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PHASE II OF AUSTIN’S RENOWNED TOWN LAKE
PARK COMPLETE
TBG leading the design and
implementation of the park’s four-phase master plan;
Massive second phase included most significant improvements in Town
Lake Park’s redevelopment
AUSTIN, January 8,
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:
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Demolition of Dawson Road between Barton Springs
Road and Riverside Drive;
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Main pedestrian promenade and north-south
circulation spire linking a series of park features;
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A great lawn encircled by the main promenade and
functioning as an open space area for events and both active and
passive recreation;
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A fountain plaza offering more than 100
choreographed jets complete with LED lighting that allow for
active water play both day and night;
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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;
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A map of Texas on the top of Observation Hill
that includes distances to various cities in Texas;
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A labyrinth designed with paver pathways to
provide meditative spaces for those seeking a peaceful
environment; |
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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;
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Restroom facilities with drinking fountains
providing added convenience and comfort.
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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 26 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.
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