Photo by File/City of Austin Parks and Recreation DepartmentA master plan for Republic Square Park in downtown Austin will go before City Council for approval in early June, council learned May 15.
If approved, construction on the $2.4 million first phase of the project would start in June 2015, said Marty Stump, project management supervisor. The cost of construction would be funded in part by $1 million donated as part of the adjacent federal courthouse project, he said, as well as a $250,000 contribution from the Austin Parks Foundation.
APF will lead the redesign efforts with the help of the Downtown Austin Alliance. The two organizations will also be responsible for helping to raise the $1.4 million needed for the project's second phase, which includes a small kiosk for a private food vendor and a building with restrooms and supply storage space. The groups would also help maintain and operate the park at an anticipated $300,000 per year.
"It's very exciting now to be within reach of a whole new model to help us out with Republic Square and other downtown parks," Councilman Chris Riley said.
