REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JULY 28, 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/0HXkfwNbVA 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: 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) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) AGENDA 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 June 23, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Golf staff in recognition of successful driving range and resurfacing projects at multiple golf courses. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Steve Hammond, Golf Division Manager, Parks and Recreation. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City to approve a permanent change of use of 31,694 sq. ft. of parkland located at Balcones District Park to allow for the construction of the Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements project. Total mitigation is $742,361. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Tony Lopez P.E., Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services. Page 1 of 2 4. 5. 6. Presentation, discussion and approval of a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the temporary use of 20,800 sq. ft. of parkland located at Jamestown Neighborhood Park for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 570 calendar days. Total Mitigation is $58,233. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Claudia Corsetti P.E., Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services. Approve the Parks and Recreation board Annual …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on June 23, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Baxter featuring Isabelle and Ameilia - Austin Rowing Club Phillip Thomas - Free Zilker Coalition Gail Rothe - Alternative Funding for Parks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 7-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara, Bazan, Becker and Merritt absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team. Kelly Maltsberger, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on South Austin Senior Center Dance Programming, funding forecast, increased demand among Austin's 65+ community, and federal grants. The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team was approved on Board Member Eubanks motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Board Member Villalobos off the dais. Board Members Abou-Emara, Bazan, Becker and Merritt absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 23, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park. Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department; and Adriana Ybarra, Procurement Supervisor and Paul Trimble, Procurement Specialist IV, Financial Services Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the timeline for this concession, interest in this solicitation, whether any facilities near the Zilker Café sell alcohol, whether lifeguards opposed the sale of alcohol at the Zilker Café, how the City knows that the lack of alcohol sales decreased interest in this concession, …
AUSTIN WATER GREATER WALNUT CENTRALIZED ODOR CONTROL FACILITY PROJECT Chapter 26 Application for AW Infrastructure within Parkland at Balcones District Park Parks Board Meeting City Hall Chambers7/28/2025 @ 6:00 PM 1 TOPICS COVERED • Overall Project Summary • Project Objective/Benefits • Site Evaluation • Parkland Impacts 2 GREATER WALNUT INTERCEPTOR AREA 3 BACKGROUND • Odor issues along Walnut Creek interceptor, including cluster of complaints in Balcones Park area • Odor control: fans to withdraw air from sewer and treatment process to control odor in exhaust air • To reduce impact, primary treatment will be low-profile biotrickling filters, which requires smallest footprint • Balcones District Park is a strategic location. Confluence of smaller collectors, beginning of large interceptor • Several locations considered for odor control facilities 4 FAN TESTING RESULTS 5 RECOMMENDED APPROACH FOR CENTRALIZED ODOR CONTROL: TWO FACILITIES 6 RECOMMENDED APPROACH FOR CENTRALIZED ODOR CONTROL: BIOTRICKLING FILTERS Typical Schematic Low Profile Biotrickling Filter 7 PROPOSED SITE LOCATION 8 BALCONES DISTRICT PARK LOCATION • Best location for odor control facility – maximizes zone of influence • Facility and Walnut Creek interceptor on same side of the creek • Outside Critical Water Quality Zone and Edwards Aquifer recharge zone • Adjacent to Mopac Expressway and commercial area • Adequate separation from structures north and south of facility • Away from hike/bike trail, screened by trees 9 OTHER SITE LOCATIONS CONSIDERED Location A • Privately owned • In Critical Water Quality Zone • Opposite side of Walnut Creek, would require above ground air duct Location B • • • Next to hike/bike trail • Greater park impact/disruption Location D • North Austin Medical Center In Balcones Park property In Critical Water Quality Zone parcel • Near interceptor but a significant distance from cluster of complaints Site has been developed by medical center • 10 SITE PHOTOS 11 ENTRANCE TO SITE – VIEW FROM MOPAC 12 PROPOSED SITE – VIEW FROM PARKING LOT 13 AIRDUCT ROUTE – WEST STARTING FROM TRAIL 14 MINIMIZING IMPACTS TO PARK • Site borders MOPAC and commercial area and is a low usage area of the park • Smallest possible site area for facility • Low profile biotrickling filters and separation from trail reduces visual impact • Outside Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and Critical Water Quality Zone • Not within presumed endangered species habitat. • Temporary trail reroutes provided for construction of air duct and WW line and driveway …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Permanent Use - Residential Calculated Fee $742,361 TOTAL = $742,361 Project: Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements Balcones District Park MOU # 25-00? 6943.051 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Agreement - Residential TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $216,000 Project: Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements Balcones District Park MOU # 25-00? Avg. Lot Size (sq. ft.): 9,222 Based on average for nearby lots zoned SF-3 Value per Square Foot. ($): $23 TCAD Land Value divided by Avg. Lot Size Requested Area (sq. ft.): 31,694 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $742,361 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 100.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $742,361 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value DISTURBANCE VALUES Area can still be developed with minimal or no limitations (underground work/materials with no/few above ground appurtenances/fixtures) Area can still be developed with moderate limitations (underground work/materials with some small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) Development severely limited (underground work/materials with large or several small/medium appurtenances/fixtures) No future park development possible in the area - dedicated to installation (underground and/or surface appurtenances/fixtures) 35% 50% 75% 100% Prop ID Avg Sq Ft Land Value 504114 504115 504116 504117 504118 6,754 8,522 8,800 9,579 12,454 9,222 $216,000 3203 CANTER LN $216,000 3201 CANTER LN $216,000 3101 STONY DR $216,000 3107 CANTER LN $216,000 3105 CANTER LN $216,000 Totals Certified 2024 TCAD data
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: Shay Ralls Roalson, P. E. M.O.U. # PARD 25-00x Director, Austin Water Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements FDU: 4570 2307 4947; Project I.D.: 6943.051 DATE: 7-18-2025 Austin Water is allowed to use the parkland located at Balcones District Park as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated in Attachment “B” (Location Map). The parkland requested is for permanent use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: 31,694 sq. ft. Total Parkland Mitigation Amount: $742,361 Austin Water is in agreement to provide the following mitigation ($742,361) in return for the permanent use of the parkland after City Council has approved this request. The estimated project start date is December 2025. The estimated date of final completion (restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and APR; parkland open for public use) is December 2026. It is the responsibility of the Capital Delivery Services Project Manager and/or the Austin Water Engineer to notify PARD of the Notice to Proceed and when construction starts. Extension/modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from APR. Additional fees may be required at the daily rate listed above. Funds in the amount of $742,361 to be transferred to FDU 4570 2307 4947 within 30 Calendar Days after execution of this Memorandum of Understanding. Austin Water Point of Contact: Van Van Winkle Capital Delivery Services Point of Contact: Tony Lopez Phone Number: 512-972-0160 Phone Number: 512-974-6581 Austin Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 1 of 2 Parks & Recreation Board: xx-xx-2025 Council Approval: xx-xx-2025 ____________________________________________________________ Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Date CONCURRENCE ____________________________________________________________ Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Director, Austin Water Date Attachments: A (Mitigation Calculation Worksheet) B (Location Map) 2 of 2
Little Walnut Creek – Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage CIP No. 5848.026 Chapter 26 Application for Watershed Protection Staging and Storage within Parkland at Jamestown Neighborhood Park Parks and Recreation Board Meeting City Hall Chambers July 28, 2025 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 1 Agenda ▪ Project Summary ▪ Background ▪ Staging & Storage Evaluation ▪ Parkland Impacts ▪ Project Timeline ▪ QA “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Project Summary ▪ Approximately 2,600 linear feet of creek stabilization and restoration, protecting 30 single-family properties and 3 large multi-family properties from erosion ▪ Over 1,900 linear feet of stormdrain and curb inlet improvements, to reduce flood risk to 11 single-family properties ▪ Approximately 1,450 linear feet of waterline ▪ Replacement of undersized 6-ft by 6-ft box improvements culverts at Fairfield Drive creek crossing with a 46-ft span bridge to reduce flood risk to drivers ▪ Approximately 900 linear feet of wastewater improvements ▪ Approximately 7,000 square yards pavement repairs “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 3 Background ▪ Jamestown Tributary has over 19 active erosion sites due to eroding banks ▪ Erosion continues to threaten