Austin’s Zilker Park Closes for Emergency Repair After Sinkhole Appears

Austin’s Zilker Park Closes for Emergency Repair After Sinkhole AppearsAustin’s Zilker Park Closes for Emergency Repair After Sinkhole Appears Austin, Texas — Austin’s beloved Zilker Park has been closed to the public after the sudden appearance of a sinkhole on Friday evening. The sinkhole, measuring approximately 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, emerged in a heavily trafficked area near the Zilker Botanical Garden. According to city officials, the sinkhole formed due to a combination of heavy rainfall and the park’s underlying limestone bedrock. The area around the sinkhole has been cordoned off for safety, and crews are working around the clock to repair the damage. The closure of Zilker Park has come as a disappointment to residents and visitors who frequently enjoy the park’s recreational facilities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Zilker Hillside Theater. The park is also home to the Barton Springs Pool, a popular swimming destination. City officials have advised residents to stay away from the affected area and to use alternate routes while the repair work is underway. The estimated cost of the repairs is still being assessed, and the park is expected to remain closed for several weeks until the sinkhole is stabilized and the surrounding area is deemed safe. “The safety of our residents and visitors is paramount,” said Austin Parks and Recreation Director Rudy Rodriguez. “We are working as quickly as possible to repair the sinkhole and reopen the park for public use.” In the meantime, alternative recreational activities can be found at other nearby parks, such as Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail. For updates on the Zilker Park closure and repair progress, visit the Austin Parks and Recreation Department website or follow them on social media.