AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Downtown Austin's largest greenspace, Waterloo Park, will open to the public on August 14, with a free family-friendly festival across the reimagined 11-acre park.
The park features a 1.5-mile hike-and-bike trail, spacious lawns for fitness activities and picnics and custom-built playscapes, all designed to immerse visitors in the Waller Creek habitat. The park is also home to the 5,000-capacity Moody Ampitheather.
The opening of Waterloo Park marks the completion of the first phase of the full Waterloo Greenway park system, which will stretch from 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake and include a wide array of natural and cultural destinations.
"Waterloo Park is an exciting addition to Austin’s treasured outdoor destinations, one that underscores our community’s love for nature, music and the arts," said Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison. "Particularly as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, we know just how valuable outdoor spaces are to our health and wellbeing. This park will connect our community not only to the rich history of the land, but to one another, while creating a safe, inclusive space that supports a more equitable Austin. I can’t wait to enjoy all that Waterloo Park has to offer."
In partnership with the City of Austin, the Conservancy will commemorate its grand opening with an inaugural all-day event called CommUNITY Day — a free, family-friendly festival with dozens of activations and live performances representing cultures from around the world, all in the reimagined 11-acre park.
"The grand opening of Waterloo Park is a tremendous milestone for the entire Austin community. This park is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our City partners, project team, donors, board members and many others who share our goal of reviving Waller Creek for the benefit of all," said Kathy Miller, Interim CEO of Waterloo Greenway. "CommUNITY Day will be a true celebration of arts, culture and the natural environment, and we look forward to welcoming Austinites to explore all that Waterloo Park has to offer."