REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MARCH 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/0gCGHiTmhY or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) AGENDA Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 regular meeting of February 23, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Land Management Team. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Matt McCaw, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve 15,368 sq. ft. of permanent Transmission Line use within parkland at Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach. Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Energy is $2,414,240. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Presenter(s): David Tomczyszyn, Vice President of Electrical System Engineering and Mac Kammerer, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Energy. Page 1 of 2 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to adopt Local Standards of Care for City of Austin youth programs. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Christa McCarthy, Recreation Services Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize negotiation and execution of an inter-local agreement between the City and Austin …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bertha Rendon Ortiz - East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association Kate Hainsworth - Off-leash dog issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 2, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meeting of February 2, 2026 was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Abou-Emara’s second on a 7-0 vote. Those abstaining were Chair Bazan and Board Member Taylor. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system. Charles Vaclavik, Operations and Maintenance Division Manager; Joe Diaz, Facility Process Manager; Nate Thayer, Parks Grounds Manager, South District; Merrideth Jiles, Parks Grounds Manager, Citywide Services; Albert Homann, Building Services Manager; Felix Padron, Parks Grounds Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on how APR works with non-profit partners to maintain parks, and additional resources needed by the O&M team. Page 1 of 5 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system was approved on Board Member Eubanks’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-3 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Austin Energy I-35 Cap Ex Relocation Motioned By: Nicole Merritt Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends to Austin City Council to approve 15,368 sq. ft. of permanent Transmission Line use within parkland at Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach. Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Energy is $2,414,240 We further recommend that PARD and Austin Energy provide financial support and restoration and recovery to the Food Forest and Community Garden and continue to engage them to return the impacted parkland to its use. We further recommend that PARD and Austin Energy proactively seek out additional community and neighborhood groups representing the area and engage them as key partners to understand impacts to the parkland resulting from this easement. Vote: The motion to approve this recommendation was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Chair Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-4 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Local Standards of Care Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Diane Kearns-Osterweil Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to adopt Local Standards of Care for City of Austin youth programs. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to adopt Local Standards of Care for City of Austin youth programs was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Kearns-Osterweil’s second on an 8-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-5 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Montopolis AISD ILA Motioned By: Stephanie Bazan Seconded By: Lane Becker Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to authorize negotiation and execution of an inter-local agreement between the City and Austin Independent School District (AISD) for parkland use at the athletic fields located at 400 Grove Boulevard. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to authorize negotiation and execution of an inter-local agreement between the City and Austin Independent School District (AISD) for parkland use at the athletic fields located at 400 Grove Boulevard was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Board Member Becker’s second on an 8-0 vote. Board Members Abou- Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-6 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Nicole Merritt Rationale: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has taken into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) staff; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2027 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, the FY 2025-26 Enhancements Report identified a significant number of Austin Parks and Recreation enhancement requests that were not included in the FY26 Proposed Budget, representing substantial unmet operational, staffing, and infrastructure needs across the department; WHEREAS, APR security and emergency management needs remain unaddressed, with a request for a Security Division estimated at $2,788,155 annually and $300,000 in one-time funding to manage, train, and coordinate security and emergency management and conduct annual security audits across all APR assets; WHEREAS, significant aquatics infrastructure and staffing needs remain unfunded, including maintenance and staffing for Barton Springs Pool, Givens Pool, Montopolis Pool, Northwest Pool, and other facilities, representing millions of dollars in unmet need; WHEREAS, the Land Management Program remains critically underfunded, with a budget of only $828,000 and four FTEs overseeing the entire 10,300 acres under city management, and the FY26 budget process did not include the requested three additional FTEs and associated funding (~$1,203,056 annually and $49,000 one-time) needed in FY26 alone, with a further two FTEs (~$630,762 annually and $99,000 one-time) deferred to FY27; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and most city parkland natural areas remain unmanaged for ecosystem health and are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, presenting safety risks to both park users and neighbors; 1 of 4 WHEREAS, the city does not yet have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance, and a full citywide tree inventory remains unfunded despite a Council resolution directing it; the Urban Forest Mitigation Fund has $2.5M designated for parkland tree inventory but lacks full funding for the entire city; WHEREAS, APR's recreation centers and senior centers remain under-resourced in both programming and physical …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bertha Rendon Ortiz - East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association Kate Hainsworth - Off-leash dog issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 2, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meeting of February 2, 2026 was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Abou-Emara’s second on a 7-0 vote. Those abstaining were Chair Bazan and Board Member Taylor. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system. Charles Vaclavik, Operations and Maintenance Division Manager; Joe Diaz, Facility Process Manager; Nate Thayer, Parks Grounds Manager, South District; Merrideth Jiles, Parks Grounds Manager, Citywide Services; Albert Homann, Building Services Manager; Felix Padron, Parks Grounds Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on how APR works with non-profit partners to maintain parks, and additional resources needed by the O&M team. Page 1 of 5 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system was approved on Board Member Eubanks’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension …
