Parking reduced at Austin parks, Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake converted to 'one-way'
AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department has made some new changes as it continues to try to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has decreased parking access for downtown parks, district parks, and neighborhood parks to increase physical distancing by park and trail users. The decrease in access is aimed at discouraging crowding at parks.
Parks within bounds of MoPac, Barton Springs Rd., I-35, and 15th St. will all have reduced parking in addition to all District parks and Neighborhood parks with parking lots. Residents can view the PARD parkviewer app to identify parks within these areas.
RELATED: Austin parks, trails to temporarily close Easter weekend
Signage, gate closure, barricades, and regular patrols will remind the community of the parking closures. Park Rangers will continue to educate and push for compliance by the public.
Officials have also converted the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake to a "one-way" trail. The changes began on April 13 and it is expected to be fully completed by April 17.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to support individuals with mobility impairments for access and use of the parks and trails, including but not limited to multi-directional use of the Ann and Butler Hike and Bike Trail.
RELATED: City of Pflugerville closes all parks to discourage social gatherings
In addition the above changes, officials remind the public that the following PARD facilities and ground will remain closed:
- All Recreation Centers
- All Cultural Centers
- All Museums
- All Senior Centers
- All Aquatic Facilities
- Barking Springs/Spillway below Barton Springs Pool
- All Golf Courses. Golf walking is not allowed as of April 6.
- All Tennis Centers
- All Playgrounds
- Zilker Botanical Garden
- Zilker Caretaker House
- Old Bakery & Emporium
- All Special Event facilities
- Emma Long Metropolitan Park Campsites
- Park amenities including, but not limited to: basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks, playgrounds, disc golf courses, exercise equipment and pavilions.
RELATED: All LCRA-managed parks to close beginning March 23 until further notice
For more information on park closures from the City of Austin you can go here. For details on Travis County park closures you can go here.
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