PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD February 22, 2022 – 6:00pm City Hall Boards and Commissions Room, Room 1101 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board will 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 by 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. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS: Dawn Lewis (D-10), Chair Patrick Moore (D-3) Richard DePalma (Mayor), Vice Chair Vacant (D-4) Nina Rinaldi (D-1) Anna L. Di Carlo (D-2) Sarah Faust (D-5) Lisa Hugman (D-6) AGENDA Nancy Barnard (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Laura Cottam Sajbel (D-9) CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 25, 2022. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation and discussion related to the development of Onion Creek Metro Park, highlights of the consent agreement between COA, Onion Creek Metro Park District and Austin Goodnight Ranch LP, current operation and maintenance responsibilities including current and planned capital investments. (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies - Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All, Operational Efficiency; SD23 Outcomes - Health & Environment;) Page 1 of 3 Presenters: Ricardo Soliz, Division Manager and Nikki Cockrell, Park District Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 2. Presentation and discussion related to City of Austin Community Engagement and Surveying Practices. Presenters: Justin Schneider, Community Engagement Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department, John Nixon, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department and Marion Sanchez, City of Austin Community Engagement Division Manager 3. Presentation and discussion related to the community engagement and outreach efforts for the Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan. (PARD Long Range Plan Strategies Urban Public Spaces, Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All; SD23 Outcomes – Health and Environment, Government that Works for All) Presenters: Gregory Montes, Program Manager and Justin Schneider, Community Engagement …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Onion Creek Metro Park Parks and Recreation Board Presentation February 22, 2022 Current Onion Creek Metro Park Onion Creek Metro Park Timeline • 1998 Acquisition of Onion Creek Metro Park • 2013 Creation of the Onion Creek Metro Park District by SB 1872, 83rd Legislative Session • 2014 Consent Agreement signed by COA, Onion Creek Park District and Austin Goodnight Ranch LP • 2014 AGR funds a Vision Plan with the Austin Parks Foundation • 2015 Council adopts Onion Creek Vision Plan • 2019 Phase 1 Metro Park Improvements completed by COA • 2020 Buyout Area/North Section Added to Metro Park • 2020 First Amendment to the Consent Agreement Consent Agreement Roles and Responsibilities Onion Creek Metro Park District o Collect a resident district tax in part for the operation and maintenance of park facilities (Ongoing) o Operation and maintenance of recreation improvements within the portion of Onion Creek Metro Park south of Onion Creek (Ongoing) o Nominate District Board of Directors for Places 4, 5, 6 and 7. (As Needed) City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department o Nominate District Board of Directors for Places 1,2 and 3. (As Needed) o Complete Onion Creek Metro Park base park improvements. (Completed in 2019) o Fund agreed upon future improvements with parkland dedication fees collected within the District, other available parkland dedication fees, authorized bond funding or other authorized funds. (Ongoing) Austin Goodnight Ranch, LP Progress) o Advance funding to the Austin Parks Foundation for the Onion Creek Metro Park Vision Plan. (Completed in 2015) o Advance funding for In‐District park and open space improvements including a 3‐mile loop trail. (Partially Complete/In Onion Creek Metro Park Vision Plan Onion Creek Metro Park Capital Investment • COA CIP investment to date • Base Park Improvements ($4 million): 30‐acre irrigated great lawn area, 20‐acre improved natural area, loop trail, 50‐space parking lot, drinking fountain, reclaimed water line connection. • Future CIP projects • Phase 1 Completion (Est. $2‐3 million): Additional park entry drive, 25‐space parking lot, pavilions, additional trails. • Park District commitments to future CIP investments • Operation and maintenance of new improvements. • Partner Investments • All‐Abilities Playground (Est. $5 million): Austin Parks Foundation is in exploratory stages for funding and constructing an all‐abilities playground and associated amenities including restroom at Onion Creek Metro Park. Questions? https://www.austintexas.gov/department/onion‐creek‐metropolitan‐park
Tools and Processes for surveys in the City of Austin Marion Sanchez, CPIO Community Engagement Corporate Manager John Nixon, PARD Communications and Engagement Manager Justin Schneider, PARD Community Engagement Specialist Outline • Introductions • Survey Platforms • How we use surveys • Ongoing challenges • Parks and Recreation Board Questions • General Community Engagement planning process • Community Engagement Tools and Techniques Marión Sánchez Corporate Manager of Community Engagement City of Austin Communications and Public Information Office PARB Questions • What are the standards for City of Austin community surveys? • Which platforms does City of Austin use? • What are the standards for evaluating input? • What are the standards for presenting to boards on results? Community Engagement Planning 3. 2. International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) 1. Who are the communities most affected by the decision? And who are the ones having the most difficult time engaging? • City of Austin Public Participation Principles • Spectrum of Participation: How much influence does the community have on the decision? Research question for the engagement • What questions do we need answers to? • What possible answers can we get? 4. Develop research instruments 5. Review from perspectives of cultural and language access and readability Test the tool Choose media and modes of tool 6. 7. INFORM CONSULT INVOLVE COLLABORATE EMPOWER L To provide the public with A O balanced and G objective N O information to I T assist them in A P understanding I C the problems, I T alternatives R A and/or P C solutions. I L B U P We will keep you informed. C I L B U P E H T O T E S I M O R P To obtain public feedback on analysis, alternatives, and/or decision. We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. To work directly ith the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered. We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and issues are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. To place final decision- making in the hands of the public. To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. We …
