29 Aug Be Heard: Save Emma Long Metro Park and Sign the Petition Today
WHO: H.E.L.P.- Help Emma Long Park
WHAT: Too Big, Too Risky, Too Much- Spotlight Event at Emma Long Park
WHERE: Emma Long Park and surrounding areas
WHEN: September 8, 2013 8:30-10pm
WEB: www.
MEDIA: For more information contact jenni@wyattbrand.com
Emma Long Metro Park and Endangered Species May Never Be the Same
Be Heard: Save Emma Long Metro Park and Sign the Petition Today
Examining the Negative Impact of River Hills Sports Megaplex on Emma Long Park
Northwest Austin is home to Emma Long Metropolitan Park, one of the city’s most enjoyed attractions. On any given weekend, residents from Austin, Buda, Round Rock, and beyond flock to the popular destination for a little rest and relaxation. From fishing and swimming to hiking around the grounds, guests of Emma Long come to relish nature and its implicit beauty. But, how much longer visitors will get to enjoy this Austin gem is uncertain. Emma Long’s quality of life, as well as numerous others in the area, is being threatened by a gargantuan project just a few hundred yards from the park.
The River Hills Sports Megaplex —featuring plans for eight baseball fields, four multi-use fields, tennis courts and a for-profit training facility the size of an H.E.B.—has plans to position itself on a hilltop in small Westlake community. Grading and leveling land roughly the size of 22 Wal-Marts upstream from Emma Long, members of the community have voiced concern for the mere size of the River Hills Sports Megaplex project.
Gaining a Megaplex, Losing a Species
The River Hills Sports Megaplex will be situated on ecologically designated land, according to the Travis Central Appraisal District. “TCAD heavily scrutinizes owners seeking ecological classification,” Tracy Day of TCAD stated for a Westlake Picayune article. With such heavy construction and drastic changes to the land, the new complex threatens the delicate balance of the land’s wildlife.
In addition to the initial shock of the behemoth development, long-term effects to both human and wildlife populations are inevitable. Through light, sound and runoff pollution, areas such as Emma Long and surrounding neighborhoods stand to suffer the many adverse effects of the sports Megaplex.
From clear-cutting of trees to hill flattening, the environmental harm to inhabitants could be permanent. With the increase of impervious cover to the land and chemical fertilizers in use, contaminated runoff is of serious concern to the area. According to the EPA, contaminated runoff is the single greatest threat to water. In consideration to the upstream location to Emma Long, the long-term effects aren’t hard to picture. Not only will fish and wildlife in the area experience the adversities of polluted runoff, the popular swimming attraction of Emma Long may no longer be a viable option for visitors.
Noise and light pollution are also of serious concern to the ecology of the land. The 365 day/year operating schedule until 9 or 10pm has the ability to seriously upset human and wildlife. Sound and light pollution disrupt biological rhythms and appear to take the largest toll on birds. The Emma Long Park area is also home to the Golden Cheeked Warbler, an endangered species found in Central Texas, and is the only species of bird with breeding confined to Texas. With decimation to its already small habitat, the Golden Cheeked Warbler could see its home in Central Texas all but disappear.
Not only a nuisance, light pollution and trespassing — when unwanted artificial light spills over to adjacent property—is the fastest growing and most pervasive of all pollutants according to many researchers and environmentalists. With the ability to interrupt circadian rhythms in many native species and plants, breeding cycles and nesting location can easily be corrupted, throwing an entire ecosystem out of whack.
To exemplify the effects of light pollution, H.E.L.P.-Help Emma Long Park—a coalition of eco-groups, residents and neighbors unified to save Emma Long Park— will be hosting a spotlight event September 8th on the shores of Emma Long Park. Participants attending will have the opportunity to see the far-reaching effects of the Megaplex’s light pollution.
Be Heard!
To express their concerns about this project, citizens are urged to write elected officials, asking to reject the Megaplex . A petition can be found on H.E.L.P.’s website that will be sent to the city council voicing citizens concern against the River Hills Sports Megaplex development at www.HelpEmmaLongPark.com/be-
About H.E.L.P.-Help Emma Long Park
H.E.L.P.- Help Emma Long Park is a coalition of neighbors, community members, and residents of Central Texas who believe in a common sense approach to the large-scale development of the River Hills Sports Complex, located in close proximity to Emma Long Park’s sensitive natural areas. Currently, the River Hills Sports Complex does not provide provisions for environmental, social, or ecological impacts it will have on the park. Consuming land the size of approximately 22 Wal-Marts, the complex will create light and sound pollution that can prove detrimental to the wildlife in Emma Long Park as well as visitors to the area. Through thoughtful action, Help Emma Long Park aims to work with developers and business affiliates from pre- to post-construction, moving beyond words to genuine and discernible actions and social impacts.
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