City officials and local residents have marked the completion of new amenities and flood mitigation measures in southeast Austin’s East Williamson Creek Greenbelt. The improvements are the result of collaboration between several city departments, community groups, and academic partners.
The project added trails, a nature play area for children, benches, picnic tables, landscaping, and other features to the greenbelt. The work was carried out by Austin’s Neighborhood Partnering Program and Parks and Recreation Department with support from the neighborhood Adopt-a-Creek group, GAVA, and UT Austin’s Community & Regional Planning Program. These additions reflect years of advocacy by residents seeking to create a space that fosters both community interaction and connection with nature.
The newly constructed trails improve access to the greenbelt by offering routes through shaded areas with native plants. The play area uses natural materials such as logs and boulders to provide children with unstructured opportunities for play while learning about their environment.
“These projects carry special significance, not only because of the site’s history, but because they were brought forward by dedicated neighbors and community advocates,” said Richard Mendoza, Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. “They represent the power of collective action, with multiple City departments working hand-in-hand with the community to bring residents’ vision to life. That collaboration is exactly what our Neighborhood Partnering Program is designed to achieve.”
A drainage project was also completed nearby as part of efforts to reduce flooding risks in the area. In Phase 1 of the Brassiewood Flood Risk Reduction project, approximately 1,600 linear feet of new storm drain were installed along with relocation of 1,200 linear feet of water and wastewater lines. This phase cost $2.3 million using funds from 2018 voter-approved bonds as well as other city sources.
The upgraded system now channels stormwater directly into Williamson Creek rather than into a detention pond at South Pleasant Valley Drive. This change decreases water flow into the pond during heavy rainfall events and lowers flood risk for homes in adjacent neighborhoods.
“For years, this area has seen repeated flooding during heavy rains,” said Jorge Morales, Director of Austin Watershed Protection. “The new storm drain system helps protect the community as our region continues to experience more intense storms.”
These combined investments have improved safety while making the greenbelt more accessible for recreation. Further work is planned: a trail entrance will be installed along with interpretive signage and murals on a nearby flood wall; Phase 2 of Brassiewood will upgrade an outfall at South Pleasant Valley Drive later this year.
The Austin Watershed Protection Department plays a key role in these initiatives by implementing environmental programs aimed at reducing flooding and pollution impacts across Austin’s extensive network of creeks and storm drains (managing over 850 miles of creeks and 1,100 miles of drains). With a staff of 443 employees investigating erosion sites—over 2,100 identified—and managing open spaces such as rain gardens across more than 140 acres—the department works to safeguard lives, property, and local ecosystems.
Additional information about these agencies can be found on their respective websites:
– Austin Transportation and Public Works
– Austin Watershed Protection
– Austin Parks and Recreation
