No More Cars on the Green: APD Steeping Up Enforcement

Parking is becoming a problem at Zilker Park.

The Austin Police Department is trying to curb citations and towings at large events there like Blues on the Green, KGSR’s free biweekly concert event. The last concert saw 22 citations for illegal parking.

Police held a press conference today warning concert-goers to avoid tow-away zones like residential driveways, and stay off  lawns and high grass.

Grass is particularly problematic, as hot engines on drought-dried grass are fire hazards. Senior Police Officer Michael Hart says although fires are more of a potential issue than an ongoing problem, he adds “I think we’ve all seen evidence of that on MoPac, on the frontage roads – the big black areas where fires have started either from a car or a cigarette.”

This Wednesday APD will ramp up enforcement, positioning six to eight more officers in the Zilker vicinity. Police say the goal is a closer watch on the event perimeter and  prevention of vehicle theft, but APD will also more strictly enforce parking regulations.

“We wanted to be proactive and notify the public that we will be issuing citations,” says Hart. “We will be out in force to tow vehicles if necessary. We wanted to give the public notice because that’s not our desire.” 

Parking is available (possibly for a fee) in the Zilker Park polo fields off of Barton Springs Road, and fields off of Stratford Drive. More parking is available at the Palmer Event Center and One Texas Center. Handicapped parking is available in the lots adjacent the park, accessible via Lou Neff Road.