Friends of Red Bud Isle Project List
Notes: PARD approval is needed for all park projects.

PARD Notes from Public Meeting held on March 11, 2009 A community meeting was held on March 11, 2009 by Austin Parks and Recreation Department along with Austin Parks Foundation and the Friends of Red Bud Isle.  This meeting provided a platform to discuss recent projects and activities at Red Bud Isle and to offer suggestions.

Active & Upcoming Park Improvement Projects

(All project ideas, both existing and new, are on hold and are being discussed by PARD )

New Trail:  Note - This  project is on hold.  The planned trail would wind through the northwest corner of the park.  This area was recently cleared of a massive infestation of invasive plant species (ligustrum, giant cane).  A new trail will allow for enjoyment of this area while reducing erosion effects of people and dog cut-through paths.  Each phase will be led by separate Eagle Scout candidates and one phase was already completed in the winter of 2008.  The Eagle Scout candidate planning to do the second phase of this project was able to find a trail project in another park. 

Non-Native Plant Removal:  The vast majority of invasive plants have been successfully removed from the park.  Ligustrum and giant cane near the park entrance still need to be removed.  On-going efforts will focus on maintenance of new growth hot spots.   Another pass at removing ligustrum is being discussed but is not scheduled..  We work closely with PARD for all  invasive plant removal efforts at Red Bud Isle.   We will post information here.   NOTE:  All invasive plant removal by the Friends of Red Bud Isle is reviewed and approved by PARD before work is done.

Clean Up Red Bud Trail Street Entrance and Possible Fence:  We will be looking at ways to improve the appearance of the park from the street entrance.  It is a tangle of vines, giant cane, and dead brush that collect trash.  This may be combined with invasive plant removal.  An idea was also suggested at the PARD community meeting to install a fence to help control dogs from running near the street.  Discussions with PARD for this project are it is in the early phase.

 

Projects being discussed (not yet approved)

Invasive Removal and Regrowth

Erosion Repairs

Capital Improvements

Maintenance Work

 

Friends of Red Bud Isle - Completed Park Projects

In addition to items noted as on-going maintenance, the following projects have been completed and/or facilitated by Friends of Red Bud Isle:

ü      Purchased 3 trash can receptacles for mutt mitt stations to hide the metal garbage cans.

ü      Purchased and installed 4 benches in main play area.

ü      Purchased and installed message-center kiosk.

ü      Purchased and installed lost & found basket on kiosk.

ü      Installed cedar fencing along west path at low-water dog entrance/play area.

ü      Repaired major erosion cut on eastern side of park near small play circle near far end of island. This is where a dog had been pinned by a dislodged rock.

ü      Small shore erosion repair steps on southwest tip of island. 

ü      Large shore erosion repair steps on southeast tip of island.

ü      Repair erosion gulley between large and small play areas near front of park.

ü      90% of invasive ligustrum and giant cane removed from 13 acres of parkland.

ü      Nursed dozens of trees back to health that had been choked out by giant cane.

ü      Cut back poison ivy throughout the park.

ü      Created and maintain a RedBudIsle.org website.

ü      Installed 2 additional mutt mitt stations.

ü      Flagstone pathway connecting dog stairways at end of island.  Removed pathway.

ü      Purchased and installed of dog ball station. Removed due to lack of use.

Rejected, Shelved Park Projects

M   Water fountain installation. Unable to do without significant financial investment. 

M   Creation of “small dog” play area – small designated area for small dogs to play, likely needs to be fenced area. Not necessary at this time.

M   Create natural stairs on back side of small play area where a rough footpath going to the eastern trail has been created.  Not necessary at this time.

M   Boat ramp repairs and reinforcements. Requirements spread across numerous city and county agencies. 

 

NOTE  - The limestone blocks by boat ramp are leftover materials from the erosion work done at the point.   There are no plans to use these blocks at this time.  They will be considered for use if the right project comes along. 

 

Pictures of First and Second Shoreline Repair Projects at the Point - 2008

Both shoreline projects were made possible by a grant from Austin Parks Foundation, PARD, community and business support and Friends of Red Bud Isle.   PARD engineered the project. American Youthworks Environmental Corps implemented the project.

The following companies donated towards this project - THANK YOU!:

After Picture: New steps to address erosion problems.

 

Before Picture: Popular dog entry point to the water before new steps were installed to curb erosion.

Another before picture
Another before picture
 

First Shoreline Repair Project at the Point:

Page last updated on 10/21/2009