 "Photo: Callie Richmond")
The city of Austin may soon have its own Central Park.
In spite of a $25.3 million annual budget shortfall, city council members approved the Downtown Open Spaces Plan Thursday. The program will fund the renovation and restoration of historic downtown buildings, create a master plan for the development of downtown parks and improve downtown pedestrian accessbility.
While the city's budget is projected to be significantly lower than in previous years due to the faltering economy, the council agreed the Downtown Open Spaces Plan will attract tourism and thus bolster the city's economy.
"This is an effort to bring our whole community downtown and re-energize our open spaces," said councilwoman Sheryl Cole. "We have to protect tourist investments regardless of budget."
The improvements will be made in four downtown areas: Woolridge Park, a historical meeting place known for its natural amphitheater; Republic Square, where Cinco de Mayo and other community events are held; Brush Square, home to several historic buildings such as the Susanna Dickinson House built in 1870; and Waller Creek.
"Each square needs to be unique and respond to its surrounding neighborhoods that can also be tied together to the rest of the community," said Hayden Brooks, member of the Austin Parks Foundation, an organization that has supported the plan since it was first introduced.
Once funding has been provided, contractors and architects will hold public meetings to get the public's input as to what the parks and squares need.
"The design professionals are not going to decide it, but people that really care," said Julie Fitch, economic development program director of the Downtown Austin Alliance. "We want it to be comfortable, accommodating and inviting for people."
The alliance and other city and community associations supporting the plan also want to expand the programs and events that take place in downtown parks, such as farmers markets and yoga classes, Fitch said.
"If we really take a strive at developing parks and providing amentities that attract people, it could be part of a big tourist attraction," Fitch said.