Land Management DEGRADED LANDS Most natural areas have been degraded by ~150 years of fragmentation, overgrazing, cultivation, cutting, changes in species composition and hydrology, interruption of natural processes, and general neglect. Most have not been managed for ecosystem health and are vulnerable to extreme heat, drought, disease, and ultimately intense wildfire. 2019 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AUDIT Found that APR does not have the capacity to manage parkland natural areas and address wildfire risk. LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND PLAN APR developed a land management plan to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk and a program to implement it. austintexas.gov/LMP Walter E. Long Metro Park September 4, 2023 LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MISSION Restore parkland natural areas to mitigate risk and provide vital ecosystem services to Austin residents in perpetuity. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? • Veg communities that are resilient to climate stressors • Primarily “timber” or “grass” fuel models = low prob of crown fire • High-reliability work groups • Public-private coordination and cooperation STRATEGY • • (long-term) Active ecological restoration (short term) Hazard fuel reduction GOALS • 500-1,000 acres of restoration and fuel • mitigation treatments per year Take action* on all lands in the land management plan by 2040 *This may mean no action in some places if no action is needed, but that should be an affirmative decision supported by thorough analysis, not a passive default. Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary RESTORATION ACTIVITIES Selective thinning and invasive species removal Targeted removal of small trees, brush, and invasive species to improve forest health, climate resilience, and park user safety Fuel mitigation Removal of hazard fuels to reduce wildfire intensity Prescribed fire Important land management and wildfire mitigation tool. austintexas.gov/parkrxfire Planting and seeding Improves climate resilience 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2020-2025 • Council-approved land management plan for 10,348 acres of natural area • 1,900+ acres (3 square miles) of restoration and fuel mitigation treatment in 32 parks • Engaged in a unified fashion to create joint work plans with numerous volunteer groups • Art + Restoration: Audio Wild, Really Small Museum Highlight: Restoring 50+ acres of remnant Blackland Prairie – the only remaining in Travis County. An almost- extirpated vegetation community of global significance. 5 HOW DO THEY DO IT? 4 FTEs with expertise in ecological restoration, wildland fire, forest ecology, research and monitoring, and project management. Contractors Other APR programs: Forestry, Safety, PARKnerships, Communications and …
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: Stuart Reilly General Manager, Austin Energy M.O.U. APR 25-006 Jesús Aguirre Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Austin Energy Capital Express Central at Lady Bird Lake FDU #; 3230 1107 K386; Project I.D.: 13180.017 DATE: Austin Energy is allowed to use the parkland located at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated in Attachment “B” (Location Map). The parkland is to be used for Permanent Use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: 15,368 sq. ft. = $2,414,240 Total Parkland Mitigation Amount = $2,414,240 Austin Energy is in agreement to provide the following mitigation ($2,414,240) in return for use of the parkland after City Council has approved this request. The estimated Project Start Date is October 2026 The estimated duration of the construction on parkland 120 Calendar Days. Estimated Date of Final Completion (Restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and Austin Parks and Recreation; Parkland open for Public Use) is May 2027. Austin Energy commits to the following construction coordination measures: • Notice of construction will be provided at least 30 calendar days in advance of initial construction to Austin Parks and Recreation (APR). Austin Energy will endeavor to work with APR to accommodate Festival Beach events while complying with applicable Chapter 26 notification requirements. (Attachment C). • Austin Energy will work within the approved construction plan and will contact APR in advance regarding any modifications or extensions to parkland use. Austin Energy will avoid disrupting scheduled park events where feasible and will avoid construction on parkland during weekends whenever practicable, in coordination with APR and Community Partners. (Attachment D) • Austin Energy will not stage or store construction equipment or materials on parkland. • Austin Energy will ensure continuous access to the Festival Beach Community Garden and Festival Beach Food Forest throughout construction, with only short periods of restricted access at the Waller Street entrance for safety reasons; alternate access will remain available. (Attachment E). • On-site trees may not be pruned over 25%, in accordance with City of Austin code. Austin Energy pruning will follow arborist guidelines and Austin Energy’s vegetation management standards to ensure public and system safety. Transmission structure placement has been designed to minimize impacts …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Permanent Use - Overhead Easement Permanent Use - Driveway Permanent Use - Transmission Structure TOTAL = Calculated Fee $1,959,840 $441,600 $12,800 $2,414,240 Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Project: Requesting Department: AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach Adjacent COA Parcel 188233 Identified by requested area site geography Average Value per Square Foot. ($): $200.00 Calculated Based on Appraised Value of COA Parcel Requested Area (sq. ft.): 4,416 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $883,200 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 50.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $441,600 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value Percentage of Fee 10% Comments Nominal effect on use and utility Example Uses Small subsurface water or sewer line DISTURBANCE VALUES 25% 35% 50% 65% 75% 90% 100% Subsurface or air rights that have minimal effect on use and utility Location along a property line or non usable land area Balanced use by both owner and easement holder Some impact on surface use and conveyance of ingress/egress rights Major impact on surface use and conveyance of future uses Severe impact on surface use and conveyance of future uses Permanently dedicated to installation Larger subsurface water or sewer line with minimal impacts on future development Water or sewer line, cable lines or other subsurface use with limited impacts on developable area Water or sewer line, cable lines with exceptions in the DOU allowing parklike amenities Pipelines or other limited surface impacts with maintenance requirements and limited development potential Pipelines, drainage easements, flowage easements that restrict future use Overhead electric, drainage easements, or other use with restrictions on future use ROW or other use with surface impact on parkland Areas within an existing easement or declaration of use are limited to the remaining eligible disturbance value. Adapted From: Right of Way Magazine "Easement Valuation" Sherwood, May/June 2006. Provided by City of Austin Office of Real Estate ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Project: Requesting Department: AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird …
Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT " " - STAKEHOLDER LIST # 1 2 3 Organization Festival Beach Food Forest Fruitful Commons Festival Beach Community Garden APR Coordinator Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Contact Grace Gilker Jodi Lane Email gracegilker@gmail.com jodi@fruitfulcommons.org Amanda Ross Angelina Alanis admin@festivalbeachgarden.org
Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT "C " - STAKEHOLDER LIST # 1 2 3 4 Organization Festival Beach Food Forest Fruitful Commons Fruitful Commons Festival Beach Community APR Coordinator Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Amanda Ross Contact Angelina Alanis Angelina Alanis Aly Tharp Brianne Lavroy Email contact@festivalbeach.org Angie@fruitfulcommons.org Aly@fruitfulcommons.org admin@festivalbeachgarden.org
ATTCHMENT "D" - CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date First Saturday Monthly First Saturday Monthly Time 9 - 11 am 9 - 11 am Event Title First Saturday Plant Walk(s) Volunteer Orientation Second Saturday Monthly 9 am - 12 pm Sept. - May, 8 am - 11 am June - August Second Saturday Workday(s) Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly 9 am - 12 pm Sept. - May, 8 am - 11 am June - August Community Workdays Sundays Weekly First Saturday in March April October 11 - 12 pm 9 am - 2 pm TBD TBD First Saturday in November 9 am - 2 pm November December TBD TBD Yoga in the Food Forest Its My Park Day Garden Social @ LadyBird Senior Residences Roots and Wings Fest Its My Park Day Friends of the Forest Feast Winter Fundraiser/ Forest Pa
This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the-ground surveyand represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the City of Austin for the sole purpose of geographic reference.No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness.23 February 2026bookspa04080Feet±LegendCommunity PartnerFestival Beach Community GardenFestival Beach Food Forest/Fruitful CommonsCommunity Partner AreaWALLERSTFLORESSTCLERMONTAVENIH35SVRDNBNASHHERNANDEZSRRDWALLERSTNIH35NBLBJWAYGUSGARCIADRARTDILLYDRGUSGARCIADRWALLER STNASH HERNANDEZ SR RDFLORES STCLERMONT AVEART DILLY DRE RIVERSIDE TO IH 35 NB RAMPLBJ WAYN IH 35 SVRD NBNASH HERNANDEZ TO IH 35 RAMPWALLER STGUS GARCIA DRFestival BeachCommunity GardenFestival Beach FoodForest/FruitfulCommons
PARKLAND DONATION, IMPROVEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT (Festival Beach Food Forest at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach) This Parkland Donation, Improvement, Maintenance, and Programming Agreement (Festival Beach Food Forest at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach) (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between FRUITFUL COMMONS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation, by and through its Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD") (the "City"). (Fruitful Commons and the City are each a Party and together, the Parties.) RECITALS The City is the owner of certain parkland property located at 2101 Jessie E. Segovia Street in Austin and identified as Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, as shown on Exhibit A (the "Park"); and In 2014, the City Council adopted the Holly Street/Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach Vision Plan (the “Vision Plan™), which included direction to establish a food forest pilot program on two-thirds of an acre in the Park, on Festival Beach, with future phased expansion subject to City Council approval. The boundaries of the Festival Beach Food Forest are shown on Exhibit B and include the Parkland Improvements (the “Food Forest”); and The purpose of the Food Forest is to provide fresh, healthy food to the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods; and The Festival Beach Food Forest, a project of Fruitful Commons, is committed to advancing the Austin Food Plan, Austin Climate Plan, and the PARD 2020-2030 Long Range Plan. The Festival Beach Food Forest began as a volunteer organization working under the fiscal sponsorship of Urban Patchwork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to establish a food forest in the Park; and In 2015, the City entered into a Parkland Improvement Donation Agreement with Urban Patchwork to implement the Food Forest pilot program in accordance with the Vision Plan (“Phase 17); and Founders of the Festival Beach Food Forest worked with Urban Patchwork to implement Phase 1 of the Food Forest; and In 2020, Fruitful Commons became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the community leaders of The Festival Beach Food Forest shifted to Fruitful Commons as their fiscal sponsor; and In 2021, the City Council approved Resolution No. 20210729-115 directing the appropriate the Parks and Recreation Department) to partner with Fruitful City department (identified as Commons to plan, design, implement, and maintain Phase 2, a three-acre expansion of the Food Forest, including installation …
3/20/26, 10:44 AM City of Austin, TX - Report Creation IH 35 Cap Ex Central LBL AE Relocation Project Engagement VIEWS 12 PARTICIPANTS RESPONSES COMMENTS 2 0 4 Submit a Comment/Question Your input is important to us. If you have a question or comment, please don't hesitate to let us know using the form below: How will you resolve ongoing confusion around differences/ needs of the Festival Beach Community Garden and the Festival Beach Food Forest. They are two different spaces with different structures, memberships, site plans, and city points of contact. 3/12/2026 What measures will be taken to ensure that there is no damage or over-pruning/topping of the mature trees within the Festival Beach Community Garden during the installation of this transmission structure? 3/12/2026 Thank you for the question. The Land Development Code and Criteria Manual require that any tree pruned over 25% be mitigated for and Austin Energy has committed to no pruning over the 25% limitation for this project. 3/19/2026 What options are available to beautify the structure/space that will be impacted at Festival Beach Community Garden by the installation of this transmission structure directly at the entrance to Festival Beach Community Garden? 3/12/2026 https://publicinput.com/Reporting/ReportPreview/40979 1/1
