A look into the New Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Pavilion with George Cofer
A big “thank you!” to Hill Country Conservancy for contributing to Zilker 351’s guest blogger series: For the love of Zilker Park
Mile Zero Trailhead Concept Designs
As someone who’s been part of Hill Country Conservancy since its earliest days, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Violet Crown Trail grow from an ambitious idea into a true community treasure. When we first imagined the trail nearly twenty years ago, we knew it had to begin at the heart of Austin—Zilker Park. This park has always been where Austin gathers: from cooling off at Barton Springs to celebrating under the live oaks, it’s the perfect place to begin a journey that connects city life to the wild beauty of the Hill Country.
Now, as the trail's Project Manager, I’m proud to help bring this vision full circle with the opening of the Mile Zero Trailhead. Below, I’ve answered a few questions about how it all came together—and what this special place means for Austin and beyond.
Q: What was Hill Country Conservancy’s original vision for the Violet Crown Trail?
A: Because many of our conservation easements are located far from Austin, it’s difficult to get people onto those sites. So back in 2005, the board proposed a 30-mile trail as HCC’s way to get people out on the land, enjoy and learn about nature and the aquifer, and promote healthy lifestyles.
The new Butterfly Pavilion as it was under construction.
Q: Why is Zilker Park the ideal place for the Mile Zero Trailhead? What inspired you to begin the Violet Crown Trail route there?
A: From day one, the vision was a trail from Zilker Park (“the soul of Austin”) down into Hays County. Barton Springs pool is a place where people have gathered to live and to celebrate for thousands of years.
Q: How long was the planning process for the Mile Zero Trailhead? What steps went into turning the idea into reality?
A: Planning for the Violet Crown Trail began in 2006. HCC hired Chuck Flint of the East Coast Greenway to create the master plan. Chuck is one of America’s top trail designers, with experience in 36 states and nine countries. The planning process took about two years. There were lots of field trips, meetings with stakeholder groups, and plenty of ‘ritas and tacos! The final Master Plan was adopted by the City Councils of Austin and Sunset Valley.
Q: What was the inspiration for the “Zero” archway and the butterfly pavilion?
A: Credit for the stunning Mile Zero design goes to the TBG Partners design team led by Justin Lindabury, a former board member and committee chair of the Violet Crown Trail. With the help of our construction contractors Eischen General Contracting and TBG Partners, we were able to bring this vision to life.
Q: Why was it important to have a native wildflower meadow?
A: Lady Bird Johnson promoted “beautiful highways” with lots of native wildflowers, decades ago. And as a conservation organization, HCC understands the importance of pollinators and native plants. In the meadow, the two go hand in hand. It’s a great opportunity to engage volunteers and a great educational opportunity in a heavily trafficked park.
Overlook to Barton Creek.
Q: How does the trail help connect different parts of Austin?
A: The Violet Crown Trail connects Zilker Park to Sunset Valley trail systems, several parks, libraries, and neighborhoods throughout central and south Austin.
Q: How did accessibility factor into the design of the trailhead, and how does it help ensure that everyone can enjoy and connect with this special place?
A: From day one, designing and construction the VCT for all ages and abilities was a primary part of the master planning vision and implementation. We want all central Texans to have access to nature and healthy lifestyles. The Mile Zero Trailhead and the entire trail from Whirlpool Trailhead to the La Crosse Trailhead are certified to be compliant with ADA accessibility standards.
Q: What do you hope people will take away from the trailhead?
A: Serenity! Also, a better understanding of the history of the region and the importance of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer. We want Mile Zero to be something central Texans can be proud of—and enjoy!
Happy trails!
Author bio:
As the founding Executive Director of Hill Country Conservancy, George Cofer helped shape the organization’s mission to protect the water, wildlife, and wonder of the Texas Hill Country. Today, he continues that work as project manager for the HCC's Violet Crown Trail.
George Cofer a is a sixth-generation Austinite and fifth-generation Texas rancher. His love of the great outdoors and conservation of the natural environment come from being blessed by the opportunity to spend his childhood summers on a working cattle ranch along the Frio River in Uvalde County and from his outdoor experiences as an Eagle Scout.
His participation in the creation of the thousand-acre Barton Creek Wilderness Park and the Beverly S. Sheffield Environmental Education Center (SPLASH! into the Edwards Aquifer), and helping preserve 40,000 acres in central Texas are highpoints of his community involvement.
This story is a part of Zilker 351’s guest blog series entitled: For the Love of Zilker Park. Zilker 351 works with every organization in Zilker Park to protect its 351 acres—restoring native habitats, safeguarding Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer, and ensuring the park remains welcoming to all Austinites.
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