PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 28, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 28, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on July 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara (left at 8:03 P.m.), Lane Becker (arrived at 6:22 p.m.), Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Tom Kelm - Mesquite Trees at Krieg parking lot Santiago Tza-Wan - Festival Beach Food Forest Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club trash cleanup Daniel Kavelman - Shoal Creek Conservancy Scott Cobb - Raise in the living wage Collin McMurrough - Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of June 23, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of June 23, 2025 was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 11-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Golf staff in recognition of successful driving range and resurfacing projects at multiple golf courses. Steve Hammond, Golf Division Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on the timeline for a driving range lighting project, the location of the Jimmy Clay and Roy Kizer golf complex, methods to increase usage, whether ATX Golf employs groundskeepers or contracts out for them, total acreage of all golf facilities, autonomous mowers and summer camp programming. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 28, 2025 The motion to approve letters of support for the for PARD Golf staff in recognition of successful driving range and resurfacing projects at multiple golf courses was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on an 11-0 vote. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City to approve a permanent change of use of 31,694 sq. ft. of parkland located at Balcones District Park to allow for the construction of the Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements project. Total mitigation is $742,361. Tony Lopez, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department and Greg Montes, Program Manager II, Parks …
Guadalupe St. Local Flood Risk Reduction CIP Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park 5789.075 City of Austin Watershed Protection Department August 25, 2025 Staff • Kristina McLaren, P.E. – Project Sponsor • Stephanie Lott – Public Information Specialist Senior Purpose To communicate the importance of detention basins at Adams Hemphill Neighborhood Park and how they work to mitigate impacts to downstream area. Seeking positive recommendation to Council for use of parkland. Why did we start Guadalupe Street Flood Risk Reduction Project? 3 Existing Drainage System • Main storm system built in 1928 • Generally follows from Avenue A to Hemphill Branch at W. 33rd St • Pipe size varies from 42 inch in diameter to a 9 x 5.5-foot box culvert • Central Park Pond designed in 1993 • Triangle Pond designed in 2004 • 224 structures inundated in 25-year event • 285 structures inundated in 100-year event 4 Triangle Pond Central Park Pond Why do we need the detention basins at Adams Hemphill Neighborhood Park? 5 N Site Constraints • Historic neighborhoods • Historic outfall and downstream crossings • Creek crossings critical to city grid • Built out watershed • Parkland 6 7 Are there alternative locations? • No feasible alternatives have been identified • Numerous variations of detention basins, channel modifications and culvert improvements have been evaluated • Buyouts of several homes between 33rd and 34th Streets was cost prohibitive, within a Local Historic District, and too small • Open space at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary is too small • Parking lot of the Scottish Rite Dormitory is too small 8 Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26 Section 26.001. Protected Land; Notice of Taking • State entities cannot approve programs or projects that use or take public land designated for parks, recreation, scientific areas, wildlife refuge, or historic sites unless their authorized governing body or officer determines: 1) There is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such land 2) The program or project includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the land, as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, resulting from the use or taking 9 Stormwater Pond – Dry Detention Basin N 10 Detention Basins Will Be Mostly Dry • Designed to hold water for up to 24 hours after it rains • Larger basin will be a multi-use, open grassy field • It may include an area …
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G TO: FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM Director, Austin Watershed Protection M.O.U. # PARD 25-002 Jesus Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Guadalupe Street - Flood Risk Reduction Project Project I.D. 5789.075 : FDU 4850 6307 4156 DATE: 8-13-2025 The Austin Watershed Protection (AWP) is allowed to use the parkland located at Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park, as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated in Attachment “C” (Location Map). The parkland is to be used for Permanent Use and Temporary Use. The requested areas are: Permanent Use (Lower Basin 50%): 105,053 sq. ft. = $5,337,521 Permanent Use (Upper Basin 80%): 12,768 sq. ft. = $1,037,944 Permanent Use (Upper Basin 0%): 20,315 sq. ft. = $0 Temporary Use (Work Area): 11,997 sq. ft. = $60,954 Total Mitigation Amount (Without Park Improvements) = $6,436,420 As part of this project the following will be completed by Austin Watershed Protection (AWP) and Austin Capital Delivery Services (ACDS): • Will include APR in the design process and receive APR approval of the design/specifications of the park elements and selection of park amenities for replacement and/or enhancement. • During construction, provide contractor submittals for all park amenities for replacement and/or enhancement to APR for APR staff to review and approve. • Will ensure that all park amenities are constructed to APR standards and require certified playground installers. Will obtain APR review and approval of the construction of all park amenities for replacement and/or enhancement. • Will review the final construction and include APR in the development of the punch list and providing final approval of the overall park construction project. All components of the project, drainage improvements, park amenities, bank stabilization, and WW relocation are being treated as one project and will be delivered at the same time. Austin Watershed Protection is in agreement to provide the following improvements below as partial mitigation for the permanent and temporary use of the parkland. Please note that both the value for the land and the costs for the park improvements were 1 of 3 based on current estimates. Costs for the planned park improvements may be different at the time of construction, and AWP should plan for any cost escalation, as necessary. Details and quantities of …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Project: Waller Creek, Guadalupe St Flood Risk Reduction - Adams Hemphill Park MOU # 25-002 5789.075 Permanent Use - Lower Basin - 50% Permanent Use - Upper Basin - 80% Permanent Use - Upper Basin - 0% Temporary Use - Staging Sub-Total Credit for Park Amenities Improvements AW Dept WWL Relocation Bank Stabilization TOTAL = Calculated Fee $5,337,521 $1,037,944 $0 $60,954 $6,436,420 $1,636,226 $656,748 $1,162,536 $2,980,911 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use - Lower Basin Project: TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $555,000 Waller Creek, Guadalupe St Flood Risk Reduction - Adams Hemphill Park Lower Basin MOU # 5789.075 25-002 Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 5,462 Based on average for nearby lots zoned SF Value per Square Foot. ($): $102 TCAD Land Value divided by Avg. Lot Size Requested Area (sq. ft.): 105,053 Submitted by Requesting Department Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $10,675,043 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 50.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $5,337,521 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with no/few above ground appurtenances/fixtures) Area can still be developed with moderate limitations (underground work/materials with some small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) Development severely limited (underground work/materials with large or several small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) No future park development possible in the area - dedicated to installation (underground and/or surface appurtenances/fixtures) 35% 50% 75% 100% ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use - Upper Basin Project: TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $555,000 Waller Creek, Guadalupe St Flood Risk Reduction - Adams Hemphill Park Upper Basin MOU # 5789.075 25-002 Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 5,462 Based on average for nearby lots zoned SF Value per Square Foot. ($): $102 TCAD Land Value divided by Avg. Lot Size Requested Area (sq. ft.): 12,768 Submitted by Requesting Department (Disturbed Area Only) Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $1,297,430 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 80.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $1,037,944 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MONDAY AUGUST 25TH 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Click here to join the meeting Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)- 825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice Chair Kristina McRae-Thompson, Secretary Alicia Alston Joe Anderson Jr., conflicted Liza Bailey Aran Belani Jeremy Caballero Ashley Garling Judith Hassan Benito Juarez CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 8/22/2025 will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the HIV Planning Council regular meeting on July 28th, 2025. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Office of Support Staff Briefing 4. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing 5. Part B Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion of Directives DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and approval of HIV Planning Council Applicant a. Drew Kyler 8. Discussion and approval of Minority Aide Initiative (MAI) and Early Indentification of Individuals with HIV/AIDS (EIIHA) data 9. Discussion and approval of Town Hall Input Report Reallocations 10. Discussion and approval of Priority Setting and Resource Allocation (PSRA) COMMITTEE UPDATES 11. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 12. Finance and Assessment Committee FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 13. Discussion of workplan calendar and social calendar ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
PROTECT Protection from the elements Protection from motor vehicles Guideline 1 : Protect pedestrians and cyclists from amplified wind Guideline 6: Guideline 2: Protect pedestrians from precipitation Provide driveway and intersection design that clearly indicates and enforces sidewalk and bikeway users have the right of way Guideline 3: Protect sidewalk and bikeway users exposure Guideline 7: Minimize crossing distances and from the sun and heat Guideline 8: Guideline 4: Design to mitigate heat island effect Guideline 5: Minimize the impact of vehicular access on the streetscape Guideline 9: Guildeline 10: Provide self enforcing physical barriers between motor vehicles and sidewalks and bikeways Slow motor vehicles to safe speeds using environmental design Ensure visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, especially at intersections, curb cuts, and areas of modal conflict P1 Guideline 1 : Protect pedestrians and cyclists from amplified wind. Encourage safe, comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable environments for pedestrians and cyclists by mitigating, disrupting, or minimizing amplified wind conditions such as down- draught (“downwash”), funneling (“channeling”), acceleration around corners (“Venturi Ef- fect”), and height/speed differential while still encouraging prevailing cool breezes during warmer months. Conditions • Structures with large flat facades, sharp corners, and simple geometries must include design interventions that demonstrate a detectable mitigation of wind amplification effects. • Wind amplification effects must be mitigated wherever they are likely to impact the sidewalk, bikeways, and other public outdoor amenity spaces, especially publicly accessible open spaces. All sides of the building must be considered. • On-site and off-site impacts of wind amplification must be considered. • Special attention should be paid to historical wind patterns, including prevailing wind direction, speeds, and seasonal variations. Examples • Street trees that buffer against wind speeds. • Ground-level wind breaks such as vegetation, furniture, or shielding structures. • Large vertical canopies at the bottom of flat facades where downdraughts may occur. Downdraught Conditions Funneling Conditions Solutions Solutions Principle 2 Activate and Engage the Public Realm To make Austin more walkable, there must be functional reasons to be on the sidewalk, and sidewalks must be visually interesting and social, with high visual and physical connectivity from the sidewalk to active ground floor uses. In addition to the sidewalk being a functional, comfortable, exciting, social, and safe environment, the experience of the non-motorist user both inside and out of a building should be pri- oritized. The pedestrian, and cyclist experience should receive at least as much con- sideration …
Therapeutic Recreation Services P a rk s a n d Re c re a t io n Bo a rd Me e t in g Au g u s t 25, 20 25 reallygreatsite.com Therapeutic Recreation Services provides recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout the City of Austin. • McBeth Recreation Center • Alamo Recreation Center • Dottie Jordan Recreation Center • Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center • Modifications and Support Year Round Adult Programs • Good Neighbor Adventure Club (GNAC) ⚬ 58 Unique Participants • Capital City Explorers ⚬ 25 Unique Participants • Healthy Aging ⚬ 17 unique participants • The Hangout ⚬ 13 unique participants • Adult Job Skills ⚬ 40 participants enrolled • Social Club ⚬ 16 Unique participants Special Olympics ⚬ Volleyball ⚬ Softball ⚬ Swim Team ⚬ Basketball ⚬ Power Lifting ⚬ Soccer ⚬ Tennis ⚬ Golf ⚬ Bocce Youth Programs • Therapeutic Camps ⚬ Youth, Teens, Young Adults ⚬ 30 participants enrolled weekly • Recreation Therapy Social Skill Groups ⚬ 16 unique individuals enrolled • Young Athletes ⚬ 6 unique participants • Inclusive Youth Enrichment ⚬ Lego Club ⚬ Sports Fun ⚬ Skills for Success Modifications & Support • Participant Assessment, Modification Planning and Parent review meeting • Youth Program Inclusion Support Staffing ⚬ After School, Camp Day and Summer Camp ⚬ 104 participants receiving support services • Inclusion Support Staff Trainings (256 hours) • ASL Interpreters
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Parks and Recreation Board Meeting August 25, 2025 Presenters: Denisha Cox, Ed.D, MBA, MPH, CTCM, Contract Management Supervisor II Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE August, 2025 Operations and Maintenance Major League Soccer All-Star Weekend APR’s Turf and Athletics Maintenance Teams helped to bring the MLS All-Star Weekend to Austin • Turf prepped the lawns and assisted with set-up at Auditorium Shores for concerts, vendors, even a pirate ship! • After assisting with take down, the team watered, aerated and fertilized the lawn to help it recover. • Athletics prepped the fields at Rosewood for a smaller event for kids and families. • The team performed extra string trimming, mowing, weed removal and fence cleanup to provide a fun and safe experience. Image: Steve Carrillo/MLS Operations and Maintenance Recent Improvements Parks and Recreation Headquarters • Collaboration with Public Works and Transportation to repave the road and parking lot at Main Office Zilker Metro Park • APR’s Trails team improved portions of the road leading to the Girl Scout Cabin at Zilker Metro Park. Operations and Maintenance Recent Repairs Brazos Retaining Wall Reconstruction • Reconstructing damaged wall at Cesar Chavez and Brazos, near the Ann and Roy Butler Trail. • Collaboration with the City Engineer’s Office Operations and Maintenance Special Thanks to.. Assistant Director, Liana Kallivoka and Division Manager, Charles Vaclavik for the management support, our department colleagues in Park Safety, Planning, and Development, the City Engineers Office, Watershed Protection, Transportation and Public Works, and of course our Maintenance Crew! Recreation Services National Softball Association of the Deaf (NSAD) 50th Annual Deaf Softball Tournament was recently held at the Krieg Complex. With support from APR staff, NSAD successfully welcomed over 450 players and fans from across the country. Their 3-day event was a memorable experience for all participants. Parque Zaragoza Placemaking Ribbon Cutting The Parque Zaragoza traffic garden and placemaking project is complete. The new bicycle traffic garden provides a safe space for children and program participants to practice biking and learn road safety. Come celebrate with us at the ribbon-cutting on Thursday, August 21 from 4 to 5 pm! Givens Park Summer Activations While Givens Recreation Center is closed for renovations, the Youth & Teen Outreach team provided programming in the park to include a community kickball tournament! More than 80 participants showed up for this free, family-friendly event with food, music, and even a half-time dance party! Community Recreation Conley -Guerrero Senior Activity Center On July 26th, we hosted our Community Engagement Open House. Our center welcomed over …
DRAFT FOR REVIEW — 08.25.25 Improving Public Access to City of Austin Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) manages numerous baseball, softball, and soccer fields through contracts with 25 organizations across 28 active agreements; WHEREAS, these contracts were developed over many years to address specific localized needs and maintenance challenges, but have inadvertently created barriers to public access to public recreational baseball, softball, and soccer facilities; WHEREAS, community members have expressed concern with inconsistent and unclear processes for accessing city-owned baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including difficulty determining which fields are available for public use, when these fields are available, who to contact to reserve or otherwise access these fields, and what constitutes guaranteed public access; WHEREAS, the Office of the City Auditor’s Special Report on Ball and Soccer Field Contracts [1] found that contract language specifying public access requirements is often vague, with little guidance on how public access should be managed or what it means in practice; WHEREAS, there is currently no centralized system for the public to easily determine field availability, contact information, or reservation procedures across the various contracted facilities; WHEREAS, maintaining quality baseball, softball, and soccer fields requires significant time, labor, and financial resources, necessitating partnerships with organizations willing to provide such maintenance; WHEREAS, the City’s commitment to equitable access to public recreational facilities requires balancing the guarantees embedded in these maintenance partnerships with a commitment to ongoing public access; WHEREAS, improving public access to these facilities aligns with the City’s broader efforts to make public services more accessible and user-friendly; and WHEREAS, PARD staff have acknowledged these recreational field access challenges and are actively working to address them; THEREFORE, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommends: 1. A Centralized Information Source. The City of Austin and PARD should centralize and publicize information about public access to all baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including contracted fields. Access to this information should be shared in an easily discoverable online format as well as adjacent to the relevant public fields and in any other environments that are deemed appropriate, and should include at least: a. Contact information for field reservations; b. Available time slots for public use; c. Clear procedures for accessing fields; and d. Standardized definitions of “public access.” 2. A Robust Online Scheduling Platform. The City of Austin and PARD should undertake the …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250825-3 Date: August 25, 2025 Subject: Permanent and Temporary Use of Adams Hemphill Neighborhood Park Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends to City Council to approve a permanent change of use of 138,136 sq. ft. and a temporary change of use of 11,997 sq. ft. of parkland for a period not to exceed 120 calendar days in parkland located in Adams Hemphill Neighborhood Park. Total mitigation is $2,980,911. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve a permanent change of use of 138,136 sq. ft. and a temporary change of use of 11,997 sq. ft. of parkland for a period not to exceed 120 calendar days in parkland located in Adams Hemphill Neighborhood Park, Total mitigation is $2,980,911 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers second on an 8-1 vote. Those voting aye were: Chair Bazan, Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Becker, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Merritt, Taylor and Villalobos. Those voting nay were: Board Member Eubanks. Board Members Abou-Emara and Orme absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor and Pedro Villalobos. Against: Ted Eubanks. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director August 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Hosts Citywide School Supply Drive On July 25, the Austin Central Library hosted the 2025 Citywide School Supply Drive, welcoming more than 60 City of Austin employees from various departments who volunteered their time to support local students. Throughout the day, volunteers collected donation drop- offs, sorted and packaged supplies, and prepared them for pickup and distribution. Thirty students from the Boys and Girls Club and the Summer Playgrounds program joined the event, enjoying lunch with Council Member José Velásquez, Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden- Howard, and Interim Director Hannah Terrell, followed by a guided tour of the library. Each student selected a backpack and received essential school supplies to start the new school year with confidence. Thanks to the combined efforts of participating departments, the City of Austin provided 691 backpacks and 210 boxes of supplies to Austin ISD and the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center. The Austin Public Library made a major contribution toward this total, with more than 15 divisions or individuals donating 143 backpacks and approximately 1,500 school supplies. Welcoming Namakau Mayungo: Mandela Washington Fellow From July 30 to August 27, Austin Public Library is honored to welcome Namakau Mayungo, a dedicated public librarian from Zambia, through the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Professional Development Experience. This distinguished program connects exceptional leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with U.S. institutions to foster cross-cultural exchange and advance professional expertise. Namakau’s career reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, equitable information access, and youth empowerment. In addition to her work as a public librarian, she volunteers with Sol Talent Hub, a youth-led organization that uses artistic expression to share critical information. During her residency at APL, she will focus on strategies for planning, implementing, and monitoring community literacy projects, while contributing her insight and experience to strengthen the library’s community impact. Austin History Center – Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories The Austin History Center (AHC) is celebrating their upcoming reopening and the 25th anniversary of its Community Archives Program this year. Throughout the summer, in an effort to remain rooted in community, the AHC hosted public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input on future programs, exhibits, and spaces. On Sunday, September 7, from 1–4 p.m. at 800 Guadalupe Street, we will host the …
The Death of the Public Library Public libraries are in decline not because of the internet or because people are reading less, but because they have become de facto homeless shelters. “ CURRE N T PRA CTI CE S A RE N ’ T SO LV I N G HO M E L E SSN E SS, B UT SE E M WE L L O N THE I R WAY TO DE STRO Y I N G THE PUB L I C L I B RA RY ,” WRI TE S ZA C B I SSO N N E TTE . ( GE N A RO M O L I N A / L OS A NG EL ES T I MES V I A GE TTY I M A GE S) By Zac Bissonnette I was excited about the Mandel Public Library when I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in early 2023. The city was on the rise, and Fodor’s Travel had named Mandel the fourth most beautiful public library in America. Then I started going there. I watched a security guard tell a man who appeared to be homeless that he wasn’t allowed back for another month. In the new books section, a guy yelled into his phone that he’d been kicked off the bus for arguing with a driver. Other homeless people slept in chairs and snored; the smell made you hold your breath. Beautiful though it was, with high rounded ceilings and a coffee shop in the lobby, I wondered how people could use this library as a place to read and study. The answer, I soon discovered, is that increasingly, they don’t. Between 2012 and 2019, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, visits to the Mandel Library declined 27 percent, and total circulation—the number of items, including e-books, borrowed by library patrons—fell 26 percent. And even as newcomers poured into South Florida, the trend has not reversed, with visits falling another 31 percent since 2019, meaning that visits have declined a staggering 50 percent. The statistic showing a dramatic increase, on the other hand, is not the one you want to see. According to the library’s director, Lisa Hathaway, “behavior incident reports”—everything from sleeping in the library to harassment of other patrons as well as staff—have risen by 41 percent since 2019. Rather than resisting their role as first responders …
Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Library Commission Meeting August 25, 2025 Building Our Strategic Plan 2022 - 2023 A Year of Collaborative Planning • Over 6,500 Austinites contributed to shaping the vision • Guided by a dedicated Steering Committee, including: Chief Administrative Officer Assistant Director of Public Services Community Engagement Librarian IDEAL Program Manager Business Process Consultant Sr Workgroup Engagement • 5 workgroups aligned with the strategic goals • 86 staff members from across the department participated • Members were selected for their diverse roles, perspectives, & expertise 2024 IMPLEMENTATION Rolling Out the Strategy 2024 - 2025 Engaging Staff Across the System • Conducted a “Road Show”, visiting over 40 work groups in just 3 months Partnering with the University of Texas • Collaborating on a Data Dictionary and Reporting Tool to support data-informed decision-making Coordinating with the City & Office of Operational Excellence • Aligning metrics with the City’s Strategic Direction 2028 • Prioritizing metrics and data collection • Tweaking our systems to collect meaningful data Ongoing Communication & Training • Presenting at Staff Development Days, Management Team Meetings, Branch Meetings, Library Orientation, and other key internal events • Providing on-demand training for use of new tools • Creating and communicating new procedures Technology Design & Buildout2024 - 2025 Background • New Strategic Plan • Consistency of Tracking and Reporting • Consistency of Process Server and Infrastructure • Library – All New Server Hardware, Software and Platforms • Security and Privacy take the lead • New Tools, Methods, and Processes • Built from the ground up (New Stacks) Standardization of data and methods • Database decisions • Methods and Tools 2024 - 2025 Database & Applications A Phased Approach • Prioritize buildout • 50+ metrics for the Strategic Plan alone • Proof of Concept as we build Phase I • Library Highlights Report – Library Commission • Completing Phase I Now Phase II – Remaining Strategic Plan Metrics • Strategic Plan Metrics • Capture …through presentation • Long Term Vision – Make sense Actions Phase III – Misc Metrics, New Mediums and Presentations • Non- Strategic Plan metrics • Audience Access Expansion • New Presentation Methods STRATEGIC GOALS Goal 1: Provide Community-Centric Programs and Services • Include staff feedback in designing programs and services • Making sure that resources are allocated equitably • Use data to better understand how libraries are used • Offer …
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS Cody Scott – Facilities Process Manager OBJECTIVES Introduction Completed Projects Active Projects Pending Projects Bond 2026 Facilities Services Introduction BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS INVENTORY CONTROL MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SECURITY Project Updates Faulk Building and History Center Renovations 2018 Bond – Archival Expansion and Preservation Old Quarry Willie Mae Kirk St John Spending Overview Library 2018 Bond Spending Overview $34.5 M $30.2 M $15.1 M $12.2 M $11.2 M $6.2 M $4.0 M $.0 M 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 $40.0 M $35.0 M $30.0 M $25.0 M $20.0 M $15.0 M $10.0 M $5.0 M $.0 M 2026 Bond Priorities Proposed 2026 Austin Public Library Bond Projects Colony Park Branch Library All-new community hub serving East Austin Safe and Secure Libraries Protecting and supporting in times of crisis Oak Hill and Milwood Branch Expansions Enhancing existing network Land Acquisitions For future library construction The 2026 Bond Election presents a critical opportunity to begin implementing Austin Public Library's city council-approved facilities recommendations, ensuring APL meets the growing needs of Austin’s diverse communities through expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Colony Park Branch Library All new facility to serve as community hub in major service desert in rapidly-growing East Austin area. Opportunity for co-location of services with other City of Austin Departments as part of affordable housing development. Hampton at Oak Hill Expansion • Original design plans call to expand 6,420 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet • The properties impervious cover limited the outward expansion of the library to this example • Current parking lot expansion is in line with original designed expansion Milwood Expansion • Original design plans proposed to expand 6,500 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet Safe and Secure Library Project • Terrazas Branch, Ruiz Branch, and Little Walnut Creek Branch • supporting the community during times of crisis. • • • • backup power systems enhanced climate control resilient design features like energy-efficient systems structural reinforcements Land Acquisitions for Future Libraries 30,000 to 40,000 square-foot facilities, addressing significant service gaps in Austin’s underserved northeast, southeast and southwest communities. • Large regional branches to extend our impact beyond the city center and serve as community hubs Thank you Questions and Concerns
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE AUGUST 22, 2025 – 12:00 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lane Becker (Mayor), Chair Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Kim Taylor (D-8) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on November 15, 2024 and March 21, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on an upcoming a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 2 3. Staff briefing on the monthly Austin Parks and Recreation contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Austin Parks and Recreation. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Tim Dombeck at (512) 974-6716 tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. Page 2 of 2