Local Standards of Care Austin Parks and Recreation | March 23, 2026 State of Texas Human Resource Code Ch. 42 exempts municipalities of Child Care Licensure through annual adoption of standards of care by ordinance after a public hearing. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and are not licensed by the state of Texas as certified day care programs or facilities. The Standards of Care are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Austin will operate the City’s Youth Programs. 2 Facility, Health and Safety Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) 30 sq ft per child, annual safety inspections, food preparation requirements, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, first- aid and AED, and restroom supervision Annual safety inspections, food preparation requirements, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, first-aid and AED, and restroom supervision Guidelines for participation when illness or injury exists, above 101 temperature or communicable disease Guidelines for participation when illness or injury exists, above 100.4 temperature accompanied by signs of illness Physical Environment Health Standards Medical Standards Authorization to administer medication expires after one year, must be secured Medication authorization form, secured 1-week supply 3 Staff Qualifications Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) Age 18 years or older with HS diploma or equivalent (16-18 if supervised) 18 years or older (15-17 if supervised) Required Certifications CPR, AED, First Aid and basic water rescue or equivalent for aquatic supervision CPR, AED, First Aid and basic water rescue or equivalent for aquatic supervision Training Requirements Orientation to child-care center, pre- service and annual training, transportation safety, and water safety Meet established annual youth programs training requirements in addition to COA and APR required trainings. 4 Supervision Ratios Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) Age Range Infants through 13 years 5 – 13 years Staff to Child Ratios Swimming & Wading Pool Ratios 1 per 22 (ages 5) 1 per 26 (ages 6-13) 1 per 10 (ages 5) 1 per 12 (ages 6-13) 1 per 12 (ages 5-9) 1 per 15 (ages 10-13) 1 per 8 (ages 5-7) 1 per 12 (ages 8-13) Programs Designed for Participants with a Disability Inclusive programs with reasonable modifications per ADA, no reduced ratio requirements 1 per 4 (ages 5–12) 1 per …
City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: March 26, 2026 File ID: 26-1307 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING LOCAL STANDARDS OF CARE FOR YOUTH RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS OPERATED BY AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION AND AUSTIN ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. AUTHORITY. The Council adopts these local standards of care for Austin Parks and Recreation’s and Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment’s youth recreational programs pursuant to Texas Human Resources Code Section 42.041 (Required License) and the City’s home-rule authority. PART 2. DEFINITIONS. In this ordinance: (1) ACTIVITY LEADER means a person responsible for the direct care or supervision of participants. The term excludes a person whose primary duties include administration, clerical support, food preparation, or facility maintenance. (2) DEPARTMENTS means Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. (3) DIRECTOR means the director of Austin Parks and Recreation or Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. (4) DIRECTORS means both directors. (5) DESIGNEE means a person appointed by the director to act on the director’s behalf. (6) (7) FACILITY means a building or improvement operated or used by the departments in conducting a recreational program. PARTICIPANT means a child aged five to 13 years old who is enrolled in a recreational program and is under the supervision of department staff. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Draft 3/11/2026 Page 1 of 7 COA Law Department City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: March 26, 2026 File ID: 26-1307 (8) RECREATIONAL PROGRAM means a fee-based children’s program or activity offered and supervised by the departments that requires a participant to enroll or register to participate. (9) VOLUNTEER means a person assisting without remuneration in the care or supervision of participants. 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 PART 3. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. 47 48 49 50 51 (A) The departments will operate recreational programs in compliance with appropriate state law, this ordinance, and the departments’ rules adopted by this ordinance. (B) The directors or their designees will administer the programs. 52 PART 4. PROGRAM RULES; MONITORING. 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 …
AISD Inter-local Agreement Montopolis Youth Sports Complex Parks and Recreation Board | March 23, 2026 Background AISD is in the process of a modernization project of Travis Early College High School (TECHS) located at 1211 E. Oltorf Street, Austin, Texas 78704 Construction impedes the use of its athletic fields and the high school will receive upgrades to their athletic fields Estimated to complete Q3 2028 The City and AISD share a mutual interest in the benefits that participating in team sports provide. 2 Contract Terms and Conditions The City shall: AISD shall: Establish one year contract term with five additional 12-month renewal options. Establish facility field use/times and maintenance roles and responsibilities for AISD. Be responsible for utilities related to the Facilities. Be responsible for providing staff supervision for students while the students are on City property. Will reimburse to the City the actual cost to repair any damages to the premises or equipment being provided directly caused by AISD's occupancy. Be responsible, at its expense, for maintenance of the infield and turf meeting APR’s Standard Levels of Care for Athletic Complexes. 3 Board Action Recommend that the City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an agreement between the City of Austin and AISD and to waive utility and field use fees. Austin City Council – March 26
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Seconded By: Rationale: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has taken into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) staff; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2027 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, the FY 2025-26 Enhancements Report identified a significant number of Austin Parks and Recreation enhancement requests that were not included in the FY26 Proposed Budget, representing substantial unmet operational, staffing, and infrastructure needs across the department; WHEREAS, APR security and emergency management needs remain unaddressed, with a request for a Security Division estimated at $2,788,155 annually and $300,000 in one-time funding to manage, train, and coordinate security and emergency management and conduct annual security audits across all APR assets; WHEREAS, significant aquatics infrastructure and staffing needs remain unfunded, including maintenance and staffing for Barton Springs Pool, Givens Pool, Montopolis Pool, Northwest Pool, and other facilities, representing millions of dollars in unmet need; WHEREAS, the Land Management Program remains critically underfunded, with a budget of only $828,000 and four FTEs overseeing the entire 10,300 acres under city management, and the FY26 budget process did not include the requested three additional FTEs and associated funding (~$1,203,056 annually and $49,000 one-time) needed in FY26 alone, with a further two FTEs (~$630,762 annually and $99,000 one-time) deferred to FY27; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and most city parkland natural areas remain unmanaged for ecosystem health and are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, presenting safety risks to both park users and neighbors; 1 of 4 WHEREAS, the city does not yet have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance, and a full citywide tree inventory remains unfunded despite a Council resolution directing it; the Urban Forest Mitigation Fund has $2.5M designated for parkland tree inventory but lacks full funding for the entire city; WHEREAS, APR's recreation centers and senior centers remain under-resourced in both programming and physical capacity, including unmet needs for summer camp …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 BYLAWS OF THE Parks and Recreation Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Parks & Recreation Board. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: (A) The board shall advise city council and the city manager regarding: the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; the purchase of additional land be managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. (B) The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the City Manager for detail development, and the City Manager may then submit the plan to the City Council for approval as may be required by Code. (C) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private members of the public, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest general public welfare. (D) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the City Council. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December, and May 18th at 6:00 p.m.) January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 19 18, 2026 – Permitting and Development Center June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 23, 2026
2026 Bond Program Update Austin Parks and Recreation | March 23, 2026 Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Schedule We Are Here August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 Departments Present to Working Groups BEATF Mtg 8.25.25 Scoring Matrix Shared with BEATF & Departments BEATF Mtg 9.22.25 BEATF Mtg 10.27.25 BEATF led Listening Sessions BEATF Mtg 11.17.25 City Matrix scores provided GIS Map BEATF Mtg 12.15.25 Working Group Closed Meetings Bond Capacity Update Phase III Survey Staff Initial Proposal 2 BEATF Mtgs 1.12.26 1.26.26 Working Groups Present to BEATF Phase III Open House Events BEATF Mtgs 2.9.26 2.23.26 BEATF Mtgs 3.9.26 3.23.26 BEATF Mtg 4.13.26 4.27.26 BEATF recommen- dation to Mayor and City Council 5.4.26 2 $410 million bond package recommended Parkland Acquisition 2025 Key Milestones July 31, 2025 Memo to Mayor and Council with Initial Project Request List – 2026 Bond Development Update for Parks and Recreation projects $3.87 billion total city bond package recommendation August thru December 2025 Internal Project Review Board reviewed and prioritized citywide bond projects / programs Austin Parks and Recreation presented to Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Parkland and Open Space Working Group Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition July 31, 2025 APR Staff Bond Recommendation Building Renovation & Replacements Recreation & Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $85M $100M $55M $40M $60M $70M TOTAL $410M 3 2026 Key Milestones January 14, 2026 Financial Services recommends a maximum $750M 2026 bond package at the Audit and Finance Committee January 21, 2026 Memo to Mayor and Council with 2026 Bond Initial Draft Staff Project Recommendation $140 million bond package recommended for Parks and Recreation projects $700 million total city bond package recommendation Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition Jan. 21, 2026 (CDS) Staff Initial Recommendation Building Renovation & Replacements Parkland Acquisition Recreation & Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $55M $40M $10M $5M $15M $15M TOTAL $140M 4 2026 Key Milestones February 9, 2026 BEATF parkland and open space working group (BEATF WG) presents recommendations to entire BEATF $180 million initial bond package recommended for Parks and Recreation projects February 17 thru 28, 2026 Five community …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE March 2026 Recreation Services Division – Mexic -arte Showcase Totally Cool Totally Art th The teen art program, Totally Cool Totally Art, celebrated their 25 Mexic-arte Museum showcase on February 19. Participants from 10 recreation centers and their families gathered downtown to celebrate their accomplishments and appreciate great art. – Adaptive Prom McBeth Recreation Center McBeth Recreation Center held its annual Adaptive Prom on Saturday, March 21, welcoming approximately 100 adults with disabilities for a night of celebration. The event featured music by CJ the DJ with an evening of dancing in a fun and inclusive social environment. Facility Check -In Kiosk Pilot The reservations and RecTrac team set up and trained staff at Northwest Recreation Center with the new kiosk's that are being rolled out. This new kiosk solution allows patrons at our facilities to self-scan when checking -in to facilities. Natural Resources Division Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance Continuing to prepare facilities for the summer season. Murchison now has restroom partitions installed, and deck drain covers replaced. Barton Springs Spring cleaning will extend into spring break due to delays caused by the skimmer removal project, current estimated reopening of March 21, 2026. As of March 10, five pipe sections have been successfully removed, significantly improving progress -related delays. despite multiple weather Deep Eddy Sp rin g cle a n in g sch e d u le d fo r 03/28–04/11, sta ff will re p a in t d e ck sign s, h a n d ra ils, a n d o th e r fixtu re s, d e e p cle a n th e fa cility, se rvice e q u ip m e n t, a n d co m p le te ge n e ra l gro u n d s wo rk. Instructional Swim Programming, Marketing and Public Pools ISP is ra m p in g u p fo r th e sp rin g b re a k su rge , with 131 a p p lica n ts a n d co u n tin g, re giste re d fo r Life gu a rd cla sse s. No rth we st is n e a rin g su b sta n tia l co m p le tio n a n d will b e tu rn e d ove r …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 23, 2026 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/zsh2afJDcV or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) AGENDA Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 regular meeting of February 2, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Charles Vaclavik, Operations and Maintenance Division Manager; Joe Diaz, Facility Process Manager; Nate Thayer, Parks Grounds Manager, South District; Merrideth Jiles, Parks Grounds Manager, Citywide Services; Albert Homann, Building Services Manager; Felix Padron, Parks Grounds Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 3 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Steve Hammond, Golf Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation, …
