Waterloo Greenway is honored to celebrate Waterloo Park’s recognition as a 2022 ULI Austin Impact Award recipient for Best Public Place!
Developed through a unique public-private partnership between Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and the City of Austin, Waterloo Park is an 11-acre green space in downtown Austin that hosts a wide range of experiences for play, leisure, and immersive urban ecology. More than 1.5 miles of tree-lined trails guide visitors through the lush park and focus visitors’ attention on the Moody Amphitheater, a 5,000-person outdoor venue celebrating Austin as an international live music destination. Waterloo Park represents the first phase in a comprehensive plan to construct a 35-acre urban park system, stretching along Waller Creek from the University of Texas to Lady Bird Lake.
Since opening in August 2021, Waterloo Park has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to explore nature, gather with friends and family, and immerse themselves in musical, cultural and performing arts experiences. Featuring free weekly community programs and year-round special events, the park provides an accessible space for Austinites to relax and have fun.
The annual Impact Awards are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate projects throughout Greater Austin that exemplify ULI’s mission: to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Waterloo Park’s recognition was accepted by Jesús Aguirre, Waterloo Greenway CEO; Liana Kalivoka, Austin Parks and Recreation Assistant Director; and Gullivar Shepard, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., Landscape Architects.
One of the Urban Land Institute’s guiding principles is that the achievement of excellence in land use practice should be recognized and rewarded. Design excellence is central to the development of Waterloo Greenway. Beginning with an international design competition in 2012, Waterloo Greenway sought out world-class designers to execute the community’s vision. Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates and Thomas Phifer and Partners were selected from a group of 40 international design firms who submitted for the project. The park looked to build on history while creating a new space for the community that is an iconic and flourishing public park, consisting of walking and biking trails, playscapes, open green spaces, and a healthy creek, enlivened by Austin’s diverse and vibrant community.
Waterloo Park couldn’t have opened in August 2021 without the engagement and partnership of the entire community, including critical contributions from our non-profit staff, board members, City staff, volunteers, committee members, donors, elected officials, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and more. Thank you!