East Williamson Creek Greenbelt Improvements Completed in Southeast Austin, Adding Trails, Nature Play Area and Flood Protection
Residents in southeast Austin now have a safer, more welcoming outdoor space to explore following the completion of major improvements at the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt, a project shaped by years of community advocacy and partnership with the City of Austin.
City leaders and neighborhood partners recently celebrated the completion of new recreational amenities and critical drainage upgrades in the greenbelt area, transforming what was once a flood buyout site into a place designed for connection, outdoor activity and environmental learning. The improvements not only expand access to nature in the growing southeast Austin area but also help address long-standing flooding concerns for nearby homes.
Together, the projects represent a combination of community vision and city investment aimed at strengthening both quality of life and flood resilience in the neighborhood.
Community-Led Vision Brings New Greenbelt Amenities to Life
Through a collaboration between Austin’s Neighborhood Partnering Program, Austin Parks and Recreation, neighborhood advocates, the GAVA Adopt-a-Creek group, and students from the University of Texas at Austin Community & Regional Planning Program, the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt has been reshaped into a more accessible and family-friendly outdoor space.
The improvements include a network of new walking trails, benches, picnic tables, landscaping, and a nature play area designed specifically for children.
The trail system creates easier entry points into the greenbelt, guiding visitors through shaded areas and native landscaping intended to encourage walking, exploration and outdoor recreation. Families visiting the park will also find a nature play space built from natural materials like logs and boulders, giving children opportunities for imaginative, unstructured play while learning about the surrounding environment.
“These projects carry special significance, not only because of the site’s history, but because they were brought forward by dedicated neighbors and community advocates,” said Richard Mendoza, Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. “They represent the power of collective action, with multiple City departments working hand-in-hand with the community to bring residents’ vision to life. That collaboration is exactly what our Neighborhood Partnering Program is designed to achieve.”
Austin Transportation and Public Works is the city department responsible for building and maintaining mobility infrastructure across Austin. The organization works to ensure transportation systems remain safe, reliable and sustainable while supporting the city’s growing population and evolving mobility needs.
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Drainage Improvements Aim to Reduce Flood Risk
Alongside the new park amenities, the City of Austin also completed the first phase of the Brassiewood Flood Risk Reduction Project, a major drainage upgrade designed to help protect nearby homes during heavy rainfall.
During Phase 1 construction, crews installed approximately 1,600 linear feet of new storm drain infrastructure and relocated 1,200 linear feet of water and wastewater lines. The project cost roughly $2.3 million and was funded through the 2018 voter-approved bonds, the city’s drainage charge, and the Regional Stormwater Management Program.
The upgraded storm drain system now directs stormwater toward Williamson Creek, instead of sending large volumes of runoff into the detention pond located at South Pleasant Valley Drive. By reducing the amount of water entering the pond during storms, the project lowers the risk of flooding for surrounding properties.
"For years, this area has seen repeated flooding during heavy rains," said Jorge Morales, Director of Austin Watershed Protection. "The new storm drain system helps protect the community as our region continues to experience more intense storms."
Austin Watershed Protection is responsible for safeguarding residents, property and the environment by managing flood risk, preventing erosion and protecting water quality throughout Austin’s creeks and waterways.
Turning a Flood Buyout Area Into a Community Asset
The East Williamson Creek Greenbelt improvements reflect a broader shift in how cities approach flood-prone land—transforming previously vulnerable areas into open space that supports recreation while managing stormwater naturally.
By combining drainage infrastructure with green space enhancements, the project improves both public safety and neighborhood access to nature, while preserving the natural character of Williamson Creek.
Austin Parks and Recreation played a central role in delivering the park improvements. The department manages and protects Austin’s extensive park system, urban forest and trail networks while providing recreational programs, nature education and aquatic activities for residents across the city.
Behind the scenes, Austin Capital Delivery Services coordinated the engineering and construction aspects of the project. The department works with engineers, architects and community stakeholders to deliver major infrastructure and capital improvement projects throughout Austin, focusing on projects that meet community needs while staying on schedule and within budget.
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What’s Next for the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt
While the latest improvements mark a major milestone, additional enhancements are already planned.
Future phases will include:
- A new formal trail entrance to the greenbelt
- Interpretive signage highlighting the area’s natural environment
- Community murals on the Creek Bend flood wall
Later this year, construction is also expected to begin on Phase 2 of the Brassiewood Flood Risk Reduction Project, which will upgrade the outfall of the detention pond at South Pleasant Valley Drive to further reduce flood risks for surrounding neighborhoods.
As southeast Austin continues to grow, projects like the East Williamson Creek Greenbelt improvements highlight how community advocacy and city collaboration can reshape local spaces into safer, more accessible places for residents to gather, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.