Operations and Maintenance Operations and Maintenance Austin Parks and Recreation Board | February 23, 2026 Operations and Maintenance Charles Vaclavik, Division Manager 20,790 Acres of Parkland 382 Parks Service FT’s 1,360 Acres Mowing 287 Miles of Trails Trails Grounds Maintenance 25 Recreation and Senior Centers 200 Playgrounds Facility Maintenance Playgrounds Horticulture Graffiti 2 Work Orders closed in FY25 Includes Work Orders opened via 3-1-1 and those opened by staff (i.e. routine maintenance and issues found during inspections) Mowing/ Fields Service Trails Park Maintenance Playgrounds Electric Building Maintenance Plumbing Horticulture Graffiti Abatement 3 Operations and Maintenance is… Cutting grass, line trimming, leaf blowing, trash pickup, cleaning and refreshing restrooms, cutting back vegetation, repairing and restoring court surfaces, parking lots, walking paths, creating new trails, safety inspections, lawn care, field maintenance, flower beds and landscaping, plumbing, electric, irrigation, HVAC, sign fabrication, graffiti removal, maintenance and repair for rec centers, office buildings, dog parks, playscapes, disc golf, splash pads, benches, decks, bleachers, concession stands, boat docks, drinking fountains, pedestrian bridges and more! Joe Diaz Facilities Process Manager Daily Operations Parks North, Parks South, Facilities, Citywide Services, Trails 242 Full Time Employees 25 Seasonal/Temp Employees 4 Operations and Maintenance is… Joe Diaz Facilities Process Manager Acting Parks Ground Manager, North District Mowing, Daily Service, Lakes • 48 Crew Members • 660 Mowed Acres 5 Featured Crew: North Service Crew Members Parks Developed Acres Restrooms Trash Cans Mutt Mitts 6 Operations and Maintenance is… Nate Thayer Parks Grounds Manager South District Mowing, Daily Service, Zilker Park • 51 Crew Members • 700 mowed acres 7 Featured Crew: Zilker Servicing Team Crew Members Acres to Cover Doing it all for Zilker (and beyond!): Cleaning restrooms, emptying trash, picking up litter, cleaning minor graffiti, restocking mutt-mitts, playground inspections and event coordination. Sites include: • Zilker Metro Park and Playground • Zilker Clubhouse • Barton Creek Greenbelt • Michael Butler Park • Michael Butler Shores • Vic Mathias/Auditorium Shores • Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge 8 Operations and Maintenance is… Merrideth Jiles Parks Grounds Manager Citywide Services Playgrounds, Horticulture, Graffiti Abatement • 32 Crew Members 9 Featured Crew: Playgrounds Crew Members Nature Play Sites Playgrounds Playground Maintenance Means: • Regular safety inspections • Monthly application of timber oil at Nature Play sites • Biannual changing of engineered wood fiber at all sites • Biannual power wash of all equipment • Replacement of safety mats as needed • All repairs as …
Recommendation of Vendor to Provide Recreation Software Services Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Austin Parks and Recreation | February 23, 2026 Contract Purpose To obtain a qualified and experienced vendor to provide a comprehensive Recreation Management software application with implementation services to serve a multifunctional urban Parks and Recreation Department in most aspects of its operation. The application must align with the City’s Technology Road Map, only fully cloud-hosted solutions were considered. 2 Background Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) oversees 355 parks, manages over 20,000 acres of parkland, and 107 buildings and facilities. APR utilizes the recreation management software system to manage: All program registration, Facility and campsite reservations, Equipment rentals, Golf tee time reservations, Point-of-sale purchases, Pass management, Visitor tracking, and Related services. The system processes over $29M in revenue annually. 3 Background (cont’d.) The system is also used to report performance measures data to make business planning decisions. The recreation management software system is critical for APR to: To meet service demands, Provide quality customer service, and Manage data on revenue and participant performance measures. The system manages: Customer accounts, Program/activity/class records, Participant enrollments, and Revenue data and other relevant data about APR programs and participants, which is critical for understanding the community’s needs and determining where the City’s parks programming resources are most needed. 4 RFP Process The Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation (RFP 8600 GAZ3028) for a contract to provide a recreation management software system for APR. Issued September 16, 2024 Closed October 31,2024 Eight offers received A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available on the City website Austin Finance Online. 5 Vendor Evaluation An evaluation team, with expertise in recreation software, evaluated the 8 offers received and scored RecTrac, LLC d/b/a Vermont Systems as the best firm to provide the requested services based on: Product solution and approach, Prior experience and references, Price, Local business presence, and Small business presence. 6 Contract Term and Value Contract Term Length of Term Contract Authorization Initial Term Optional Extension 1 Optional Extension 2 Optional Extension 3 Optional Extension 4 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years 2 years $324,000 $358,000 $395,000 $439,000 $484,000 Total 10 …
South Shore Planned Unit Development Amendment Austin Parks and Recreation | February 23, 2026 Development Overview Planned Use Development (PUD) approved in 2009, most regulations vested to 2009 Amendment Proposes to annex 1.4 acres into the PUD (Area 8) Existing use: Commercial Proposed use: Multifamily Max height for additional parcel:180 feet (current heigh limited to 96 feet in the Waterfront Overlay) PROJECT LOCATION 2 Development Overview Additional 1.4 acres Area 8 Original 20 acres Original 2009 PUD restricted parkland dedication(PLD) to the 2007 Ordinance. PUD does not seek Parkland Superiority. Amendment in review: • Adds a 1.4 acre tract, • Increases allowable height to 180’, • Modifies the Waterfront Overlay, and • Vests the additional acreage to 2007 Parkland Dedication Fees. 3 Amendment Details Applicant proposed PUD amendment adds a provision to vest the additional area to 2007 Parkland Dedication requirements of $650/ residential unit. 4 Parkland Dedication Requirements Original PUD area has no onsite parkland dedicated. Current parkland dedication code requires $4,676.52/ unit paid at the time of Certificate of Occupancy. Land considered for parkland dedication requirements must meet Parkland Dedication Operating Procedures standards and be within a ¼ mile service area of the site. Staff recommend bringing additional area into compliance with current parkland dedication code. 5 Parks Board Recommendation Make a recommendation to City Council regarding the Parkland Dedication Requirements for the South Shore PUD Amendment. 6 Thank you
