Water Level
|
630.99 ft
updated 4:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Bike trail renamed to honor former Austin mayor
Posted: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 08:00 PM - 11,205 Readers
By: Batli Joselevitz
Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail was officially renamed Thursday to the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail, after former Austin mayor and UT alumnus Roy Butler and his wife Ann. The couple played a pivotal role during Butler’s two terms as mayor from 1971 to 1975 in establishing the Town Lake Beautification Committee with former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, cleaning up the lake and laying the groundwork for the 10.2-mile trail that now encircles the reservoir, said Matt Curtis, spokesman for mayor Lee Leffingwell. “The renaming will be a real compliment to Lady Bird Lake,” Curtis said. “Ann worked the most along with Lady Bird to clean up the lake and established the park.” Luci Baines Johnson Turpin, daughter of former president Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, told the council she believes her mother would have supported the measure to rename the trail. “I will not dare put words in my mother’s mouth now, nor did I in her lifetime, but I have no doubt whatsoever that she would be the first person leading the parade saying the trail needs to be named after Roy and Ann, ought to be named after Roy and Ann Butler, because it is the right thing to do,” Turpin said. Curtis added that renaming the trail will not lead to additional costs to the city. “Town Lake signage is minimal already,” Curtis said. “As the old signage wears out we will replace it with signage with the Butlers’ names.” Susan Rankin, director of The Trail Foundation, an organization that advocates for trail improvement at Lady Bird Lake, said Austin would not be what it is today without the Butlers’ work. “Ann and Roy working with Lady Bird had the vision and shaped the vision of the trail that we have today,” Rankin said. “I think we all know that the trail really is the gem in the heart of Austin.” City council decided to rename the trail in a five-in-favor, two-against vote that will bypass the customary 90-day public comment period for name changes. City council members Kathie Tovo and Laura Morrison both praised the Butlers during the meeting but voted against the renaming measure because it waived the customary 90-day public comment period. “I feel it is so important that we have a public dialogue about this, that I will not be able to support this motion,” Morrison said. Radio-televsion-film junior Christina Toth said she enjoys walking the trail, but doesn’t think a name change will change her appreciation for it. “I don’t even know the name of it honestly,” Toth said. “I usually use Lake Austin. I don’t think the name will change the way I feel about it much. It’s a nice trail. I’m just glad we have it.” Simona Tever, 22, of New York City, said she enjoyed visiting the trail Wednesday during her Austin visit but didn’t know its name. She did however know that Lady Bird Lake was the official name of the reservoir. “It’s Lady Bird Lake,” Tever said. “That’s what was on the map.”
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,540 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,204 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,145 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,313 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,289 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,666 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,457 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,718 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,461 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,022 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,617 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,640 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,155 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,061 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,881 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,565 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,836 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,413 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,634 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,322 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,761 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,458 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,845 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,340 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,325 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,621 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,362 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,539 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,030 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,294 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,382 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,952 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,337 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,614 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,241 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,906 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,972 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,335 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,748 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,642 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,635 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,650 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,217 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,882 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,635 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,345 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,153 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,423 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,771 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,374 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,180 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,038 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,298 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,749 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,386 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,589 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,558 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,723 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,661 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,475 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|