A Look Forward: Walter E. Long Park

Walter E. Long Park is the most ambitious master planned park in Austin to date. Receiving unanimous approval from the Austin Parks and Recreation Board in July of 2019, the proposed development sits on 3,695 acres of land located next to the Travis Country Expo Center. If the plans come to fruition, the park would be over 13 times the size of historic Zilker Park.

Development is broken into five phases spread out over the next two decades. Phase I begins with Lakeside Park on the south side of the lake. The 272-acre first phase would include a park visitor center, a rowing course, a floating water sports zone and canoe/kayak rental facilities.

With a projected total cost of $816 million, the lake project carries a heavy price tag. Current plans have the costs split between public (52%) and private (48%) funds. Presentation before the City Council is tentatively set for August 27th.