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The Watershed Protection Department is planning a project to implement Stormwater Control Measures in West Austin Park to improve water quality of the stormwater that already flows underneath the park and to capture and treat surface runoff from the north, west, and east sides of the park. 

West Austin Park is located within the Lady Bird Lake watershed and is considered a stormwater treatment priority. Lady Bird Lake is affected by development that pre-dates water quality regulations, and a lack of open parcels available for water quality treatment retrofits. These factors, combined with its proximity to Lady Bird Lake make West Austin Park a prime location for centralized stormwater control measures. 

Upcoming Public Meeting

We’re hosting a virtual public meeting on May 20th at 6:00 pm to update you on this project! 

You can register for the meeting at publicinput.com/WestAustinParkProject 

Project Components

  • Installation of a biofiltration pond that will double as a play field during dry weather conditions

  • Replacement of the existing 9th street curb inlet

  • Repair the hillside erosion due to flows coming from 9-½ street

  • Upgrade the sidewalk and enhance the streetscape along 9th street

  • Repair the failing historic walls on the park

  • Replace the old wastewater line that runs through the park

  • Install approximately 700 linear feet of new, ADA- accessible concrete trail

Project benefits

  • Naturally treat stormwater runoff water from 24 acres

  • Create an enlarged play field

  • Remove 7,000 lb of sediments annually from stormwater runoff

  • Improved park entrance and trail

  • Newly planted native vegetation 

Timeline

Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:

  • Feasibility Study – when information is collected to identify potential solutions. 

  • Preliminary Engineering – when a solution has been identified and costs are estimated.

  • Design – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.

  • Bidding and Permitting – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.

  • Construction – when the project is built.

This project is currently in the Design Phase. We plan to complete the design phase and permitting in 2026 and anticipate construction to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. 

Contacts

  • Project Sponsor, 

    Kshitiz Gyawali, 

    (512) 574-3345 

  • Project Manager, 

    Mel Fuechec, 

    (512) 974-5635