City of Austin

 Austin, TX  — Today, City of Austin leaders and community members announced the completion of important milestones in a partnership to transform a flood buyout area with new amenities and recreation spaces and reduce flood risks in a southeast Austin neighborhood.

Austin’s Neighborhood Partnering Program and Austin Parks and Recreation have completed a network of trails, a nature play area for kids, benches and picnic tables, landscaping and other features in the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt in partnership with the neighborhood Adopt-a-Creek group, GAVA and UT Austin’s Community & Regional Planning Program. These new amenities, now open to the public, represent years of community organizing and advocacy to put forth the neighborhood’s vision for a space that invites community and connection with nature.

The new trails provide easier access to the greenbelt, offering paths through shaded areas and native landscaping that encourage walking, exploring, and outdoor recreation. The nature play area features natural materials such as logs and boulders that give children creative, unstructured ways to play while learning about the environment around them.

“These projects carry special significance, not only because of the site’s history, but because they were brought forward by dedicated neighbors and community advocates,” said Richard Mendoza, Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. “They represent the power of collective action, with multiple City departments working hand-in-hand with the community to bring residents’ vision to life. That collaboration is exactly what our Neighborhood Partnering Program is designed to achieve.”

In addition to these park improvements, a nearby drainage project was completed to address flooding issues in the area. During Phase 1 of the Brassiewood Flood Risk Reduction project, the City of Austin installed approximately 1,600 linear feet of new storm drain and relocated 1,200 linear feet of water and wastewater lines. The construction cost about $2.3 million, funded from 2018 voter-approved bonds, the drainage charge and the Regional Stormwater Management Program.

The upgraded storm drain system directs stormwater to Williamson Creek instead of the detention pond at South Pleasant Valley Drive. This reduces the amount of water entering the pond during heavy rain and lowers the flood risk for nearby homes.

"For years, this area has seen repeated flooding during heavy rains," said Jorge Morales, Director of Austin Watershed Protection. "The new storm drain system helps protect the community as our region continues to experience more intense storms."

These combined investments have created a safer and more welcoming greenbelt for the community. Building on this progress, additional work is still ahead. The Neighborhood Partnering Program plans to install a trail entrance, interpretive signage, and murals on the Creek Bend flood wall. Brassiewood Phase 2, expected to start construction later this year, will upgrade the outfall of the existing detention pond at South Pleasant Valley Drive, further reducing neighborhood flood risks.

About Austin Transportation and Public Works

Austin Transportation and Public Works is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains mobility infrastructure for our community. Our vision is to have Austin recognized as the model for safe, reliable and sustainable transportation. We are guided by the values of safety, unity, reliability, accountability, integrity, community focus, and employee fulfillment. Visit AustinTexas.gov/TPW.

About Austin Watershed Protection

Austin Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.

About Austin Parks and Recreation

Austin Parks and Recreation seeks to inspire the community to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. This City of Austin department protects and maintains parkland, urban forest, and trails as well as offering sports, recreation, educational enrichment, nature programs, and aquatic activities for all Austinites. For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks and follow @AustinCityParks.

About Austin Capital Delivery Services

Austin Capital Delivery Services (ACDS) builds projects that serve the community. Our team of engineers, architects, and construction professionals collaborates with residents, consultants, and City departments to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with the community’s best interests at heart. With the philosophy of One City, One Team, One Approach, ACDS is committed to Austin’s continued success.