedestrian connections over Waller Creek.
- An 800-foot long boardwalk along Waller Creek, which allows trail users to bypass intersections at Red River St. and Cesar Chavez St.
- A continuous, off-street bike and pedestrian trail connecting the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Palm Park, Rainey Street, and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
- New public gathering spaces including a Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck adjacent to Lady Bird Lake.
- The shaded, family-friendly Lakeview Terrace and Explorers Garden.
- A new connection to the creek at 4th Street with the Cypress Grove and Trailhead Plaza.
Plan Your Visit
There are many ways to enter and explore The Confluence. Visit Waterloo Greenway for information on parking and transportation options.
- Cost: $91.5 Million
Funding includes over $62 million from the City of Austin, including from the Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 17 fund and multiple departments; $12.5 million from the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy; $11.3 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and a $5.2 million grant from Austin Urban Forest Replenishment Fund.
- Partners
The Confluence is partnership between the City of Austin and the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Austin Climate Action and Resilience supported the project.
- Timeline
Construction started in May 2023 and reached substantial completion in June 2026. Remaining work includes minor work and vegetation maintenance.
The Confluence is open!
On June 6, Waterloo Greenway, the City of Austin, community partners, & neighbors from across Austin came together to celebrate the grand opening of this park expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided park tours, live music, family activities, & more. The Confluence transforms 13 acres along Waller Creek, from 4th Street to Lady Bird Lake, into a vibrant urban park.
Future Phases
Phase II: Palm Park
Austin Parks and Recreation is working in partnership with the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to restore Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park. Learn more about the Palm Park phase.
Phase III: 4th to 12th Street
We are working in partnership with the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to connect The Confluence to Waterloo Park. A community meeting in Spring 2026 gathered feedback on possible improvements to Waller Creek between 4th to 12th Street. Learn more about the 4th to 12th Street phase.
Boards and Commissions
The project team reports to the following boards and commissions:
Key Contacts
Main Point of Contact: Ana Seivert, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department, 512-974-3566
Project Sponsor: Melissa Carugati, PMP | Project Manager, Austin Watershed Protection, 512-974-8082
Project Sponsor: Lana Denkeler, Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation, 512-974-9414
Want to Know More?
Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system with the power to bring the entire Austin community together.
Stretching from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake, the Waller Creek Tunnel helps reduce the risk of flooding in downtown Austin.
This is a community project to reduce bacteria and protect recreational safety in Waller, Walnut, and Shoal Creeks and Taylor Slough in the City of Austin.
The Urban Forest Grant strengthens Austin’s urban forest by funding stewardship activities like tree planting, tree care, education, and disease control projects.
Waterloo Greenway is a 1.5-mile park system with the power to bring the entire Austin community together.
Stretching from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake, the Waller Creek Tunnel helps reduce the risk of flooding in downtown Austin.
This is a community project to reduce bacteria and protect recreational safety in Waller, Walnut, and Shoal Creeks and Taylor Slough in the City of Austin.
The Urban Forest Grant strengthens Austin’s urban forest by funding stewardship activities like tree planting, tree care, education, and disease control projects.