Chapter 26 Compliance Austin Parks and Recreation | February 2026 Agenda Definitions Federal, State and Local Laws Goals and Purpose Process Process Flow Chart Roles and Responsibilities Community Engagement Review and Mitigation Calculation Land Value Facility and Amenity Value Impacts to Programming Mitigation Fund Administration Spending Criteria Throughout this presentation updates to procedures are highlighted in red 2 Definitions • Federal, State and Local Laws • Goals and Purpose Federal, State and Local Laws Law/Code Applicability Key Requirements U.S. DOT Act – Section 4(f) Transportation projects using federal funds • Analysis of alternatives • All possible planning to minimize harm • Net analysis of project impact and benefits/mitigation to select options Land and Water Conservation Fund – Section 6(f) Lands acquired or improved with LWCF Grants Federal approval required for any conversion • • Replacement land of equal value, usefulness, and location Teas Parks and Wildlife Code – Chapter 26 All municipal parkland • Analysis of alternatives • All reasonable planning to minimize harm • Public notice and public hearing Austin City Charter – Article II Powers of the Council City of Austin dedicated parkland • Council cannot sell, lease, convey, or alienate parkland • Requires voter approval for conversion of parkland 4 Goals and Purpose Protect Parkland Ensuring that use of parkland is a last resort and only when there is no feasible alternative Minimize Harm Collaborating with requesting departments to include all planning to minimize harm to parkland Ensure Transparency Allow for meaningful public participation Maintain Parkland Value Maintain the recreational and community value of parkland through appropriate mitigation measures Support Public Needs Balance the protection of parks with the need for critical infrastructure projects benefitting the community 5 Process • Change of Use Process • Roles and Responsibilities • Community Engagement Change of Use Process City-Sponsored Project External Project • City retains ownership of • Must be government agency parkland • Internal Change of Use Process • Must comply with State and Federal Regulations • Internal Change of Use Process through Parks and Recreation Board and City Council (State, County, School District, etc.) • Must comply with State and Federal Regulations • Condemnation process required for conveyance of parkland. 7 Permanent and Temporary Use of over 6 mo. Temporary use under 6 mo. …
South 1st Street Reclaimed Water Main Parks and Recreation Board Chris Irwin Capital Delivery Services Monday, February 23, 2026 Agenda Project Summary Background Route Evaluation Chapter 26 Minimize Impacts Timeline 2 Project Summary The project consists of 5,500 linear feet of reclaimed water main Approximately 1,550 linear feet of 30-in HDPE pipe installed using conventional open trench The remaining 30-in HDPE installed using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Project drivers: increase redundancy and reliability extend service area offset drinking water use 3 Background Completing the Core 5 projects to connect SAR and Walnut Creek WWTPs Connect north and south systems Provide redundancy and reliability Expand the reclaimed water system Allows more users and developments to use reclaimed water in the future, which will reduce potable water usage 4 Route Evaluation Best route and method based on the following constraints and considerations: Not allowed to attach pipe to bridge Proposed and existing reclaimed lines on W Riverside - Proposed reclaimed line @ Newton and W Monroe - Limit impacts to traffic in area HDD Segment 2 HDD Segment 1 5 Site Evaluation With the route selected, options for permanent easement are limited due to the following constraints: Radius of HDD pipe crossing under creek Proposed and existing reclaimed lines on W Riverside - Pipe will be installed in existing South 1st Street Right of Way 6 Easement Evaluation – Option A Temporary easement required for both options Decreases road damage and closures Limits access disruption for Long and Palmer Events Center Creates a safer work environment for contractor and public 7 Easement Evaluation – Option B Temporary Easement required for both options Multiple, significant road closures Disruption to access for Long and Palmer Events Center/Parking HDD work in Right of Way adding risk for contractor and public 8 Chapter 26 State Law PARKS AND WILDLIFE CODE CHAPTER 26. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATIONAL LANDS Sec. 26.001. PROTECTED LAND; NOTICE OF TAKING. (a) A department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality of this state may not approve any program or project that requires the use or taking of any public land designated and used prior to the arrangement of the program or project as a park, recreation area, …
Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment #3 Austin Parks and Recreation | Scott Grantham | February 23, 2026 Background PUD approved in 2020, with Parkland superiority. PUD amendment zoning case (amendment #3) currently in review. PUDs are evaluated for superiority to existing City requirements. Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) will make a recommendation to Council. K COTA PUD 2 2 Background Staff finding is that current proposal removes parkland superiority. Applicant has stated they are OK moving forward without parkland superiority. Current proposal still includes some parkland language. K COTA PUD 3 3 Original COTA PUD and Parkland Original Development Plan: Racetrack, Amphitheater, Retail, Condos, Hotel Park Plan: Construct park with amenities, dedicate to the City of Austin, triggered by first residential or hotel site plan Location: “Area 8” Northeast of the existing racetrack and amphitheater, off Kellam Road, north of Elroy Road, accessible via driveway (Public Access Easement) Park (original proposal) Amphitheater Racetrack 4 Original COTA PUD and Parkland • Dedication of Parkland • 11.38 acres • Recordation of 30’ Public Access Easement • Construction of 2 Soccer Fields, and Parking Lot, etc. (next slide) • Calculation in 2020 showed superiority. Entrance Sign Access Drive 2 Soccer Fields CEF – Old Stock Tank Parking Lot 5 Original COTA PUD and Parkland Two soccer fields (330’ x 220’ each). Irrigation system for soccer fields. Parking lot (50 spaces). 26’ driveway (within 30’ Public Access Easement) to Kellam Road; sign at entrance. Drainage and water quality facilities (for park). Trigger - Constructed and dedicated prior to first Certificate of Occupancy for any site plan with Residential or Hotel. Maintenance – To be maintained by City of Austin. 7 6 6 Amended COTA PUD and Parkland Creates options for applicant: 1. Offsite land dedication: 14+ acres within 3 miles of COTA unless approved by APR Director Land approved by APR Director In Full Purpose Jurisdiction or directly adjacent Land dedication receives commensurate credit (towards units) Soccer amenities - receives commensurate credit 2. Fee in Lieu Trigger – Park should be finished and dedicated OR fee in lieu paid by first Certificate of Occupancy for Hotel or Residential. 7 Original PUD Proposed Amendment 2 options, applicant’s choice, with APR Director approval: 1. Offsite land dedication Land Dedication 11.38 acres in Area …
Briefing Item on WWL Relocation at Festival Beach Austin Water and Austin Parks and Recreation |February 2026 Agenda Introductions Impact of TxDOT's IH-35 Expansion Project Overview of the Chapter 26 Process Efforts to Collaborate and Minimize Impacts Current Status and Next Steps 2 IH-35 CapEx Project Impact to Austin Water Infrastructure • Purpose of Relocation • Festival Beach Food Forest Partner Alternative Alignment IH-35 Project Overview TxDOT’s IH-35 CapEx expansion is comprised of three main sections (North, Central, and South), spanning approximately 26 miles Estimated total construction cost is $5.6 Billion. TxDOT contractor started overall construction on IH-35 CapEx in May 2025. Presented by AW 4 IH-35 Project Overview - Relocations Approximate Total AW Pipeline Relocations constructed by TxDOT contractor. Water Relocations – 130,000 linear-feet South → North Wastewater Relocations – 35,000 linear feet South → North Presented by AW 5 IH-35 Project Overview – Festival Beach Presented by AW 6 Alternatives Considered • Traditional trenchless crossing of IH 35 from the west side of IH 35 to the east. • Extending the relocation from the west side of IH 35 to the east to eliminate this portion of the WWL via a deep tunnel. • The recently presented