1960's Power Plant Will Become Major Park

The city is investing $3 million to turn the empty field into a major park.

After the Holly Power Plant in East Austin was demolished, The City of Austin acquired nine more acres of land that will extend the hike and bike trail.

Currently, runners and bike have had to run around the plant, into a neighborhood, and onto a street. With the extended trail, runners will be able to run through the full 10 mile loop without having to deal with busy streets.

“I run through this trail fairly often, and I’m looking forward to the added land,” said Taylor Henderson, a local runner. “Running in and out of the streets obviously isn’t ideal for safe and easy running.”

The Holly Power plant consumed nine lakefront acres that pushed the trail inland. Using money from the 2012 bond, the city tore the plant down and cleaned up the area, extending the trail several hundred yards along the lake.

The city is planning to begin construction on the extended trail early next year.