AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Saturday, the Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Hill Country Conservancy and Austin Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the first phase of the soon-to-be 13-mile regional trail system, which began as a means of preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The milestone, which has been more than 18 years in the making, connects public trails that stretch from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)The Violet Crown Trail celebrated Phase I of its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala) Attendees of the ceremony joined in guided hikes and bike rides along the VCT’s newest 1.7-mile segment, chalk art and live painting, live performances, Slab BBQ tacos, and more.