Issues: Smart Growth

Wildlife haven and relaxing wilderness near downtown Austin

Austin, Texas is one of those vibrant cities that have recently drawn thousands of new residents with its great quality of life. Like many of these livable places, however, Austin almost fell victim to its own success when the values that had lured people to the city were undermined by rapid growth and unsound development. Luckily, Austinites got a wake-up call when their downtown Barton Springs -- an important source for the city's drinking water and a popular green space -- became threatened by subdivisions. By rallying to protect Barton Springs, residents preserved one of the natural resources that make the city so livable.

Barton Springs is part of the Edwards Aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for more than 1.5 million people. Each year, a quarter of a million people swim in the Barton Springs Pool, while the surrounding cliffs and forest attract wildlife. But after Austin's growth spurt, polluted runoff from nearby subdivisions endangered the springs. In 1992, the parks department recommended adding 1,050 acres of public land to Barton Springs as a buffer against development. Voters showed their support by passing a $20 million bond for land purchases, and in less than two years, nearly 1,000 acres had been added to the park. Austinites had recognized that Barton Springs was part of what made their city so appealing and successful and, fortunately, they recognized it before it was too late.

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Photo: Save Barton Creek Association