AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted Tuesday to approve a master plan for Walter E. Long Park in East Austin.

  • Development will cost about $800 million
  • Could bring up to 870,000 visitors each year
  • City Council will vote on the master plan in August

Development would cost about $800 million and would be done in phases. The first phase would bring a visitor center, entertainment facilities, an event lawn, and water sports zone.

The rest of the development of the nearly 3,700 acre park and lake would come in later years. Designs show the possibility for a nature center, cabins, a ferris wheel, and a boardwalk.​

The city says the phase one project could bring up to 870,000 visitors each year, bringing in up to $2.7 million in revenue.

"We really like it because it's kind of a hidden gem in Austin," he said. "We catch the best average size fish here than any lake."

Ander Meine is a fishing guide, and visits the park's lake several times a week. After 10 years of fishing here, Meine's concerned about changes that could bring more visitors and affect his small business.

"It will definitely affect where I fish. My business does really well because we catch a lot of big fish and we catch a lot of big fish because we fish here so often," Meine added. "Once they do that little plan this little lake is going to be a zoo. It's going to be a circus."

Austin City Council will vote on the master plan in August.