Auditorium Shores in downtown Austin is scenic and a great place to take the dogs, but it's about to get better.
On Wednesday, the Parks and Recreation Department and the South Austin Culture Club broke ground on the first phase of construction for Town Lake Park. The 20-acre park is located on Barton Springs Road on the west side of Palmer Auditorium.
The South Austin Culture Club has been pushing for a park for
many years.
"It enhances the neighborhoods. It gives people a place to come.
They are moving those high rise lofts downtown. It makes for a
place for families and children and it is a gift to the next
generation," SACC founder Jake Peer said.
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Town Lake Park
The 20-acre downtown park will feature a pond, an observation hill and a children’s garden.
 
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Plans include a meadow, observation hill with a view of the city skyline and an interactive water fountain.
"Especially when it gets hot. I like the idea of the fountain that
you can walk through it," area resident Greg Wright-Crow said.
What now looks like dirt also be transformed into an art garden for children.
"We're going to have art. An opportunity for our youth and
educational opportunities will be provided through our arts programs and our art exhibits through out the park as well," Parks Director Warren Struss said.
The total cost of the park is about $7.4 million, paid for with a bond passed in 1998.
Town Lake Park is expected to open by summer 2007.
