Today Austin Mayor Kirk Watson issued a strong statement opposing construction of parking garages and a large amphitheater in Zilker Park and supporting both rewilding of the park and retaining and strengthening city management of Zilker and all of our parks.  Read Mayor Watson's statement here.  

Also important, Mayor Watson put the $200 million-plus draft plan from the City's consultants in the context of having zero committed city funds for the plan and, at the same time, substantial needs for investing in other city parks.  

Mayor Watson's clear and common sense statement didn't just happen.  It grew from a groundswell of many thousands of Austinites speaking out against the massive construction and conversion of Zilker Park into an outdoor entertainment district called for by the city consultants' draft plan.  Overwhelmingly, Austin residents want to save, restore, and rewild Zilker Park.  Thank yous!!! go out to everyone who attended a meeting, wrote emails, called, or spoke directly to City Council, City board and commission members, and City staff over these last two years.  Your voice matters. 

But this is just the beginning.  We need you to stay involved!!  

Mayor Watson is just one vote out of eleven on the City Council.  None of the other ten members have stated in writing where they stand on the proposed plan.  The private for-profit and nonprofit groups are not going away.  They are literally banking on finding six votes on city council in favor of the draft plan that would expand moneymaking in and private control over Zilker Park. 
 
First, please take one minute to send a "thank you" to Mayor Watson by using this email tool that goes to all of the city council members.  That way all of the other ten see how much support and appreciation there is for Mayor Watson's leadership on these issues. 

Second, call or email your own City Council member (if you live inside the city).  Ask them to make a public statement that they agree with Mayor Watson across the board.  Find the contact information here.  

Third,  no matter where you live mark your calendar for the new date for the city council hearing on the Zilker Park Vision Plan; Thursday, August 31, 2023.  Set aside the whole day and evening if you are able and plan to be with us at City Hall.  Recruit your friends, family members, and neighbors to join you for a critical and exciting day of civic action.  

Finally, stay tuned.  There is still lots more information coming out about the draft plan and what we need to do to save Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and Austin from the dual threats of bottomless greed and a heating climate.   

 

Save Our Springs Alliance is pleased to announce a unique fundraiser on July 16, 2023 curated by internationally acclaimed artist and musician, Ben Livingston. Parthenia’s Majesty: A Cinematic Voyage is an immersive, audiovisual experience at the newly established Rosette Theatre at the Baker Center in Hyde Park. The 90 minute event (one at 2PM and one at 7PM) combines nostalgic short films celebrating the unrivaled beauty and rich history of Barton Springs with music, art, and refreshments. 

The screenings include Brian Leonard's cosmic underwater light dances and four short movies from Karen Kocher’s “Living Springs'' series. The stunning underwater headliner “Parthenia’s A:X Pageant” created by prominent neon artist and springs advocate, Ben Livingston is accompanied by a live score performed by composer and pedal steel master Bob Hoffnar.  Livingston’s ephemeral footage alongside Hoffnar’s otherworldly soundscape invites attendees on an introspective journey, inspiring conservation and advocacy in generations to come. Guests will also be invited to view a collection of water-inspired artworks by Sculptor / New Yorker cartoonist Julia “Jul” Suits.

Sponsors include Gruene Hall, Jim Brand MD, Magnolia Cafe, Mary Jane Nalley, Robin Rather, and Family,  & Austin Classical Guitar.  

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

About Ben Livingston: Ben Livingston is an internationally acclaimed artist, performing songwriter, and film personality who draws inspiration from beauty and embraces a daily, year-round swimming routine at Barton Springs. Recognized as a National Endowment of the Arts fellow, his expertise in neon/light sculpting has earned him global acclaim. Alongside his mastery of neon, Ben's artistic versatility extends to mediums such as drawing, painting, wood, copper, steel and found object construction, photography, and his latest venture in silent movie-making collaboration with composer, Bob Hoffnar. Ben Livingston continues to inspire others and defy limitations. His neon art has found its place in public collections like the Austin Convention Center and the University of Texas Performing Arts Center, solidifying his commitment to making a positive impact on the community.   
 
About Bob Hoffnar: Pedal steel guitarist Bob Hoffnar is a major contributor to Austin’s cultural landscape. Originally from Silver Springs, Maryland, Hoffnar graduated from Purchase Conservatory of Music in 1998 with a BFA in Composition. Further private studies included time with such musical luminaries as Lamonte Young, Pandit Pran Nath, and Ernest Tubb’s steel player Buddy Charelton. As a full-time working pedal steel player he has worked with artists from Patsy Montana to Cindi Lauper to Iggy and the Stooges. Along with a constant stream of solo and collaborative works he had the international debut of his "Prismatic Listening" installation in Mexico City in May of 2023.
 
About Karen Kocher: Karen Kocher is an Austin-based media producer known for her digital content creations spanning over two decades. Her notable works include Living Springs, an immersive series exploring the history, culture and science of Barton Springs pool. With accolades like the Lonestar Chapter of the Sierra Club's "Art in Service of the Environment'' award, Karen's passion for environmental stewardship shines through her projects. As an educator, she shares her expertise in digital post-production and documentary production at the University of Texas at Austin.
 
About Brian Leonard: Brian Leonard is an accomplished artist, healer, and dedicated advocate of Barton Springs, where he can be found swimming daily with the grace of a dolphin's tail. Based in Austin, Texas, Brian's artistic achievements have been showcased in exhibitions such as the West Austin Studio Tour and the Austin Art Space Gallery. He has made significant contributions to the Amanda Love Healing Center and Heal Healing Center, utilizing his talents to promote well-being. Brian's passion for art, healing, and his deep connection to Barton Springs exemplify his commitment to the transformative power of nature.
 
About Julia Suits: Julia "Jul" Suits, an Austin-based artist, has returned to sculpture after decades away, with a focus on welded steel and glass. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows, including at the Pilchuck School and in a 2-person show with Dale Chihuly. Alongside her artistic endeavors, Suits has also made contributions as an environmental activist, creating large-scale outdoor installations addressing various issues and employing grants and donations to fund these immersive projects. In addition, Suits has worked as a freelance illustrator and cartoonist, with work featured in The New Yorker, Texas Monthly magazine, and in newspapers worldwide as an editorial illustrator for Creators Syndicate in Los Angeles.