With the growth of the Rainey Street District, the connection between the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake and Rainey Street is more vital for transportation and access to nature. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department partnered with The Trail Conservancy to identify park improvements south of Cummings Street between Rainey and East Ave. This project is complete and open to the public. City Council District 9
Background
Previously in this area, The Trail Conservancy completed the Miró Riveria Restroom in 2007 to bring a much-needed restroom to this stretch of the Trail. PARD and Public Works completed ADA enhancements to the restroom and the Trail in recent years, as well as an expansion of the Great Streets along Cummings St., complete with benches, sidewalk, and new shade trees. This gateway to the Trail is an important entry point that can improve the ecological function, provide expanded recreational benefits, and increase amenities for the neighborhood and Trail users.
Project Description
The project goal was to improve and enhance the ecological function of the site while providing spaces for recreational use and improved trail connectivity for the growing area. PARD partner, The Trail Conservancy (TTC), developed a site plan for the space that includes improved trail connections to Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a nature play playground, seating areas, an open play lawn, a small dock, and native plantings. A detailed site plan may be found at The Trail Conservancy website.
The project was completed and opened to the public on July 13, 2024.
Project Timeline
- September 2019 to December 2019: Community Engagement and Design Phase (Complete)
- January 2020 to May 2020: Cost estimation and fundraising (Complete)
- Fall 2021: Design Development (Complete)
- Mid-2022: Permitting/Construction Documents (Complete)
- Spring 2023: Permitting/Construction Documents (Complete)
- Summer 2023: Construction Bidding (Complete)
- Fall 2023: Construction Began
- Summer 2024: Construction Complete
Community Engagement
Information on previous community engagement opportunities is below.
Community Meeting #1
September 28, 2019
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
Community Survey #1 - Results (PDF) (closed September 28, 2019)
Community Meeting #2
November 9, 2019
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
Community Survey #2 - Results (PDF) (closed November 23, 2019)
Community Meeting #3
December 14, 2019
Rainey St. at Cummings St., Austin, TX 78701
Funding and Resources
The Trail Conservancy is funding the creation of a site plan with support from Intracorp.
Contact
For questions about this project, please contact PARD Project Manager, Charles Mabry by email or phone at (512) 974-9481.
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