Popular park and festival spot could close for a whole year if the Austin City Council approves a proposal from the Parks and Recreation Department.
The changes include an improved irrigation system, new turf grass and an enhanced off-leash area for dogs. The cost would be shouldered via a $3.5 million donation from the Austin-based promoters . The company has worked out similar deals to improve , which hosts C3鈥檚 Austin City Limits Festival.
Austin Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jesse Vargas says the department has been about Auditorium Shores renovations. But the problem now is where to put the many festivals that are held in Auditorium Shores, including Fun Fun Fun Fest (booked by competing promoters ), free South by Southwest concerts and more.
Parks director Sarah Hensley says the department is looking for alternate spaces. 鈥淲e have some other parks and we have some other space,鈥� she said during . 鈥淲hether they will be acceptable locations is the key.鈥�
Making the search more difficult is the fact that one fewer park is available: Waterloo. Construction on the at Waterloo Park will keep the park shuttered until 2015.
The Parks and Recreation Board will take the matter up at . Final approval of the proposal rests with the city council.
