The Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Phase 1a improvements will center on the existing Lakeside Park area and emphasize the rehabilitation of the site's infrastructure. The Community Engagement and Design Development phases of the project were completed in early summer 2025. The project consultants are now focused on completing the final construction documents in preparation for permit submittal in Fall 2025. City Council District 1

 

Background

The expansion of the City of Austin’s steam turbine plant along Decker Road in the mid-1960s required a constant source of water for cooling and resulted in the need and development of a new lake in the area. Construction of the dam started in May 1966 and the introduction of water began in early 1967.

Since 1968, the following Land Use Plan items have been implemented and constructed:

  • Two Nature Preserves: Louis Rene Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary and the Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve;
  • two boat docks;
  • restrooms (no longer in operation);
  • a portion of a hike and bike trail; and
  • enhanced native grassland areas, main park road, picnic areas, and a swimming area.

In January 2018, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department began a new vision planning process (formerly called master planning). Austin City Council adopted the Walter E. Long Vision Plan on October 15, 2020. The Vision Plan recommends long-term improvements to the metropolitan park, and a suggested framework for Phase 1 implementation.

Project Description

The proposed park improvements for Phase 1a will upgrade the park with roadway and parking improvements, full restroom renovation, a new playground, ADA-accessible picnic areas, nature trails, and significant utility and stormwater improvements. Adjustments to road layouts and other amenities will be made based on their alignment with the vision plan. 

A sketched rendering of Phase 1a improvements showing an overhead view of the proposed park improvements, including a new play area.

Rendering by Rialto Studio

Anticipated Schedule - Phase 1a

  • Fall 2022: Scope Development (Complete)
  • Winter 2022: Approved Consultant Project Scope (Complete)
  • Spring 2023: Project Kick-Off (Complete)
  • Fall 2023: Community Meeting and Schematic Design (Complete)
  • Fall 2024: Community Engagement Round 1 (Complete)
  • Winter 2024: Community Engagement Round 2 and Design Development (Complete)
  • Summer 2025: Construction Documents, Permitting and Bidding (In Progress)
  • Late Spring 2026: Construction Begins

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. 

Community Engagement

Community Engagement for Phase 1a took place between 2023 and 2025, and is documented below.

Community Engagement Round 2 (2025)

Community Survey 2

Community Pop Ups

  • March 20, 2025
    • Austin Parks Foundation Presents Movies in the Park, Gus Garcia District Park, 1201 E Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78753
  • March 15, 2025
    • Community Engagement Picnic in the Park, Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar Road, Austin, Texas 78745
  • March 12, 2025
    • Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724
  • February 20, 2025
    • Capital Delivery Services Building Austin Informational Session, Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724

Community Meeting

Community Engagement Round 1 (2024)

Community Survey 1

Community Pop Ups

  • November 15, 2024
    • Perez Elementary Fall Festival, 7500 S Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78744
  • November 9, 2024
    • Violet Crown Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Veloway Park, 4900 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
  • November 7, 2024
    • University Hills Branch Library, 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin, Texas 78723
  • October 30, 2024
    • Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724
  • October 25, 2024
    • Overton Elementary's Roots and Wings Festival, Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Park Loop Drive, Austin, Texas 78724
Community Meeting (2023)

Community Meeting

Funding and Resources

Funding for Phase 1a was provided by the 2018 GO Bond, Parkland Dedication, mitigation fees, park entry fees, and a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Reynaldo Hernandez by email or by phone at 512-974-9464.

Final Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Vision Plan

View the final Vision Plan here.