Client
Location: Austin, TX, United States
Completion date: 2019
Project Team
Architect
Norma Yancy
Sidetracked Studio
Landscape Architect
Laura Bryant
Design Workshop
Architect
Will Powell
1909B
Architect
Miren Urena
Boka Powell
Architect
Lindsay Abati
Nelsen Partners
Other
Ingrid Spencer
American Institute of Architects Austin
Other
Lisa Storer
City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department
Other
Kristin Pipkin
City of Austin Watershed Protection Department
Other
Peter Mullan, CEO
Waterloo Greenway
Overview
Every year, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, commissions teams of local artists, landscape architects, and designers to create immersive, light-based art installations along Waller Creek in downtown Austin. This free community event helps raise awareness about the ongoing transformation of Waller Creek and the new 35-acre urban park system—known as Waterloo Greenway—that is currently underway. What started as a one-day event in 2014 has quickly grown to become one of Austin’s biggest holiday traditions. This year, more than 60,000 people came out to experience the wonder of Creek Show!
Goals
Creek Show is an important awareness event that inspires and educates the community about Waterloo Greenway and the impact that transforming Waller Creek will have on Austin's social, cultural, and ecological future. This annual event seeks to support and celebrate outstanding design while sparking conversation about the transformation of Waller Creek into a series of urban parks and trails. Creek Show serves as a platform for local artists, architects, and designers to showcase their work in front of thousands of people and create an immersive experience for the entire community to enjoy. With live music performances every night, family-friendly activities, and endless photo-ops, Creek Show has grown to become one of Austin’s signature fall events.
Process
At the beginning of the year, Waterloo Greenway hosts an open call for ideas where local artists, landscape architects, and designers are welcome to submit concepts for light-based, site-specific installations along Waller Creek. Six ideas are then selected by a committee of local leaders from the design and art community to be constructed by the selected teams. In addition to working with the artist teams directly, Waterloo Greenway collaborates with the City of Austin (Parks & Recreation and Watershed Protection Departments), dozens of community partners, volunteers, and numerous businesses in the Red River Cultural District to bring Creek Show to life.
Additional Information
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to create and maintain an extraordinary urban park system and a restored Waller Creek, in partnership with the City of Austin, for the benefit of all. The Conservancy renews the natural environment, promotes play, health and wellness, economic vitality and mobility, and engages the community through outreach, education, cultural events, and the arts. Waterloo Greenway is an iconic and flourishing public park, comprised of walking and biking trails, playscapes, open green spaces, and a healthy creek, enlivened by Austin’s diverse and vibrant community.