Update on process for the Parks and Recreation Board February 22, 2022 Greg Montes, Program Manager, PARD Planning Zilker Park Vision Plan PARD Project Manager Overview • Update of the process so far • Planning efforts • Community Engagement efforts • Survey Processing of Results • Next Steps • Analysis of Community Meeting #4 feedback, corresponding follow-up survey and outreach • Small Group Discussions focusing on equity Status Update: Project Schedule Community Engagement So Far Public Participation Level: Consult Multiple methods, virtual and in-person, various locations and times: Virtual Engagement Opportunities Kick-off Community Survey 4,062 participants Small Group Discussions Community Involvement 17 meetings 3 Community Meetings 3 Follow-up Surveys 137 avg. attendees 2,698 participants SpeakupAustin Stories 13 Entries In-Person & Directed Opportunities Boards & Commissions Pop-Up Series 1 & 2 Community Involvement 7 formal bodies 23 events Additional PARD Pop-ups and in-person outreach Contacts tracked since 10/1 653+ connections 57 events Community Survey #4 Results • 955 Participants • 37,304 Responses • 1,304 Comments Demographics • 24% District 5, 19% District 9 • 19% 25-34, 20% 35-44, 19% 45-54, 19% 55-64, 17% 65-74, 6% under 25 • 75% white • 52% Female • 52% Annual income $100k+ Range of 397-453 responses to demographics questions Zilker Park Vision Plan Pop-up at ESB-MACC, Dec. 15, 2021 Community Survey #4 Results One equity tool used to account for underrepresented communities in surveying is by disaggregating data to explore differences in responses. 13% 16% What options should be explored for safer active transportation through the park? 10% 459 responses All participants 7% 54% 56% 16% 68 responses Identifying as Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx 12% 10% 6% Community Survey #4 Results Additional ways we are exploring the data include: By Age By Income By District Next Steps Community Survey #5 Available on the project website with Community Meeting #4 presentation www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Small Group Discussions focused on equity & inclusion March Questions Project website: www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Contact information: ZilkerVision@austintexas.gov
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: January 2022 COMMUNTIY ENGAGEMENT UPDATES: Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan: With the close of Community Survey #4 on January 10, PARD and the consultant team prepare to present several illustrative plans in Community Meeting #4. The meeting will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, February 15. During the meeting, the project team will present concepts that bring together ideas from previous alternatives and cumulative community input. A second series of thematic small group discussions is outlined to follow Community Meeting #4. Members of the PARD planning and community engagement teams have continued to supplement efforts with additional pop-up opportunities and outreach to increase representation of all districts. District 5 and 8 https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 6 p.m. Zoom Meeting Registration Project Webpage Ridgeline Neighborhood Park Survey: The project team for the Ridgeline Neighborhood Park Project (formerly Lakeline Neighborhood Park) held the first community meeting on January 6. As a follow-up to the meeting, and online survey is available through January 31, and PARD will be hosting outdoor outreach opportunities for Austin residents who live near the park. Survey link Project Webpage PLANNING UPDATES: Project Connect: PARD staff continue to collaborate with the Project Connect and Blue and Orange Line teams. Recent activity includes: • Meetings with the Line teams focused on team research, which will inform the Draft Environmental Impact Statements as part of the NEPA Process. • Meetings with Project Connect and PARD’s legal representatives will be set up to cover park- focused issues, such as accounting for parkland that is proposed to be taken or impacted, process for takings, and fair mitigation for all takings. • PARD staff took part in a discussion on the potential for bus travel on the Blue Line bridge. PARD reiterated desire to be in the selection process for Bridge Design Competition / RFP. • A special (virtual) meeting on Waller Boathouse was held on January 12. • Thirty percent (30%) drawings for the Orange Line were shared on January 13. Staff has roughly 2 weeks to review and will refer to 15% comments as part of that review. More information can be found at the project website: https://www.capmetro.org/project-connect 305 S. Congress “Statesman” Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD): The item was heard by the Planning Commission on December 14. Commissioners asked questions of PARD staff related to parkland. Commissioners wanted additional time to consider the …
