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Honoring Austin’s History at Waterloo Park

Today it is Waterloo Greenway, but for generations, Waterloo Park and the surrounding area was home to one of Austin’s oldest and most diverse residential neighborhoods.

As we build Waterloo Greenway, we are committed to honoring the stories and experiences of past generations. Since 2018, in collaboration with various community partners, we have been engaged in researching and compiling the Waller Creek History Project and creating the Waterloo Greenway Interpretive Master Plan to capture and share the history of this region. 

At Waterloo Park, visitors can view interpretive signs that illustrate the role of Waller Creek in the founding of Austin, the diversity of previous residents along Waller Creek, the history of area businesses and the live music scene in the Red River Cultural District, as well as significant flood events of the past. Through historic photos and descriptions, the signs highlight the people who have lived and worked along Waller Creek – former residents, park users, business owners, patrons, and others. 

Most of the signage can be found along the Farmer Bridge guardrail at 14th Street and Red River Street, forming a “history walk” along the main entrance to Waterloo Park. Information about historic flood events and the more recent Waller Creek Tunnel Inlet Facility is stationed on a nearby walkway that overlooks the tunnel itself. 

The historical interpretive signage in Waterloo Park was created in partnership with MuseWork, with grant support from Preservation Austin and The Summerlee Foundation.

With these partnerships, Waterloo Greenway continues to highlight the rich history of the area surrounding Waller Creek. The history project and interpretive master plan will continue to guide our work throughout Waterloo Greenway.

Read more about the history of Waller Creek and the surrounding area here