Jun 28th 2019 | Posted in Infrastructure by Texas Government Insider

Walter E. Long Park in Austin could get $800 million in new amenities including a planetarium, Ferris wheel, and water sports zone after the city’s Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved a new master plan for the east Austin park on June 25.
walterelong Austin park could get planetarium, Ferris wheel in $800M makeover

Walter E. Long Park master plan rendering

The first phase of the plan, if approved by the Austin City Council, would focus on 272 acres of the park’s southern edge where a rowing course and floating water sports zone could be located. This area is estimated to cost $144 million to develop. About $26 million of that would come from private funding.

Other proposed amenities include areas for a marina, ropes course, sculpture garden, and amphitheater along with trails, swimming and picnicking, skeet shooting, model airplane flying, and fishing.
The master plan is set for review by Austin City Council members when they return from their summer recess.