REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/ja34jrCQBm or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 January 27, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation Forestry Staff for their work planting, watering and maintaining trees, as well as participating in and hosting tree climbs. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Devon Farber, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and create a working group to explore creating a “rainbow bridge” at a City park as an interactive feature that allow park visitors to honor dogs and pets that have passed away. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Briefing on fuel mitigation and land management on parkland. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Park Access). Presenter(s): Matt McCaw, Land Management Program Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Department and Carrie …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/ja34jrCQBm or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to support the implementation of on-demand city-wide van service, modeling of an integrated city-wide on-demand/BRT transit systems and explore all avenues to expand CapMetro’s on-demand pickup service. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor) The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Tim Dombeck at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov.
Forestry Program Austin Parks and Recreation Amanda Ross Natural Resources Division Manager February 24, 2025 Forestry Team of 35 Arborists and support staff responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining trees on city parkland • 13 Certified Arborists • 1 Board Certified Master Arborist • Numerous TRAQ, Oak Wilt, and Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualifications • 6 Wildland Firefighters supporting PARD Land Management Tree Planting and Watering • Proactive planned routes • Mostly hand watered using water trucks, some irrigation Tree Maintenance Tree Maintenance
Austin Parks and Recreation Department: Revision and Approval of Interlocal Agreement between AISD and the City of Austin for the GO Project Devon Farber, Community Recreation Program Manager David Crabb, Community Recreation Division Manager February 24, 2025 The City and AISD share a mutual interest in seeing high school aged students with disabilities provided opportunities for educational and personal growth and development to become positive and productive citizens AISD provides an educational program known as the GO Project this is a community-based transition program for students ages 18-22 years with disabilities that enables students to finish their education in a college or work environment PROGRAM OVERVIEW The City and AISD have collaborated on the GO Project since 2005 The current agreement is 20 years old, and the City wishes to update it with a new agreement that reflects current needs The City desires to continue providing facilities for AISD to use in providing the GO Project classes to identified students PROGRAM OVERVIEW CONTINUED The program services students ages 18-22 years with disabilities. The GO Project promotes adult living skills by encouraging students to volunteer in work internships, utilize city transportation and access the Austin Community for recreation and leisure options. Term of the agreement: One-year term with 5 additional 12-month renewal options. Renewed automatically on the anniversary date for 5 years unless amended or terminated WHAT SERVICES WILL AISD PROVIDE AISD is responsible for providing staff supervision of students at all time when in City facilities AISD will provide Parks and Recreation staff two free annual training sessions on behavior management and conflict resolution AISD will provide all materials and supplies for the program WHAT SERVICES WILL THE CITY PROVIDE The City will permit AISD to use classroom space in designated Recreation Centers to conduct classes during normal operating hours of the rec centers and during AISD scheduled calendar days When scheduled in advance and in writing, the Parks and Recreation facility may allow for use of classroom meeting space other than the assigned classroom pending availability at the site The City will provide regular utilities, such as light, heating and cooling and access to wi-fi, in the assigned classroom space during the periods the space is used by AISD. The City will respond in writing to maintenance requests no later than three days from the date the request is received. City will provide maintenance of the space NEXT STEPS …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Recreation & Senior Center Facility Assessment and Gap Analysis Parks and Recreation Board Meeting February 24, 2025 Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor, Architectural Division Brian Carlson, Principal, McKinney York Architects Goals • Assess State of Current Recreation and Community Centers • Guide Future Growth and Development • Develop Strategies, Actions, and Priorities that can be Implemented and Tracked Mission PARD’s mission is to inspire Austin to learn, play, and connect by creating diverse quality programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places that promote equitable quality of life outcomes. As Austin experiences population and employment growth, demographic shifts, and changes in recreational preferences, the parks and recreation system must evolve to meet the needs of all residents. Road Map Data Collection Review of Data and Metrics Generate Gap Analysis Capital Improvements 1 3 5 5 5 7 2 2 Equity Roundtable Discussions 4 4 Metric Prioritization We Are Here 6 6 Issue Report Data Gathering • Staff feedback & previous engagement • Benchmarking, comparisons, & trends • Service areas and facility usage • Public vs. private service locations • Demographic & Socioeconomic data • Maintenance cost trends • Energy usage and resiliency • Historical investment • Program Space Comparison • Facility Condition Assessments • Facility Condition Index (FCI) Feedback and Engagement Staff Discussion & Feedback • Consider providing services along the city edges • Prioritize space for children • Highways act as barriers • Invest in existing facilities • Prioritization and decision making is unclear