Austin Parks and Recreation

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

Butler Trail Signage

City Council Districts 3, 8, 9

Project Summary

Austin Parks and Recreation is partnering with The Trail Conservancy to design a modern, inclusive wayfinding system for the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. Guided by community input and the Butler Trail 2021 Safety and Mobility Study, the Comprehensive Signage Plan improves visibility, connectivity, and safety across the Trail. This project is in the sign fabrication and installation stage.

Read the Signage Plan

 

Project Description

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is undergoing a Comprehensive Signage review that will produce a list of recommendations for consistent signage and wayfinding directing visitors to and along the trail. New signage will improve connections between areas along the trail, including trailheads, parks, and other community areas. The project aims to enhance the trail experience without detracting from the natural beauty, highlighting natural systems and educating users about the systems’ functions. Improved wayfinding will increase safety on the trail and promote The Trail Conservancy’s new identity as its primary steward with increased branding. New signage would present information simply and uniformly, using clear fonts and simple design, and inclusive to Austin’s diverse communities with multilingual text.

Comprehensive Signage Plan

Anticipated Timeline

  • Summer 2023: Inventory and Analysis Phase (Complete)
  • Fall 2023: Concept through Schematic Design (Complete)
  • Spring 2024: Comprehensive Plan Development and Pilot Signage (Complete)
  • Summer 2025: Final Comprehensive Plan Delivery (Complete)
  • Fall 2025: Phase 1 Sign Install (Complete)
  • Winter 2026: Phase 2 to 5 Sign Install (In Progress)
  • Summer 2026: Phase 5 Complete

Phase 6 schedule is to be determined.

Communication and Engagement

Detail on previous community engagement efforts can be found below.

Surveys, Outreach and Reports

    Outreach and Surveys
    DateEventLocation
    June 9, 2024Community Survey 3 ClosedOnline
    May 21, 2024Pop-Up Event 10Festival Beach
    May 18, 2024Pop-Up Event 9Festival Beach
    May 9, 2024Pop-Up Event 8Festival Beach
    May 7, 2024Pop-Up Event 7Auditorium Shores
    May 4, 2024Pop-Up Event 6Auditorium Shores
    April 4, 2024Focus Group for All-Ability AdovcatesOnline
    December 4, 2023Community Survey 2 ClosedOnline
    November 29, 2023Pop-Up Event 5Auditorium Shores
    November 16, 2023Pop-Up Event 4Joe's Bakery
    November 14, 2023Pop-Up Event 3Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
    November 4, 2023Pop-Up Event 2Johnson Creek Trailhead and Festival Beach
    July 12, 2023Community Survey 1 ClosedOnline
    June 24, 2023Pop-Up Event 1Auditorium Shores and Festival Beach
    Reports
    Full Data Sets

    Funding and Resources

    This project is funded by The Trail Conservancy.

    Contact Information

    For more information about this project, please contact Austin Parks and Recreation Program Development Coordinator Elizabeth Barnes by email or phone at (512) 974-9483.