In just a couple of weeks, a new section of Waterloo Greenway downtown, complete with three bridges, a boardwalk, and hundreds of added trees, will open to the public.
The Confluence is the second phase of Waterloo Greenway. The first phase was the opening of Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater in August 2021. Construction on the second phase started in May 2023 and will open on June 6 with a public celebration.
“Waterloo Greenway has always been about gathering the community, and with The Confluence, we are continuing to bring that vision to life as a welcoming and inclusive gathering place for all,” said Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy CEO, in a news release.
Where Is The Confluence?
The Confluence section of Waterloo Greenway spans 13 acres along Waller Creek between Fourth Street and Lady Bird Lake. It’s south of the Moody Amphitheater.
What’s New?
The project, which cost $91.5 million, was funded through city and private donations, officials say.
Roughly 1,600 new trees, 200,000 native plants, and 10 acres of seed mixes were added to the trail, and a biofiltration pond was built.
Lots of structures and walking paths were added, including:
- Three lattice bridges over Waller Creek for east-west connection
- An 800-foot boardwalk in Waller Creek
- A half-mile of new trail connecting the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Rainey Street, and the hike-and-bike trail
- ADA-accessible trail connections to the Mexican American Cultural Center and the hike-and-bike trail
- Three public gathering spaces
- A bridge connection to Waller Creek at Fourth Street
When’s the Party?
A grand opening celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on June 6 at The Confluence.
The party runs until 2 p.m., is free to attend, and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, park tours, scavenger hunts, face painting, live music, art, and more.
