Phase II Grand Opening!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the grand opening of Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence!

On June 6, visitors from all over Austin gathered along Waller Creek between 4th Street and Lady Bird Lake to celebrate this important milestone that was years in the making: 13 new acres of restored, vibrant urban green space in the heart of downtown Austin. It was a day full of joy, wonder, and shared pride in what Austin has built together.

The morning kicked off with music from the Del Valle Cardinal Band and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grandpa’s Lakeview Terrace presented by Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and the City of Austin. Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Congressman Doggett, Congressman Casar, Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Austin Parks & Recreation Director Jesús Aguirre, and Austin Watershed Protection Director Jorge Morales addressed the crowd, marking this landmark moment and bringing to life a new urban landscape that represents more than a decade of community input, innovative design, and environmental restoration.

After the ceremony, guests set out to explore The Confluence for the first time. Families, cyclists, joggers, and curious explorers of every age spent the day wandering through the many gardens, terraces, and trails, and across three stunning lattice bridges over Waller Creek, discovering lush native plantings, shaded gathering spaces, and the serene beauty of a creek corridor completely reimagined and a beautiful, nature-filled, car-free passage through the heart of downtown. 

Throughout the day, community partners brought Waterloo Greenway to life with fun educational activities, art, and music, plus refreshments from local vendors. Visitors enjoyed an interactive scavenger hunt, face painting, and an opportunity to add their own color and creativity to the celebration at Subaru’s “Scribbles Car.”

Opening day guests also found their way to neighboring attractions and events including Rainey Street Historic District, the re-opening of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, and live music with the Downtown Austin Alliance.

Special thanks to all of the Rainey Street businesses who donated during our grand opening event, and to the community members who supported Waterloo Greenway that day through their purchases! Throughout the rest of the year, Hotel Van Zandt will continue to donate $2 from every In The Trees cocktail sold, and Modern Bar will continue to donate 10% of all sales from 10am–5pm.

We are so grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life – community members, volunteers, performers and community partners, and the generous donors and sponsors whose support made the grand opening celebration possible.

This is what Waterloo Greenway has always been about – nature, community, and connection, for all Austinites. The Confluence is now open every day, free and welcoming to all.