The Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park improvements will center on the existing Lakeside Park area and emphasize the rehabilitation of the site's infrastructure. These improvements will help sustain park operations until implementation of vision plan elements can begin in the future. This project is in the Community Engagement and Design Development Phase. City Council District 1

 

Background

The expansion of the City of Austin’s steam turbine plant along Decker Road in the mid-1960s required a constant source of water for cooling and resulted in the need and development of a new lake in the area. Construction of the dam started in May 1966 and the introduction of water began in early 1967.

Since 1968, the following Land Use Plan items have been implemented and constructed:

  • Two Nature Preserves: Louis Rene Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary and the Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve;
  • two boat docks;
  • restrooms (no longer in operation);
  • a portion of a hike and bike trail; and
  • enhanced native grassland areas, main park road, picnic areas, and a swimming area.

In January 2018, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department began a new vision planning process (formerly called master planning). Austin City Council adopted the Walter E. Long Vision Plan on October 15, 2020. Vision Plan recommended long-term improvements to the metropolitan park.

Project Description

The proposed park improvements will primarily address utility work, restroom upgrades, road improvements, and a nature trail. Adjustments to road layouts and other amenities will be made based on their alignment with the vision plan.

Anticipated Schedule 

Background research was conducted summer of 2022 by the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments.

  • Fall 2022: Scope Development 
  • Winter 2022: Approved Consultant Project Scope 
  • Spring 2023: Project Kick-Off 
  • Fall 2023: Community Meeting and Schematic Design 
  • Fall 2024 Community Engagement for Play Amenities
  • Winter 2024- Fall 2025: Permitting
  • Late Spring 2026: Construction Begins

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. 

Community Engagement

In the fall of 2024, PARD staff conducted a series of surveys to gather community input in order to aid the inclusion of traditional and nature -based play amenities in the park. PARD worked with community members to identify values and priorities for the playscape improvements. Community engagement included a series of pop-ups. In addition to feedback captured during in-person engagement, surveys were used to document community members' input. Information on future and past community engagement events will be listed here.

Community Engagement Round 2

Community Engagement Survey 2 
English| espanol
Survey Results (closed March 30)
Community Pop Ups
 
  • Thursday, March 20 starting at 5:30 p.m.
    Austin Parks Foundation Presents Movies in the Park
    Gus Garcia District Park 
    1201 E Rundberg Lane, Austin, Tx 78753 
     
  • Saturday, March 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Dittmar Recreation Center 
    Community Engagement Picnic in the Park
    1009 W. Dittmar Road, Austin, Texas 78745
     
  • Wednesday, March 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Turner Roberts Recreation Center
    7201 Colony Loop Dr, Austin, TX 78724-5348
     
  • Thursday, February 20 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
    Capital Delivery Services Building Austin Informational Session
    Turner Roberts Recreation Center
    7201 Colony Loop Drive
     
Community Meeting

Previous Engagement

Community Survey 1
Community Pop Ups

Pop-Ups for Phase 1 Play Features Survey 1

  • Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements Play Survey 1 Pop-Up 5
    Friday, November 15 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
    Perez Elementary Fall Festival 
    7500 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78744
  • Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements Play Survey 1 Pop-Up 4
    Saturday, November 9 from 9:00-11:00 p.m.
    Violet Crown Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 
    Veloway Park
    4900 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
  • Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements Play Survey 1 Pop-Up 3
    November 7, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
    University Hills Branch Library
    4721 Loyola Ln, Austin, Texas 78723
  • Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements Play Survey 1 Pop-Up 2
    October 30, 2024 from 4:30-6:00 p.m.
    Turner Roberts Recreation Center
    7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724
  • Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1 Improvements Play Survey 1 Pop-Up 1
    October 25, 2024 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
    Overton Elementary's Roots and Wings Festival
    7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724
     

  • 2023 Virtual Community Meeting to discuss Phase 1 park improvements.
    Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
    Meeting Presentation (PDF, 18 MB)
    View Recording
    Ver grabación

Funding and Resources

This project will be funded by 2018 Prop C – Parks and Recreation (Infrastructure) Bond.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Reynaldo Hernandez by email or by phone at 512-974-9464.

Final Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Vision Plan

View the final Vision Plan here.