Good news for Austin water lovers: Lake Austin is open again. The City of Austin announced this week that it has lifted the waterway ban on Lake Austin, giving residents and visitors the green light to return to one of the area’s most beloved recreational destinations just in time for summer fun.

The reopening marks a welcome milestone after the city had extended restrictions on local waterways through much of the week. While some closures remain in effect south of Longhorn Dam, the lifting of the ban on Lake Austin signals that conditions there have improved enough for the public to safely enjoy the water once more.

Lake Austin is a cherished part of the community’s outdoor lifestyle, drawing boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and swimmers throughout the warm months. Its reopening comes as Austin is also celebrating July as National Park and Recreation Month — a City of Austin proclamation that highlights the importance of parks, trails, and waterways to the health and well-being of residents across the city.

The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department has long championed access to Austin’s natural spaces, and the combination of the Lake Austin reopening and the National Park and Recreation Month proclamation serves as a timely reminder of just how central outdoor recreation is to Austin’s identity and quality of life.

Whether you’re planning a morning paddle, an afternoon on a boat, or simply a stroll along the shoreline, Lake Austin is ready to welcome you back. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Austin’s official channels for the latest updates on any remaining waterway restrictions in other parts of the city before heading out.

Sources: City of Austin (.gov), City of Austin (.gov)