The existing fitness station on West Riverside Drive will be revamped. Photo courtesy The Trail Foundation
A row of pullup bars, some benches, a drinking fountain and an outdoor shower occupy a patch of ground adjacent to the Butler Trail near Zach Theatre. A puddle often forms around the shower, and the space – well, it just doesn’t look all that inviting.
But The Trail Foundation and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department plan to revamp the fitness area, located on West Riverside Drive, and they’re asking for the public’s help in planning it.
The new exercise station will feature exercise equipment, visual guides to show how to use it, new native plants and shade trees, a limestone seating wall, a new drinking fountain and bike racks, and a concrete ribbon curb to separate the area from the trail.
Two virtual community engagement opportunities are planned. An online survey to pick between two options for exercise equipment is open until Sept. 1.
The first option features a “bamboo jungle” and other equipment. Illustration courtesy The Trail Foundation
The second option features multi-use stations. Illustration courtesy The Trail Foundation
One option features pushup bars, pullup bars, a bamboo jungle (so cool!), a workout bench and parallel bars. The second features steps, and arm bike, a link-suspension trainer/core twist and magnetic bell, and parallel bars. To see schematic drawings of both options, and to take the survey, go to https://thetrailfoundation.org/portfolio/butler-shores-exercise-equipment-community-engagement/.
An online video meeting will be held later this fall to summarize community input and present the chosen equipment design.
The $500,000 project is scheduled for completion in 2022. To make a donation to help fund it, go to www.thetrailfoundation.org.
About Pam
I’m Pam LeBlanc. Follow my blog to keep up with the best in outdoor travel and adventure. Thanks for visiting my site.
