Austin Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, invites the public to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the newly improved Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt on Saturday, November 1, at 9 a.m. The event will be held at 6201 Springdale Road and is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably for this outdoor gathering.

The Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt encompasses 206 acres of hilly, wooded terrain intersected by creeks and ravines near the intersection of 51st Street and US-183 in East Austin’s District 1. More than four miles of informal trails wind through the property, which previously lacked major infrastructure. Portions of the greenbelt, once zoned for commercial and residential use, were rezoned entirely for public use in 2017.

Following a community-driven vision planning process in 2018 and approved in early 2019, priority projects were identified, with trails and play spaces ranking high among desired amenities.

Trail Improvements

In 2021, Austin Parks Foundation partnered with Austin Parks and Recreation, with support from St. David’s Foundation, to develop a trailhead on Springdale Road and improve access to the greenbelt. In 2023, a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife enabled approximately two miles of improvements to the existing natural trails. Texas Conservation Corps completed the first phase of trail work in 2024. The second phase will focus on the southern trail network, closing eroded paths to support habitat restoration and improve wayfinding. Crews will also establish a clear connection between the play area off Springdale Road and trail links on 51st Street.

Playground Development

After the vision plan was approved, the Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association secured a design services grant through Austin Parks Foundation to develop a preliminary layout for the play area. The plan included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness stations, an off-leash dog area, and trails. Community feedback was gathered during a virtual meeting on October 21, 2020. Construction began in Summer 2024 and was completed in Summer 2025. The new playground area off Springdale Road is now open to the public.

These improvements create safer access and new opportunities for outdoor recreation and connection with nature. The project was made possible through collaboration between Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Parks Foundation, with support from Austin City Limits Music Festival, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Recreational Trails Program, Shield Ayres Foundation, and Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation.

For more information, visit the Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt project page.

About Austin Parks Foundation

For over 32 years, Austin Parks Foundation has worked to connect people and parks. Through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy, and financial support, APF continues to enhance Austin’s public parks, trails, and green spaces. Learn more at austinparks.org.