Neighborhood Park Improvement – Barton Hills Neighborhood Association

Report on a New Vision for Zilker Park

Glenn — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 16:26:33 +0000

The Zilker Neighborhood Association joined forces with the Barton Hills and Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Associations as well as the SOS Alliance to produce a report on a new vision for Zilker Park. It proposes restoring a little over 20% or up to up to 75 acres of the park to forests, wetland and prairies, a process known as “rewilding.”

Rewilding will increase biodiversity, reduce erosion, and mitigate the urban heat island while improving the experience for park users. The recommendations support the newly adopted Austin Climate Equity Plan since rewilded areas help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

The report was released right before the third community session of the City of Austin’s Zilker Vision Planning on October 19, which will focus on Design Alternatives. We urge you to participate in the session and support the ecological restoration of the park. Register here.

You can also leave comments for several weeks after the meeting.

Another good article with links for information:
Public Notice: Rewilding Zilker Park By Nick Barbaro, Austin Chronicle

Thanks to Ingrid Weigand, BCNA Parks and Green Space Committee, for topic summary and links

First Park Fundraiser is a huge Success!

Glenn — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 05:55:34 +0000

Thank YOU for your support and donations. Over 200 neighbors, school staff, and sponsors attended our March 7th fundraiser, helping us make over $26,000. Monies are dedicated to new playground equipment and enhancements to be implemented later this year. This adds to the $40,000 city grant that will used for irrigation, erosion control and other Phase I park infrastructure efforts. We continue to accept donations. Click here to be a part of the exciting plans for our community park.

And, LIKE our Facebook page to show your support and keep up with all the latest news.

Barton Hills Community Park – The Natural Heart of our Hood

Glenn — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:08:45 +0000

On November 5, 2012, the recently formed BHNA Committee dedicated to Neighborhood park improvements submitted a Master Plan document to the City of Austin for consideration and approval. This reflects a year’s worth of community input and engagement, as well as the technical and professional expertise of many Barton Hill neighbors. Read more here to learn about the vision, public process, and action plans associated with this long-term process to enhance our treasured park.

5 Year Master Plan

Phases and Implementation

BHE Park Improvement Plan

Glenn — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:37:46 +0000

A group of neighbors have combined efforts with BHE parents to formulate a park improvement plan for the park grounds adjacent to the elementary school. This plot of land is co-owned by the city and the district which makes for an interesting predicament of not much ownership by either entity. It’s been in decline and is now really suffering due to erosion issues caused by our recent drought.

We surveyed the community in June 2011 and held multiple focus group sessions in the fall of 2011 to get a bottoms-up list of ideas to improve the park. Many, many ideas have been tossed around and we are now ready to start the planning phase. This will be a very exciting project partnering with the city through the Public Works Neighborhood Partnering Program.

Let’s build a park that students can enjoy during the school day and that the community can enjoy after school hours. Gatherings in the park are just around the corner … Let’s make it happen!

Please see the attached PDF version of our presentation for details.

Contacts:
Cherylann Campbell – TCampbell19@austin.rr.com
Kathleen Schneeman – Kathleen.Schneeman@gmail.com