Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Improvements

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. This project is in the permitting phase.

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, Austin Parks and Recreation 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.