Mural: Rex Hamilton | Photography: Joe Ybarra Boards and Commission Recommendation Process Financial Services | Budget Office Website Opens for Recommendations Feb 1 Recommendations Due March 30 Department Response Due May 6 Mural: Uloang Art | Photography: Joe Ybarra # How to Submit Recommendations Access recommendation portal at www.austintexas.gov/budget 2/22/22 www.austintexas.gov/budget 3 How to Submit Recommendations Select commission Upload recommendation 2/22/22 www.austintexas.gov/budget 4 How to Submit Recommendations Select Outcome Area Add meeting date 2/22/22 www.austintexas.gov/budget 5 FAQs Commission member does not have access to the form. Please contact BudgetQA@austintexas.gov to request the commission member’s email address be added to our list of registered participants. Commission will not be able to meet the March 30th deadline. Please submit recommendation in portal. Note, the Department response may not be included in the final report. Do I need to submit to the Clerk? Yes, please submit both to the portal and to the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office will share the recommendation directly with Council and City leadership. • • • Contact Information: juan.preciado@austintexas.gov katie.stewart@austintexas.gov 2/22/22 6 Questions? For more information on Financial Services | Budget Office: AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/BUDGET About the Be Well Murals: This project was initiated and funded by the City of Austin Art in Public Places Program within the Economic Development Department, in partnership with the City of Austin Civilian Conservation Corps. Be Well Murals Project curated by Raasin in the Sun. The Lamar Underpass has housed public art since 2005 and was reimagined in 2020 to site the Be Well Murals in support of wellness during the pandemic. The Be Well Murals are temporary artworks and will be archived as part of the City's Art in Public Places public art collection. Through the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps, art projects like these are intended to put local artists back to work who have been impacted by COVID-19.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: February 2022 SPECIAL NOTE During the recent 3-day freezing weather event, Parks and Recreation staff stepped up to serve their community. The gymnasiums at eight Recreation Centers provided Cold Weather Sheltering for a total of about 400 people per night. Individuals received blankets, mats, water, meals, and access to restrooms. Some staff worked four consecutive overnight shifts racking up 40-50 shelter hours. Another dedicated public servant worked over 20 shelter hours in one day. Staff gave their all to make sure that everyone who sought shelter was safe and warm during the storm. These efforts were successful due to the contributions from the Community Recreation Division with additional support from, Natural Resources, Museums and Cultural Programs, Centralized Programs and Aquatics. VISION PLAN UPDATES: Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and the consultant team presented three draft plan concepts in Community Meeting # 4 on Tuesday, February 15. The concepts bring together ideas from previous alternatives and cumulative community input. The meeting took place via Zoom with Spanish and ASL interpretation and streamed on Facebook Live. An online survey will follow the community meeting as well as outreach to increase the representation of all districts. The second series of thematic small group discussions are scheduled for March. This series will include 5 discussions (4 virtual, 1 in-person opportunity) centered on equity and inclusion, and the future of Zilker Metropolitan Park. Additionally, PARD staff will convene the project’s Technical Advisory Group on February 23. Coordination with ATD, TxDOT/CTRMA, Capital Metro, partners, and event organizers continues. Community engagement opportunities and Community Meeting #4 materials may be found on the project website: https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision District 5 and 8 PLANNING UPDATES: Project Connect: PARD staff continues to collaborate with the Project Connect, Blue Line and Orange Line teams. Recent activity includes: • Thirty percent (30%) drawings for the Orange Line were reviewed by PARD staff, who continue to note impacts to parkland and pose questions. • Orange Line Draft Environmental Impact Statement appendices are in review through February 16. • Meetings continue with the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), the Line teams, and PARD legal representatives to map a path forward for ATP acquisition of parkland – full taking of title, permanent easements, and temporary easements. We believe that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process will be first, followed by multiple Chapter 26 cases, …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD February 22, 2022 MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:04pm. Board Members in Attendance: Dawn Lewis, Sarah Faust, Nina Rinaldi, Richard DePalma, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard and Patrick Moore. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Anna Di Carlo, Kimberly Taylor and Laura Cottam Sajbel (joined at 8:11pm). Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley, Liana Kallivoka, Suzanne Piper, Ricardo Soliz, Justin Schneider, Gregory Montes, Nikki Cockrell (Onion Creek Park Manager) John Nixon, Marion Sanchez (Corporate PIO), Justin Schneider, Tim Dombeck, and Nan Dowling. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sharon Blythe – Friends of Austin Memorial Park Kevin Reinis – Austin Rowing Club Angela Richter - APF A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 25, 2022 were approved. Board Member Moore made a motion to approve minutes. Board Member Rinaldi seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-0 vote with Board Member Cottam Sajbel absent and one vacancy. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding change to Parks and Recreation Board meeting schedule. Board member Hugman made a motion to move regular meetings of the Parks and Recreation Board to the fourth Monday of each month. Board member Taylor seconded the motion. Board Members Hugman, Taylor, Rinaldi, Moore, DePalma and Lewis voted for the motion. Board Members Faust, Di Carlo and Barnard voted against the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-3 with Board Member Cottam Sajbel absent and one vacancy. Page 1 of 2 2. Presentation and discussion related to the development of Onion Creek Metro Park, highlights of the consent agreement between COA, Onion Creek Metro Park District and Austin Goodnight Ranch LP, current operation and maintenance responsibilities including current and planned capital investments. Ricardo Soliz and Nikki Cockrell, Parks and Recreation Department, gave a presentation and answered questions. No action was taken on this item. 3. Presentation and discussion related to City of Austin Community Engagement and Surveying Practices. Justin Schneider and John Nixon, Parks and Recreation Department, and Marion Sanchez, Communications and Public Information Office, gave a presentation and answered questions. No action was taken on this item. 4. Presentation and discussion related to the community engagement and outreach efforts for …
