Lake Walter E. Long Boat Ramp
Date of closure: October 1, 2023 - TBA
Public access to the boat ramp at Lake Walter E. Long will be closed effective Sunday, October 1, 2023, as the lake level is too low to safely allow boat launching. Operational decisions about lake access are made in collaboration with Austin Energy, Austin Water, and the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The lake level is maintained by pumping water from the Colorado River. Flows from the Colorado River have been insufficient to allow pumping into Lake Walter E. Long due to lack of local rainfall and reduced inflows into the Highland Lakes.
Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor available Colorado River flows and will resume pumping operations when conditions allow the boat ramp to reopen safely.
The City appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding. Lake Walter E. Long will be monitored weekly for water elevation and re-opening of boat ramps. The Parks Department will re-open the western ramp when the water level reaches 553.9’ and the eastern ramp at 554’. As of December 7, 2023, the water elevation was at 553.49’.
Parks Projects
Health Eiland and Morgan Moss BMX Skate Park
Date of closure: December 18, 2023 - December 21, 2023
Description: Graffiti removal
Earl Pomerleau Park
Date of closure: October 18, 2023 - December 18, 2023
Description: The construction of the pavilion at Earl Pomerleau will start on October 18. The park will remain open and only a portion will be fenced off.
Cesar Chavez Street Bridge over Shoal Creek at Lady Bird Lake
Date of closure: October 2, 2023 to October 23, 2023 (Trail) / December 6, 2023 (Parking)
Description: Bridge repair.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail (from Barton Skyway to west of Skunk Hollow)
Date of closure: October 2, 2023 to December 25, 2023
Description: Wastewater line maintenance
Pedestrian Bridge at Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park
Date of closure: May 28, 2015 - Summer 2024
Description: The pedestrian bridge is closed due to flood damage until further notice.
Zilker Train
Date of closure: May 7, 2019 - TBA
Description: Due to part of the train track near its turnaround breaking away, the train is temporarily closed. For more information visit zilkertrain.org.
Highland Neighborhood Park
Date of closure: December 12, 2022 - Winter 2024
Description: Highland Neighborhood Park is closed for construction. Austin Parks and Recreation Department is working with the contractor to provide safe access to the existing playground after construction sequencing is complete. Please view project website for more information.
Brownie Neighborhood Park
Date of closure: December 12, 2022 - Winter 2024
Description: Brownie Neighborhood Park is closed for construction. The existing playground and developing orchard at the north end of the park will remain open through construction. Please view project website for more information.
POOLS & SPLASH PADS
TRAILS
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Date of Closure: December 18, 2023 until mid-March of 2024
Beginning on December 12 the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail near the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center will be temporarily rerouted for about 3 months due to construction work on the Lady Bird Lake shoreline for stormwater management. More info: austintexas.gov/MACCPhase2
Shoal Creek Trail (24th to 29th of Lamar)
Date of closure: closed indefinitely
Description: Damaged by landslide. Austin Parks and Recreation Department is working with Public Works and the Austin Transportation Department to plan, design and implement improvements to the trail detour route east of the creek.
Trail Access Closed at Willow Street
Date of closure: September, 2021 - 2026
Description: Trail access at Willow Street is temporarily closed due to construction. See map for the nearest trail access point. The trail access will be closed throughout construction of 98 Red River for an approximate duration of 64 months.
FACILITIES
Givens Recreation Center
Date of closure: December 6–December 7
Description: Givens Recreation Center is closed due to plumbing issues.
Givens Recreation Center Gymnasium
Date of closure: November 21, 2023 - TBA
Description: The gym is currently closed for maintenance, and the programing has been temporarily relocated to other sites.
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC)
Date of closure: January 2023 - TBA
Description: The ESB-MACC will be closed for its Phase 2 expansion and renovation project starting in January 2023. Programs and events will be held at other sites. Check ESB-MACC website for locations of our 2023 programs. The ESB-MACC main office will be at the Dougherty Arts Center and the number will remain the same: 512-974-3772.
Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
Date of closure: December 7, 2023
Description: The facility will close for one day while Parks and Recreation Department electricians and Austin Energy finalize the equipment installations for electrical upgrades to accommodate redundant power at recreation centers that serve as community resilience hubs.
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
Date of closure: December 13, 2023
Description: The facility will close for one day while Parks and Recreation Department electricians and Austin Energy finalize the equipment installations for electrical upgrades to accommodate redundant power at recreation centers that serve as community resilience hubs.
PLAYGROUNDS
ATHLETICS AND GOLF
Turf
Road/Parking Lot Closures
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Parking Lot
Date of closure: March 10, 2023 - 2025
Description: Parking lot will be closed to the public for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvement Project. All vehicles remaining in the lot at this time will be towed at the owner's expense. Construction is anticipated to be complete in early 2025.
Events
The following PARD facilities are CLOSED to the public:
- Girl Scout Cabin indoor space
- Sunshine Camp indoor space
- Zilker Caretaker House