In partnership with the City of Austin, the Conservancy will commemorate its grand opening with an inaugural all-day event called CommUNITY Day — a free, family-friendly festival with dozens of activations and live performances representing cultures from around the world, all in the reimagined 11-acre park.
Waterloo Greenway leadership, Austin Mayor Steve Adler,, Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison, and other special guest speakers will kick off the day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil the park. Immediately following, all Austinites are invited to explore and enjoy Austin’s largest downtown greenspace.
This park will connect our community not only to the rich history of the land, but to one another,
“Waterloo Park is an exciting addition to Austin’s treasured outdoor destinations, one that underscores our community’s love for nature, music and the arts,” said Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison in a release. “Particularly as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, we know just how valuable outdoor spaces are to our health and wellbeing. This park will connect our community not only to the rich history of the land, but to one another, while creating a safe, inclusive space that supports a more equitable Austin. I can’t wait to enjoy all that Waterloo Park has to offer.
CommUNITY Day will activate every corner of Waterloo Park, with musical and performing arts, kids’ activities, STEM programming, and environmental programming. There will also be booths from a wide variety of community partners located throughout the grounds. Later that evening, Waterloo Park will host a “Taste of Austin” concert showcase at the Moody Amphitheater, featuring Austin live music staple performances.
Waterloo Park features a 1.5-mile hike-and-bike trail, spacious lawns for fitness activities and picnics and custom-built playscapes, all designed to immerse visitors in the Waller Creek habitat. The opening of Waterloo Park marks the completion of Phase One of the full Waterloo Greenway park system, which will stretch from 15th Street to Lady Bird Lake and include a wide array of natural and cultural destinations.
“The grand opening of Waterloo Park is a tremendous milestone for the entire Austin community. This park is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our City partners, project team, donors, board members and many others who share our goal of reviving Waller Creek for the benefit of all,” said Kathy Miller, Interim CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “CommUNITY Day will be a true celebration of arts, culture and the natural environment, and we look forward to welcoming Austinites to explore all that Waterloo Park has to offer.”
