Zilker 351 Calls for City Partnership to Restore Barton Creek Shoreline at Barking Springs

AUSTIN, Texas — Zilker 351, a nonprofit conservancy with advisory representatives from 15 organizations in and around Zilker Park, urged city leaders to prioritize funding for Austin's park system, including the Barton Creek Shoreline Restoration Project at Barking Springs.

Zilker 351 made the following remarks today during the Austin City Council Regular meeting as Council discussed 2026 bond priorities and Parks funding recommendations.

The project focuses on the heavily-used stretch of Barton Creek between the spillway and Barton Springs Road bridge, where years of flooding, erosion, invasive species, stormwater runoff, and heavy public use have severely damaged the shoreline.

Barking Springs serves as a free public alternative to Barton Springs Pool and is widely used by swimmers, families, trail users, and dog owners throughout Austin and Central Texas.

"This is not just a beautification project," said Fleetwood Jacobs, "it's also a health, safety and equity issue. This is Barking Springs we are talking about. It's the free side of Barton Springs where kids and puppies and people from all over Austin swim on hot summer days. We should maintain this area with the same intention and care that we do Barton Springs."

The proposed restoration project would stabilize the creek bank, restore native vegetation, improve trails and accessibility, reduce erosion, and protect Barton Creek water quality. The estimated cost for the first phase of the restoration is approximately $3 million.

Zilker 351 says it is prepared to help raise matching funds from private philanthropic donors if the City formally identifies the project as a priority eligible for bond and partnership funding.

"We are not asking the city to do this alone," said Zilker 351 board member Mike Cannatti. "We are asking the city to partner with us to repair the damage and enhance the ecology, accessibility, and water quality of this popular free-swimming area for all Austinites."

Austin City Council discussed 2026 bond priorities and related Parks funding recommendations, including potential consideration of projects such as the Barton Creek Shoreline Restoration Project at Barking Springs. Any outcomes, direction, or statements from Council will be reflected in a subsequent update to this release.

The organization emphasized that the project would remain under City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department oversight and is intended as a focused ecological restoration and public safety effort.

About Zilker 351

Zilker 351 is a nonprofit conservancy coalition representing 15 organizations in and around Zilker Park. Founded in 2022, its mission is to help ecologically steward all 351 acres of Zilker Park while ensuring the park remains welcoming, accessible, and sustainable for all Austinites. Current projects include native tree and wildflower planting projects, habitat restoration, historical storytelling initiatives, and community partnerships focused on protecting Austin's most iconic public park.