Everyone loves Zilker, but who loves it the most?

An exchange on the City Council message board showed that, despite the dawn of geographic representation, it probably remains safe to refer to Zilker Park as “Austin’s Park.” Early this week, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo informed her colleagues that she would be moving forward with a resolution to assess the impact of events on the city’s public parks. Council Member Leslie Pool voiced her support the next day, and closed her message by identifying herself as the Chair of the Open Space, Environment and Sustainability Committee. Council Member Ann Kitchen also indicated her support, as did Council Member Ellen Troxclair, who wrote, “Since Zilker Park is in District 8, I have been meeting with constituents, with city staff, and researching this issue as well. In addition to the impact of events on our parks and surrounding neighborhoods, I am hoping to compile related information, like how many days per year our busiest parks are open to the public, how many events are free to attend versus require tickets, etc. Thank you!” This prompted a re-response from Kitchen, saying she appreciated the chance to work together on the issue and reminding Troxclair that her district also had an interest in Austin’s biggest downtown park. She wrote, “Thanks Ellen. I have been meeting also, since District 5 represents the neighborhoods on the east side of the park. There’s a number of our districts that touch on Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.”