The two waterways, Shoal Creek and Waller Creek, were extensively discussed, both in terms of their contribution to Austin's green space and as settings for urban development. Both creeks are underutilized on both fronts, but recent planning efforts are moving Austin closer to realizing the potential of these urban creeks. The proposed Waller Creek tunnel project would allow flood control, erosion control, and a constant water level. Development of residential and retail uses along Waller Creek would become possible. Shoal Creek is in an earlier planning stage.
Downtown is coupled with concern for preserving the Town Lake greenbelt and our urban parks.
Maintenance of both is critical, especially as other projects and upstream developments increase the impact of urbanity on the natural environment. The City has significant resources in Downtown that could be engines for development within a green context. Several Downtown parks, now generally neglected, have the potential to be urban amenities Republic Square, Palm Park, Wooldridge Square, Rush Square, and Waterloo Park. The challenge is to develop urban parks for the Downtown community, not just grass areas scattered through the built environment. The planters on Congress Avenue are bereft of seasonal flowers and the sidewalk plantings along Trinity are overgrown.