community preferred alternative was evaluated earlier in the project and not selected due to elevation/depth considerations. Presented by AW 7 Factors Forcing AW’s Relocation at FBFF Future Project Current Project TxDOT will lower main lanes of I-35 between Holly St & Airport Blvd Depression of I-35 forces abandonment of wastewater infrastructure crossing the highway, to be replaced by one 72-inch tunnel TxDOT will lower Waller Street Depression of Waller Street forces abandonment of 48-inch wastewater line adjacent to Food Forest Dominant Limitation - Tight slope constraints to reconnect wastewater line downstream and continue gravity flow. Length must be minimized. Downtown Wastewater Tunnel AW 8 Timeline TxDOT IH 35 FB Food Forest 2020-21 Preliminary Engineering 2021-22 Route Analysis 2022-23 Detailed Design Council Approves Expanding the Food Forest (July 29) 2023 Council Approves TxDOT Advanced Funding Agreement (Oct. 19) 2024 Chapter 26 Presentation to Parks Board (Nov. 25) 2025 Council Approval of Chapter 26 (Jan. 30) PARKnerships takes over coordination of PIMA Partner Agreement Executed (July) Presented by AW 9 Overview of the Ch. 26 Initial Steps of the Ch. 26 Process and Oversights • • Park Boundary • WWL Alignment/Impact Area • Future Preventative …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE February 2026 Recreation Services Division Summer Camp Registration Families who pre -qualified through the APR Financial Assistance registered for camps Saturday, January 31 st through Friday, February 6th. There were 5,675 enrollments within APR & AACME summer camp programs to youth with the greatest need of care. Youth Program Scholarships Through generous donations and support from Austin Parks Foundation, APR awarded 650 Youth Scholarships. Each child received $700.00 to be used towards program registrations. Recreation Services Division Ab ilit ie s in Act io n : Co m m u n it y Pla y Held on February 4 th at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, Austin Police Department cadets and over 100 adults with disabilities came together for a day of recreation. Cadets also received disability awareness training to promote respectful and inclusive interactions. Adaptive Valentine’s Day Dance Party This adaptive event held on February 13, at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center brought over 200 participants with disabilities of all ages to celebrate through dance and friendship! Community Recreation Division Delores Duffie Recreation Center Thursday, February 13th, afterschool Dance Club prepares for its Annual Black History Month Program on Friday, February 27th. Hosted by the Delores Duffie after school program participants to celebrate black history month through a showcase for parents, guardians, family and friends. – Varsity Generation Dittmar Recreation Center Programming Is growing Since December, the Varsity Generation group has seen increased participation with the introduction of new activities, including Monday Mile group walks, knitting, weekly crafts, and daily board games. Exercise classes —Fun Fitness, Chair Zumba, Zumba, and Line Dancing —now attract 45 to 50 participants each and are offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Natural Resources Division Summer Camp Enrollment Success • Camacho Activity Center Summer Camp: 98% Capacity • Austin Nature & Science Center : 92% of Openings Filled • Teen Programs : Over 75% Spots Filled • Overall : Highest Total Enrollment Exhibit Hall Renovation • Friends of Austin Nature & Science Center secured $50K grant from Austin Parks Foundation with work complete in February 2026. • Camacho Activity Center hosted an adaptive paddle to clean up the water way. Over 300 pounds of trash was removed from the lagoon . Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance Has completed several key repairs and installations across multiple facilities. At Dottie Jordan, the filter water line break was repaired. Big Stacy …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on FEBRUARY 2, 2026 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns- Osterweil. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker. Board Members Absent: Stephanie Bazan, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Aly Tharp - Festival Beach Food Forrest Natalie Evans - Festival Beach Food Forrest Kit O'Connell - Festival Beach Food Forrest Lilian Bemporad- Festival Beach Food Forrest Emily Dryer - Festival Beach Food Forrest Allyson Evans - Festival Beach Food Forrest Shannon Boxell - Festival Beach Food Forrest Andromeda Smith - Festival Beach Food Forrest Angie Holiday - Fruitful Commons Sam Jett - Festival Beach Food Forrest APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 24, 2025 was approved on Board Member Kearns-Osterweil’s motion, Board Franklin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Board Members Bazan, Merritt, Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve the Austin Parks and Recreation 2025 Annual Concession Report. Page 1 of 3 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2026 Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on gross sales payments, who maintains the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, and how money flows between the City and TTC via the POMA. The motion to approve the Austin Parks and Recreation 2025 Annual Concession Report failed on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 5-1 vote. Those voting aye were Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Abou-Emara, Becker, Franklin and Kearns-Osterweil. Those voting nay were Board Member Eubanks. Board Members Bazan, Merritt, Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of revenue legacy concession contract with Zilker Park Boat Rental to operate and maintain a watercraft concession at the Barton Creek location within Zilker Metropolitan Park. Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260223-3 Date: February 23, 2026 Subject: Recreation Management Software Contract Motioned By: Ted Eubanks Seconded By: Diane Kearns-Osterweil Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 was approved on Board Member Eubanks’ motion, Board Member Kearns-Osterweil’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Becker and Flowers absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Luai Abou-Emara, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Keans-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260223-4 Date: February 23, 2026 Subject: Chapter 26 Auditorium Shores Water Line Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Kim Taylor Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve 2,369 sq. ft. of permanent waterline use and 19,261 sq. ft. of temporary workspace on parkland located at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park. Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Water Utility is $504,498. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve 2,369 sq. ft. of permanent waterline use and 19,261 sq. ft. of temporary workspace on parkland located at Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park, Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Water Utility is $504,498 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Taylor’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Becker and Flowers absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Luai Abou-Emara, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Keans-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
