Item 8- Parkland and Open Space Update — original pdf

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D R A F T Parkland & Open Space Working Group Preliminary Recommendations Based on Current Data & Constraints February 9, 2026 Information Reviewed Included but Not Limited to: • Community Input • Austin Parks & Recreation Presentations and Information • Austin Climate Action and Resilience (ACAR) Presentations and Information • Capital Delivery Services (CDS) Engineering Focused Input Parkland & Open Space Working Group In total - 56 Projects within Six Program Categories Evaluated. Preliminary Recommendations Include Considerations on: • Extreme Critical Needs • Evaluation Criteria Rubric • Credit Rating Impact • Bond Capacity • Entire Bond Program Bottom Line – We Believe the Real Need is Greater than What Can Be Funded at the Moment. Preliminary Recommendations Based on Current Data & Constraints. February 9, 2026 Preliminary Bond Recommendations Department Priority Program Name Description Priority 1 Building Renovation and Replacement Program; and Maintenance Centers Funding for renovation /rehabilitation or replacement of existing Parks and Recreation maintenance facilities and assets, including ADA and safety improvements along w/ bathroom renovations (added by working group). Parkland & Open Space Working Group Council District Department Request Initial Working Group Recommendation Citywide $85,000,000 $75,000,000 Priority 1 Parkland Acquisition Program Funding for the acquistion of parkland that includes land to fill critical gaps within trails, greenbelts and greenways; land to fulfill the Colorado River Corridor Vision Plan shared use trail; and neighborhood/pocket parks within park deficient areas. Citywide $100,000,000 $55,000,000 Priority 2 Aquatic Programs Funding for major renovations or replacements of existing City pools. Citywide $60,000,000 $35,000,000 Priority 3 Parkland Infrastructure Program Funding for the improvement or replacement of park infrastructure, such as playscapes, trails, parking lots, roadways, athletic fields/facilities, and City cemeteries. Citywide $40,000,000 $15,000,000 Priority 2 Parkland Improvements Funding for the development of existing City parks, including neighborhood parks, district parks, metro parks, greenbelts, special parks, and downtown squares. Citywide $70,000,000 Priority 3 Recreation and Senior Center Improvement Program Funding for renovations, rehabilitations, and additions to existing senior and recreation centers and assets. Priorities and needs identified in the 2024 Recreation and Senior Center Facility Assessment and Gap Analysis. Citywide $55,000,000 0 0 Parks and Open Space Total: $ 410,000,000 $ 180,000,000 Preliminary Recommendations Based on Current Data & Constraints. February 9, 2026 Parkland & Open Space Working Group Future Input May Include: • Additional Direction by Council • New Funding Information • Alternative Funding Recommendations such as: ▪ Expanding concession opportunities for revenue and capital project improvements ▪ Utilizing energy savings performance contracts to make repairs and sustainability improvements on park and recreation facilities ▪ Expanding nonprofit partnerships ▪ Expanding the use of TRIZ, PIDs and other funding/financing vehicles ▪ Revising fees ▪ Working with nonprofits to leverage carbon credit programs and opportunities Preliminary Recommendations Based on Current Data & Constraints. February 9, 2026