Shoal Creek Trail Health and Safety Assets Report
January 13, 2025 | By Shoal Creek Conservancy
Shoal Creek Conservancy is launching our newest effort to improve the user experience along the Shoal Creek Trail with the release of our Shoal Creek Trail Health and Safety Assets Report. The Trail Assets Report provides a detailed overview of the current conditions of 6 key types of assets along the 10-mile Shoal Creek Trail, as well as a proposal for new additions.
By incorporating interactive maps, photographs, and GIS analysis, the report highlights areas that would benefit from additional assets and suggests practical solutions to address these needs. This report was created over 2 years, with Shoal Creek staff and interns collecting data and creating detailed GIS maps that pinpoint every asset along the Shoal Creek trail.
View the Shoal Creek Trail Assets Report
The assets addressed in the report are:
- Trash and recycling receptacles to maintain trail and creek cleanliness
- Benches for resting spots along the trail
- Water fountains to keep trail users hydrated, especially in the hotter summer months
- Pet waste stations to ensure a cleaner environment for users and protect water quality
- Improved lighting for added safety, especially in dimly lit areas under bridges
- Restrooms to provide essential facilities for trail-goers
After analyzing the current conditions of assets along the trail, SCC worked to develop criteria for ideal conditions using the City’s own standards, as outlined in the Transportation Criteria Manual, specific Shoal Creek needs, and feedback from stakeholders. After developing the ideal conditions, major needs were identified and a proposal for additional assets was created. SCC believes that with major needs identified and addressed with more investment, the Shoal Creek trail, which sees heavy use by Austinites from all parts of the city, can best serve users.
These features encourage continued use of the trail, both for recreation and transportation purposes. Beyond making the trail more comfortable and usable, these assets are critical for the safety of the trail users and the health of the watershed. Shoal Creek Conservancy created this report for the public and key decision makers to ensure that the Shoal Creek Trail can effectively serve its purpose.
SCC will collaborate closely with relevant partners at the City of Austin and private interests to increase the number of trail-supportive assets and improve existing ones. We believe the community can play an active role in this project and we encourage neighbors, trail users, and stakeholders to review the Shoal Creek Trail Health and Safety Assets Report and participate in discussions about the proposed improvements. Feedback will be essential as SCC and the City of Austin move forward with implementing these changes.
The City of Austin has invested in high-quality active transportation infrastructure throughout the city and especially on the Shoal Creek Trail. These facilities can and should be improved with the addition of assets for the safety and comfort of all users. SCC’s Trail Assets Report highlights the existing conditions and areas of needed improvement and we are working towards seeing additional facilities implemented in the near future.
Feedback and suggestions can be emailed to [email protected], and please subscribe to SCC’s monthly newsletter to stay up to date on all Shoal Creek Trail projects.
