Zilker Park improvement to start in '09

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department will start major park improvements to the 42-acre portion of Zilker Park, between Barton Springs Road, Lou Neff Road and Stratford Drive. The Parks and Recreation Department implemented an improvement project to develop and maintain the turf, conserve potable water and enhance overall appearance of the park.

The Zilker Park Improvement Project has three phases. Phase One was completed in 2006. This improvement came after the 2006 Austin City Limits Music Festival where a large number of concert goers were treated with dust-related health issues. Water drums were brought into the area to reduce the dust generated by many park users.

Phase Two are currently under construction. This will provide raw water from Lady Bird Lake into the irrigation system. The measure will save a significant quantity of treated water. Phase Three will start in January 2009. They will re-address the turf issue in the park and continue to improve that. Drinking fountains will also be added.