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, Texas, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 360 degree 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 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 http://www.tbg-inc.com.
SOURCE TBG

Claire Bloxom, +1-214-329-9191, claire@coopersmithagency.com, for TBG