Previous Engagement Long Range Plan • Maximize flexibility of facilities • Provide low- or no-cost programs • High Priorities Fitness Classes • • Adult (50+) Programming • Medium priorities Indoor Gyms • • Adult (18-49) Athletic and Recreation Programs * Source: Equitable Park Investments 3 Cities, 3 Stories, NRPA Confere Benchmarking • Washington DC • Minneapolis • Portland * Source: Equitable Park Investments 3 Cities, 3 Stories, NRPA Conference 2022. Minneapolis RecQuest & Parks For All Comprehensive Plan Comparisons & Trends NRPA Agency Performance Review Austin Population Vs. Square Footage of Recreation & Senior Centers Senior Centers Facilities primarily serving active older adults (55+). Recreation Centers Facilities with gymnasiums. Community & Activity Centers Facilities without gymnasiums, with defined service area. Activity centers do not have a defined service area. Recreation and Community Centers Senior Centers Service Area Goals Recreation and Community Centers Good = 2 miles …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Bond Program Overview February 24, 2025 Rachel Morris, Capital Improvement Program Manager Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor, Architectural Division Parks and Recreation: At a Glance MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 20,041 acres of green space 355 parks 269 miles of trails 190 playgrounds 12 nature play spaces 13 off-leash areas 6 golf courses 34 pools; 11 splash pads 2 Parks and Recreation: At a Glance B o n d O v e r s i g h t C o m m i s s i o n | p g . 4 MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 7 disc golf courses 65 multi-purpose courts 15 pickleball courts 25 soccer fields 87 tennis courts 48 basketball courts 48 volleyball courts 73 baseball/ softball fields 3 Parks and Recreation: At a Glance B o n d O v e r s i g h t C o m m i s s i o n | p g . 4 MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 6 cultural centers 3 museums 14 performing arts venues 25 recreation & senior centers 115 restrooms 5 cemeteries 107 historic buildings 11 maintenance buildings 12 office buildings And more! 4 Agenda • 2018 Bond Recap • 2026 Bond Schedule • Technical Scoring Criteria Framework • Anticipated Bond Programs PARD 2018 Bond Progress Proposition B ESB-MACC Dougherty Arts Center Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center $66,500,000 $27,000,000 $25,000,000 $7,500,000 Asian American Resource Center $7,000,000 Proposition C Parkland Acquisition Aquatics Parkland Improvements Building Renovations Infrastructure $149,000,000 $45,000,000 $40,000,000 $25,000,000 $21,500,000 $17,500,000 2026 Bond Program Development Schedule We Are Here Bond Program Guiding Principles Standards for all Departments Anticipated PARD 2026 Bond Programs Parkland Acquisition* Acquisition of land, including publicly owned land, to dedicate as parkland. Aquatic Facilities ** Major renovation or replacements of existing city pool facilities. Cultural Centers*** Major renovations, improvements, and replacements of cultural and arts centers. Recreation & Senior Centers* Renovation, rehabilitation, or additions of existing recreation and senior centers and associated assets, including ADA and safety improvements. * Utilizes an existing technical criteria Building Renovations …
Austin Light Rail Progress Update February 24, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Email Us | input@atptx.org Visit Our Virtual Open House Send Mail | 203 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/austinlightrailinput Ask for a presentation at input@atptx.org Thank You.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Motioned By: Subject: City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers Seconded By: Whereas many of Austin's favorite parks, including Zilker Park, Vic Matthias Shores, Michael Butler Park, Roy G.Guerrero Park, Bull Creek Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt have parking capacity problems on busy days Whereas Austin's voters have indicated support for public transit solutions to the extent of willingness to be taxed specifically for solutions Whereas On-Demand transit (aka Demand-Response transit), which offers shared-ride van service summoned by cell phone, browser app, or telephone, can provide direct transit from a rider's location to their destination, including any City Park, thus relieving the need to take a personal car Whereas compared to conventional fixed-route modes that have first mile/last-mile problems and often involve transfers between vehicles, direct van transit offers an ease-of-use and accessible advantage for carrying recreational equipment, children, and small groups to and from a park Whereas by reducing the number of car and truck trips to parks and recreation centers from any city-wide origin, On-Demand transit can reduce the demand for on-site and near on-site parking Whereas CapMetro currently offers On-Demand van service (Pickup) in several zones around the city, but only within those zones Whereas experience in other cities suggests that On-Demand transit can be successfully offered as a city- wide service, providing rides between any source and destination within the city Whereas the only public transit to many parks is by fixed route/fixed schedule bus, with many parks having little or no public transit access Whereas On-Demand fleets can serve multiple purposes, supporting work commuting on weekdays and recreational commuting during more popular recreational hours Whereas public transit agencies typically set On-Demand fares so that rides are affordable for all citizens Whereas On-Demand service requires no physical infrastructure, so is more adaptable to long-term changes in the configuration of the city and can be financed with much lower capital expenditure than other forms of public transit with the possible exception of conventional buses Whereas commercially available modeling technology is available that would support rich, formal analysis of the potential sizing and functioning of On-Demand public transit integrated with Rapid Bus (BRT) service in the context of Austin's physical layout, traffic data, and other existing transit modes 1 of 2 Therefore the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends 1. Austin City Council support efforts to …
