Austin Parks and Recreation Committed to Zilker Park Stewardship and Post-Event Lawn Remediation

Zilker Park is the crown jewel of Austin. Austin Parks and Recreation is fully committed to protecting the park and the Great Lawn’s long-term health, including ensuring its restoration to prime condition following the Austin City Limits Music Festival. As always, C3 Presents is responsible for restoring the park to its previous condition, or better. 

City staff are actively monitoring the park during ACL Fest and understand the concerns about the environment caused this past weekend by heavy rainfall. 

City turf and land management specialists, as well as park operations teams are on-site daily working with event organizers to monitor ground saturation, turf health, and drainage performance in real time. Tactical adjustments, including gate management, temporary pathway installations, and soil mitigation continue to be actively managed to mitigate long-term damage while keeping festivalgoers safe for the entirety of the festival. 

Strict operational and contractual safeguards are in place to guarantee full park restoration at zero cost to taxpayers:

• 100% Promoter-Funded Restoration: Under the City's agreement with festival promoter C3 Presents, the promoter is contractually obligated and fully financially responsible for restoring the Great Lawn and surrounding parkland to pre-festival condition or better. This includes reimbursement to APR for any staff time and materials dedicated to the event and any damage mitigation and restoration.
• Enforced City Oversight: APR staff manage repair timelines, soil testing, and final sign-offs on any work done or operational modifications. Reopening dates are determined strictly by City staff based on public safety, grass root establishment and soil stability.
• Rigorous Remediation Protocol: Immediately following event load-out, City staff will oversee a multi-stage rehabilitation process. This includes standing water extraction, deep core soil aeration to relieve compaction, soil remediation and resodding as needed. In addition, APR will coordinate these efforts with upcoming events such as the tree-lighting and Trail of Lights events at Zilker.
• Rumor Clarification: The City has not used "Dillo Dirt" compost on Zilker Park’s lawns since 2009.  

Post event, APR staff as well as staff with Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, will continue site assessments with representatives from C3 to determine next steps for restoration and remediation. As with years prior, portions of the Great Lawn will remain closed to allow for restoration and remediation work. Sections will reopen as work allows and with the usual, partial closure remaining in effect for Trail of Lights.  

"Zilker Park belongs to all Austinites," said APR Director, Jesús Aguirre. "We hear the concerns of our community clearly. APR has been actively monitoring conditions and collaborating closely with C3 and our partners to ensure the Great Lawn will be ready for use by all Austinites.” 

Get the latest facilities, pools and park closure information at: AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures.