20260213-008 Recommendation to Council Regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Date: February 13, 2026 Recommendation Number 20260213-008 Subject: Budget Recommendation to the City Council Regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program Motioned By: Commissioner Vassallo Seconded By: Chair Kelly WHEREAS, the City of Austin sponsors the Therapeutic Recreation Program through the Parks and Recreation Department providing activity-based interventions to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning of individuals with disabilities; WHEREAS, the Therapeutic Recreation Program is held at parks around the city, often serving under resourced members of the community; WHEREAS, constituents have raised concerns about wait list times and limited locations of the program, which creates barriers to participation for those that need it most; and WHEREAS, additional funding could expand locations and improve services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate additional funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program with the goal of expanding the locations of services and reducing wait list times. Date of Approval: February 13, 2026 Record of the vote: 8-0 For: Chair Kelly, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Comer-HaGans, Diaz, Murphy, San Martin, Slade, Vassallo Against: Off Dais: Commissioner Diaz Absent: Commissioner Fetonte Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison