Item 4: Waterloo Greenway Conservancy — original pdf
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African American Resource Advisory Commission December 2, 2025 Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette Chief Executive Officer cpburnette@waterloogreenway.org Martin Nembhard, Vice President of Operations From HT to WGC Our Mission Waterloo Greenway Conservancy creates and maintains an extraordinary urban park system and a restored Waller Creek, in partnership with the City of Austin, for the benefit of all. The Conservancy renews the natural environment, promotes play, health and wellness, economic vitality and mobility, and engages the community through outreach, education, cultural events, and the arts. Our Vision Waterloo Greenway is an iconic and flourishing public park, comprised of walking and biking trails, playscapes, open green spaces, and a healthy creek, enlivened by Austin’s diverse and vibrant community. Founded on the bedrock of great design, the park connects people with nature and one another. It is an enduring, beloved and vital green artery that serves as a model for sustainable urban life. Commitment to Equity Waterloo Greenway, as a vibrant urban park, embraces the transformative power of public spaces to build communities and ecosystems, amplify culture, and enhance health and well-being. As the stewards behind Waterloo Greenway, we boldly commit to building equity through thoughtful design, innovative programming, and uplifting community initiatives, honoring the space’s history and forging an inclusive park for Austin’s diverse communities now and in the future. Core Values Core Values • Visionary Civic Leadership • Integrity • Social Equity • Design Excellence • Collaboration & Partnership • Responsible & Sustainable Stewardship Public-Private Partnership Waterloo Greenway Founders Melba Whatley, Melanie Barnes, and Tom Meredith Think you know what a park is? Think again. Waterloo Greenway is a park system with the power to bring the entire Austin community together. 1.5 Miles on Waller Creek 35 Acres of Green Space 3+ Miles of New Trails Symphony Square Completed 2018 Waterloo Park Completed 2021 Opening Summer 2026 Palm Park Design Development The Confluence 4th-12th St The Refuge Schematic DesignConcept DesignPhase IPhase IIPhase IIIEmma S. BarrientosMexican AmericanCultural CenterRAINEY STPalmSchoolAustinConventionCenterIH-35SABINE STRED RIVER STTRINITY STNECHES STCONGRESS AVESAN JACINTO BLVDRed River Cultural DistrictTexas CapitolThe University ofTexas at AustinCESAR CHAVEZ ST4TH ST5TH ST6TH ST7TH ST8TH ST9TH ST10TH ST11TH ST12TH ST15TH STLady Bird LakeTheConfluencePalmParkTheRefugeWaterlooParkMoodyAmphitheaterSymphonySquareWaterloo Park 90,000 Plants & 500 Trees Planted The Confluence 200,000 Plants & 1,500 Trees Planted Phase II: The Confluence - opening summer 2026 Before: Cypress Grove Original condition 2016 Vision: Cypress Grove Current: Cypress Grove October 2025 Before: The Bend Original condition 2016 Vision: The Bend Current: The Bend April 2025 Before: Boardwalk Original condition 2016 Vision: Boardwalk Current: Boardwalk November 2024 Before: Lattice Bridges Original condition 2016 Vision: Lattice Bridges Current: Lattice Bridges August 2025 Before: Stone Bluff Original condition 2016 Vision: Stone Bluff Current: Stone Bluff April 2025 Before: Lakeview Terrace Original condition 2016 Vision: Lakeview Terrace Current: Lakeview Terrace January 2025 Before: Leaf Deck Original condition 2016 Vision: Leaf Deck Current: Leaf Deck August 2025 Current: Biofiltration Pond January 2025 Overview Only one of its kind in the downtown area $11M Awarded from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Now “online” and fully operational Treating 26.2 acres of urban stormwater Manages stormwater and improves water quality Removes trash and debris from Waller Creek Enhances habitat for local wildlife Community Engagement Urban Fest Sunday Sessions Blues Fest Care & Stewardship of Our Existing Parks as We Grow to 35 Wonderous Acres Waterloo Greenway parks & operational expenses are funded by this small and dedicated group of private donors, the Greenway Guardians. These community visionaries fund our park operations, free community programming & education and overhead costs. By committing multi-year support for operations funding, Greenway Guardians allow Waterloo Greenway to not only plan but to dream for the future. As our leading partners and champions of Water Greenway, the Greenway Guardians directly support the critical work of honoring and enhancing what will grow to be 35 acres of majestic Park for All. LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Help lay the foundation for a park full of possibilities. Join the Leadership Circle today and make a significant impact, providing crucial support for building programs that make Waterloo Greenway a vibrant natural space for our entire community. Your donation ensures Waterloo Greenway remains a flourishing greenspace, activated with programs and events for all of Austin to enjoy. MEMBERSHIPS Become a member and spark a bright future for Waterloo Greenway. Did you know Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is a nonprofit that’s responsible for creating, maintaining, and enlivening Waterloo Greenway? By becoming a Waterloo Greenway member, you help us ensure that the park becomes – and remains – an extraordinary green space that connects, surprises, and inspires all of Austin. Moody Amphitheater Waterloo Park waterloogreenway.org @waterloogreenway cpburnette@waterloogreenway.org THANK YOU!