AUSTIN, January 9, 2008 – After 10 years of planning and the initial opening of the park in 2004, Austin’s Town Lake Park’s signature and much-anticipated features are now complete and open-to-the-public. The 54-acre cultural park, which was designed by Austin-based TBG, Texas’ largest landscape architecture and planning firm, demonstrates Austin's commitment to growth, its culture and the creation of unique places in one of the most vibrant cities in America. Town Lake Park is the first major park constructed along Lady Bird Lake (previously Town Lake) in more than 50 years and is literally the community’s gateway to downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake’s hike and bike trails.

Planned in four different phases, Phase I included the demolition of existing buildings and the design of new amenities and facilities with associated transitions between them and the surrounding landscape, such as the construction of the Palmer Community Events Center; a structured parking garage and service yard; a fountain that beautifies Palmer Events Center; and a reflecting pond and terrace that function as a passive recreational area and anchor for the park’s north entrance.

The recently-completed Phase II is the backbone of the park’s green space. Design criteria included developing the area as a community gateway, accentuating views of the Austin skyline and incorporating park amenities for various interests and age groups. Park elements included:
Demolition of Dawson Road between Barton Springs Road and Riverside Drive;
Main pedestrian promenade and north-south circulation spire linking a series of park features;

A great lawn encircled by the main promenade and functioning as an open space area for events and both active and passive recreation;

A fountain plaza offering more than 100 choreographed jets complete with LED lighting that allow for active water play both day and night;

A 25' Observation Hill that features a spiral walk leading up to an observation point to provide magnificent 360º views of the park and the Austin skyline;

A map of Texas on the top of Observation Hill that includes distances to various cities in Texas;

A labyrinth designed with paver pathways to provide meditative spaces for those seeking a peaceful environment;

A one-acre wet pond that serves as a water quality feature to hold and treat storm water run-off, and includes terrace walls and three observation piers;

Restroom facilities with drinking fountains providing added convenience and comfort.

A children’s art garden containing colorful engaging art pieces is planned for future installation.

Park elements expected to be implemented during Phases III and IV include improving connections to the hike and bike trail system and other surrounding amenities, creating additional park facilities and points of interest, and adding landscape beautification features. Possible park elements for these phases include the addition of a pedestrian bridge that will provide park users with more convenient access to the Lady Bird Lake trail system; restrooms and drinking fountains; an on-site police station to provide additional safety to park visitors; the renovation of Auditorium Shores performance terrace; and the design and construction of landscape beautification elements including picnic areas, walking paths, formal gathering areas and overlooks to Lady Bird Lake.

About TBG
As Texas’ largest landscape architecture and planning firm, TBG designs mixed-use and residential communities, corporate campuses, civic buildings, hotels, resorts, healthcare and educational facilities, city parks and historic sites. With 23 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, TBG works to incorporate sustainable design principles into each project. Established in 1987, TBG is now staffed by over 130 professionals in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. For more information, please visit www.tbg-inc.com.