Austin condominium developer Richard Berns has pledged $16,000 to fund the annual Trail of Lights Festival, which faces possible cancellation due to proposed city budget cuts.
Recent news coverage highlighting the financial challenges of the festival prompted Berns, the developer of The Arbors at Riverside, to donate $500 from the sale of each of the development’s 32 condominiums in order to ensure that the Trail of Lights takes place this year.
“I have lived in Austin for 30 years and I have always enjoyed the Trail of Lights,” Berns said. “I was shocked to find out that with these budget cuts there is a possibility that it might not even happen. I thought it was only appropriate to make this pledge to Parks and Recreation and aim it specifically toward the Trail of Lights. This event should always be a part of our community.”
The festival began in 1967 and takes places in Zilker Metropolitan Park every December. The event includes a continuous 1.25 mile-long display of 41 illuminated holiday scenes and special features. The festival also includes a 5-kilometer run, a parade and the largest man-made Christmas tree. More than 300,000 visitors participated in the Trail of Lights in 2007.
The Parks and Recreation Department has recently been asked to cut $1.4 million from the 2009-2010 budget, and the Trail of Lights may be scaled back or canceled this year.
“It is just a proposed recommendation that will be presented to the city council,” said Victor Ovalle, department spokesman. “We want to make sure that the public supports all of our recommendations and that we minimize the impact that these cuts will have on programs that are critical and vital to the community.”
The Arbors at Riverside project began leasing condominiums Friday, and Berns plans to continue with his donation plans until the project reaches its goal.
“Nothing is set in stone yet, but we are always grateful for any assistance that the community provides,” Ovalle said. “This pledge really represents the willingness of Austin’s businesses and citizens to help their community.”
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