Austin Parks and Recreation

Person walking a dog on a paved trail by a river lined with trees

Circle C Off-Leash Area Project

Looking toward future location of Cicle C DOLA with trees and grass and first few fence posts

City Council District 8

Project Summary

After conducting an off-leash pilot project at Circle C Metropolitan Park with community engagement in 2025, Austin Parks and Recreation determined that a permanent designated off-leash area should proceed. With funding from Austin Parks and Recreation and City Council District 8, construction of the new off-leash area began in early 2026. Phase 1 will be completed in fall 2026.

Background

Circle C Ranch on Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park is a 590-acre park that has served the surrounding Southwest Austin communities for more than 40 years. It is home to trails, fields, sports courts, a playground area, and a disc golf course. Coming in fall 2026, it will also be home to a new designated off-leash area that will replace the temporary DOLA installed in Winter 2026. The permanent DOLA was designed after a pilot project with a temporary DOLA received positive community reactions and was deemed feasible for maintenance between February and August 2025. Austin Parks and Recreation and City Council District 8 identified funding to restart a temporary DOLA while preparation for the permanent amenity proceeded and began implementation in 2026.

Project Description

The permanent designated off-leash area will be approximately one-half acre near the entrance from Slaughter Lane, replacing the temporary DOLA.

Objectives

Due to its proximity to Slaughter Creek and numerous heritage oak trees, Phase 1 of the permanent off-leash area will balance providing shade and open spaces while also avoiding the critical water quality transition zone and heritage trees' critical root zones. 

Phase 1 includes:

  • Fencing and entryway gates for the permanent off-leash area;
  • Accessible parking; and
  • Protection of heritage oak trees.
Overhead view of Circle C park area with overlay of future boundaries of the permanent dola, critical root zones and critical water quality zone line
Outline of permanent Circle C DOLA in relation to the parking area. Green areas show critical root zones of trees. The red line running from left to right is the border of the critical water quality zone for Slaughter Creek.

Anticipated Schedule

  • Spring 2026: Concept Plan Development (complete)
  • Summer 2026: Phase 1 Installation Start (in progress)
  • Fall 2026: Phase 1 Completed

Communication and Engagement

From February through August 2025, Austin Parks and Recreation connected with community members around the Temporary DOLA Pilot Project. Pop-ups at the location and a community survey informed the decision to commit to a permanent DOLA at Circle C Metropolitan Park. 

Funding and Resources

City Council District 8 has committed $100,000 to the project. An additional $160,000 in operating funds from the general fund are also being used for Phase 1.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Carolina English, Austin Parks and Recreation Landscape Designer, by email or at (512) 974-9480.