Construction continues in the southeast corner of Waterloo Park where visitors will be able to access the full Waterloo Greenway trail system that runs along Waller Creek and connects to Lady Bird Lake.
Known as the Winkler Family Wetland Terrace, this densely planted area of the park will serve as the trailhead to a restored Waterloo Greenway and will soon be a welcoming gathering space where people can take a pleasant stroll, unwind, and enjoy scenic views of Waller Creek. This will be the closest point park-goers can get to the creek in all of Waterloo Park.
At the intersection of 12th and Red River Streets, pavers and an outward-facing circular bench are being installed around a 150-year-old heritage oak tree that was transplanted from its original location just down the block between the Austin Symphony Orchestra offices and Symphony Square. This new seating area was designed to protect the tree’s root ball while providing yet another unique space for people to catch some shade and connect with nature and one another in Waterloo Park.
Just west of the wetland is the Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility, now featuring a 6,587 sq. ft. mural designed by internationally-renowned Venezuelan artist Arturo Herrera. Operated by the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department, this facility removes more than 28 acres of downtown from the floodplain, keeps people safe from flash flooding, and protects dozens of structures and roadways. It also helps ease bank erosion during wet times and gently pumps water from Lady Bird Lake back into the creek during drier periods.