TRAILS AND PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT
Eischen General Contracting (EGC) specializes in comprehensive outdoor infrastructure planning and construction throughout Central Texas. We’re proud to be an industry leader in the sustainable development of trails, structures, and systems within parks and green spaces that support recreational use, environmental health, public safety, and accessibility. Since 2017, we have partnered with public and private sector clients to bring high-quality, thoughtfully designed projects to life.
Zilker Park-Mile Zero Trailhead
Eischen General Contracting is currently in the process of building the Mile Zero Trailhead. This new trailhead will mark the official starting point of the Violet Crown Trail, providing a new gateway for hikers, cyclists, runners, and nature lovers. Situated next to Barton Springs, the Mile-Zero Trailhead will offer easy access to the Violet Crown Trail’s planned 30-mile stretch through the Texas Hill Country. New features include a brand-new trail connecting to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, complete with field-engineered custom culverts and drainage features. The trailhead includes a masonry limestone patio adjacent to the new custom steel fabricated Mile Zero entry monument. The new stabilized decomposed granite trail will lead you to the new Butterfly Pavilion and Barton Creek Observation Deck for shade and views of the landscape restoration of the surrounding meadow.
The Violet Crown Trail
Eischen General Contracting has proudly partnered with Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) and the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department to construct three key segments of the Violet Crown Trail (VCT): Deer Park, Slaughter Creek, and The Veloway to Circle C. These segments have earned national recognition as unique, ADA-accessible regional trail systems.
EGC continues to support the VCT as HCC’s operations and maintenance contractor, contributing to a wide range of projects including trailhead construction, low-water crossings, ramps, bridges, bench installations, wayfinding signage, as well as GIS mapping and data services.
Blair Woods
Eischen General Contracting collaborated with Travis Audubon Society (TAS) from initial design through final inspection to deliver a fully ADA-accessible project at Blair Woods Nature Preserve. The work included the construction of a stabilized decomposed granite trail system, a steel accessibility ramp, a bird blind, and a reinforced concrete parking lot. EGC provided comprehensive services encompassing trail design development, construction, and consulting to ensure a high-quality, inclusive outdoor experience.
Here is a video by Mike Fernandez with National Audubon:
The trail conservancy
EGC has partnered with The Trail Conservancy (TTC) on several key projects along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail—still affectionately known as “Town Lake” by many Austin locals. This iconic 10-mile trail, envisioned by Lady Bird Johnson and Ann Butler in 1971, winds through public parkland surrounding Lady Bird Lake in the heart of downtown Austin.
EGC’s work with TTC has included a range of construction and improvement projects, such as:
Austin parks foundation
EGC has partnered with the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) on a variety of park improvement and construction projects across numerous parks throughout Austin. These projects have included trailhead design, kiosk installations, reinforced concrete and sidewalk repairs, as well as the development and installation of Austin’s first nature playground. This unique play space incorporates natural elements and textures—such as tree logs, stump jumps, and climbing structures—designed to connect children with the outdoors in a fun and engaging way.
Some of the construction projects with APF include:
The whirlpool patio
Through a partnership with HCC and the City of Austin’s Urban Trails Program, EGC constructed the Whirlpool Patio Education Center—an interactive outdoor learning space located beneath the MoPac overpass at Latta Drive and Convict Hill. Designed in homage to the nearby Whirlpool Cave, EGC crafted and installed a handmade limestone spiral as the centerpiece of the patio, symbolizing the geological significance of the site.
This space serves as an outdoor classroom for educators and students visiting the cave on field trips. EGC also helped design, fabricate, and install 12 interpretive educational panels along with cave-themed murals that frame the space. The patio’s educational features are intended to foster a deeper connection to nature and promote a greater understanding of the Hill Country’s unique geological landscape.
The 290 Trailhead And Gaines Creek Greenbelt
EGC partnered with The Texas Conservation Corps of American YouthWorks to design and construct the 290 Trailhead and the Gaines Creek Natural Surface Trail. This section of trail was selected by the IMBA Subaru Trail Team as a community project, which led to REI’s Trail User Poll ranking Gaines Creek as the #3 best short technical trail in America. The trail also holds the National Interscholastic Cycling Association's seal of approval. With its challenging switchbacks and steep climbs, Gaines Creek has become a favorite among both hikers and mountain bikers, offering a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
