In anticipation of the completion of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk along Lady Bird Lake, city and nonprofit officials are working on a master plan for the lake's southeast shore.

Susan Rankin, executive director of The Trail Foundation, an organization that has sought to protect and enhance the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail since 2003, said at a Jan. 29 community meeting that once the boardwalk opens this summer, the influx of people will transform the area.

"That area is a quiet, beautiful, naturalistic area, and there are basically no improvements," Rankin said.

Some of the challenges, she said, that come with the increased use of the trail in this area include the need for more drinking fountains, restrooms and increased shading.

"It's so beautiful and pastoral now, and it's very much why people use the trail—to go to nature," Rankin said. "It's like an urban oasis in the middle of the city."

The preliminary plan divides the southeast shore area into five zones with unique features and attributes. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with TTF to develop the master plan, which McCann Adams Studio will create.

"If you don't have an adopted council master plan, then you probably won't get any money put to it," said Jana McCann, principal with McCann Adams Studio. "It's a very crucial part of the whole capital improvement project planning."

Through public outreach, many residents have expressed their desire to keep a naturalistic and pastoral feel to the area.

Daniel Llanes, chairman of the Govalle/Johnston Terrace Neighborhood Contact Team, said the park should be a quiet, tranquil place with as many natural elements as possible.

"This is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate because as we become a bigger metropolitan area, open space is going to become more and more valuable," Llanes said.

The master plan may be presented to Austin City Council in May. For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov/SEshore.