Trail Foundation explores taking over Butler Trail

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and The Trail Foundation are exploring the feasiblity of transferring operation and maintenance of the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake to The Trail Foundation. The Urban Land Institute’s Advisory Services Program will assist the city and TTF in making this weighty decision, in a comprehensive process that includes site visits and interviews with key stakeholders arranged by TTF and PARD between Aug. 25 and Aug. 30. TTF of course has a significant investment in the Butler Trail, having spent more than $2.5 million on ecological restoration work there last year, in addition to more than $11.3 million over the prior 16 years. Heidi Anderson, executive director of The Trail Foundation, said in a press release, “We are honored and excited to have been selected for this opportunity and grateful for the valuable input as we consider this option. Taking this potential step would be a big commitment for TTF in terms of funding and organizational growth, and the ULI Advisory Service Program is one of the ways we will explore the feasibility of the potential transition.” The ULI Advisory Services panelists will be presenting their findings in a public forum, with Mayor Steve Adler and leaders of PARD and TTF present, on Friday, Aug. 30, at 10:15 a.m., at Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.