Austin Parks and Recreation is planning improvements to Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park to provide enhanced access, ADA-compliant parking, and a few key support features while preserving the site’s natural character. Planned improvements include a small parking area designed to work around existing trees and incorporate a rain garden to help manage stormwater and support the site’s natural setting. Adjacent to City Council Districts 6 and 10.

view of hillside showing trees and grass and clouds in the sky

Background

Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park covers 21.39 acres and is located at 6309 Spicewood Springs Road. The property was acquired by the City of Austin in May 2022. Since then, the City has removed the remaining concrete slabs from the site and placed boulders and mulch to define temporary parking. The site features a scenic bluff and creek, offering a unique natural setting.

Project Description

The planned improvements at Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park include adding a small parking area, with a layout designed to work around some existing trees with an ADA-accessible parking space. In addition, the project will include:

  • A rain garden to help protect water quality,
  • Bike racks to support active transportation,
  • Trash and recycling bins to help keep the park clean, and
  • A new access point aligned with Yaupon Drive for better entry to the site.

These updates aim to make the park more accessible while maintaining the site’s natural setting.

Objectives

The project aims to:

  • Improve access to the park for all users,
  • Provide basic features like parking, bike racks, and waste bins to support day-to-day park use,
  • Include a rain garden as part of the site’s stormwater quality infrastructure,
  • Design the site layout around existing trees to help minimize tree removal, and
  • Maintain the park’s natural setting and minimize the visual impact of new infrastructure.

Project Schedule

  • Summer-Fall 2025: Community Engagement and Design Development
  • Spring 2026 - Spring 2027: Permitting and Contracting
  • Summer-Winter 2027: Construction
  • Late Winter 2027: Construction complete and park opens to the public

Community Engagement

Staff will work with area residents and the neighborhood association. Community members will be informed about progress with limited community engagement due to the narrow scope of the project. Parks and Recreation will host a meeting  Fall 2025 at the park to share layout and materials of the planned improvements and to receive community feedback. Information on future and past community engagement events will be listed here and supported with outreach and locally placed signs.

Funding and Resources

The project will be funded through the 2018 GO Bond and parkland dedication.

Contact Information

For more information please contact Leslie Perez, PARD Associate Project Manager by e-mail or at 512-974-9473.