resources for both public and private infrastructure such as: ▪ Multifamily Buildings & Parking lots ▪ Yards, Fences ▪ Culverts, Sidewalks ▪ Utility poles, Pipes ▪ Known local flooding problems, including buildings and roadways ▪ Structures in the floodplain ▪ Roadways that cross creek flood frequently “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 4 Staging & Storage Evaluation Option 1 (Yellow Star) Option 2 (Red Star) ▪ ▪ Large Isolated Area Only City-owned land ▪ ▪ Heavy Use Residential Area Federal/HUD Restrictions Option 1 Option 2 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 5 8323 Jamestown Drive, Aerial View 8323 Jamestown Drive, Streetview “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 6 8323 Jamestown Drive, Staging and Storage Area 20,800 square feet 8323 Jamestown Drive, Streetview “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 7 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 8 Minimizing Impacts to Parkland • Protective fencing will be used to prevent damage to nearby trees and natural areas • Contractor will follow a robust engineered design to prevent sediment and erosion • All disturbed parkland …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Calculated Fee Project: Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage Improvements MOU # 25-00? Temporary Use - Residential Staging Area $58,233 TOTAL = $58,233 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage Improvements Project: Temporary Use - Staging TCAD Land Value of Adjacent Properties ($): $125,000 MOU # 25-00? Average Lot Size (sq. ft.): 10,604 Based on City-wide average for lots zoned SF-3 Value per Square Ft. ($): $12 Average Requested Area (sq. ft.): 20,800 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Annual Value of Requested Area ($) $245,190 Area requested multiplied by Value per Square Ft. Adjusted Annual Value of Requested Area ($) $36,779 (15% Rate of Return) Monthly Value of Requested Area ($) $3,065 Adjusted Annual Value divided by 12 Daily Temporary Use Rate ($): $102 Monthly Value divided by 30 (Average number of days in a month) Days Requested: 570 Submitted br Requesting Department/Entity Temporary Use Rate ($): $58,233 Daily Temporary Use Fee multiplied by Days Requested Prop ID Avg Sq Ft Land Value 241705 241706 241707 241708 6,853 7,950 11,854 15,759 10,604 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 Totals 2021 TCAD Info
City of Austin 301 W. Second Street Austin, TX Recommendation for Action File #: 21-2443, Agenda Item #: 56. 7/29/2021(cid:4) Posting Language Authorize the negotiation and execution of all documents and instruments necessary or desirable for the acquisition of approximately 2.874 acres more or less, in fee simple, being Lot 4, RESEARCH PLAZA III, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, generally located at 8323 Jamestown Drive, Austin, Texas from EMEK Investments, LLC, for a total amount not to exceed $3,285,000 including closing costs. Lead Department Office of Real Estate Services. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $3,285,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Capital Budget of the Parks and Recreation Department. For More Information: Megan Herron, Office of Real Estate Services, 512-974-5649; Michael Gates, Office of Real Estate Services, 512-974-5639; Randy Scott, Parks and Recreation Department, 512-974-9484. Additional Backup Information: This acquisition from EMEK Investments, LLC is for park and recreation purposes. The Parks and Recreation Department is funding this proposed neighborhood park through parkland dedication fees and the 2018 bond, proposition C. Watershed Protection Department will contribute a modest amount as mitigation for a 0.4 acre temporary staging and storage area. The parcel is 2.874 acres located at 8323 Jamestown Drive, outside of the 100-year floodplain. The headwaters of a tributary of Little Walnut Creek flow under the property through a culvert and the tributary formally begins at an outfall on the eastern edge of the parcel. This acquisition is in a park deficient area and will provide a walkable park to over 3,000 residents. Acquiring parkland in park deficient areas is supported by the council approved Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan. PARD has coordinated with the Watershed and Protection Department to utilize a 0.4 acre temporary staging and storage area within this parcel for a nearby creek bank stabilization project. This temporary use will be terminated upon completion of the stabilization project. An independent, third-party appraisal was procured to establish the fair-market valuation of the proposed acquisition. The appraisal supports the purchase price of $3,272,493.00. The amount of the purchase price plus closing costs is not to exceed $3,285,000. Strategic Outcome(s): Health and Environment. City of Austin Page 1 of 1 Printed on 7/16/2021 powered by Legistar™ (cid:5) (cid:6)
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G TO: FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM Director, Austin Watershed Protection M.O.U. # PARD 25-00? Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Little Walnut Creek – Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage Improvements FDU #; 4850 6307 8036; Project I.D.: 5848.026 DATE: 7-18-2025 Austin Watershed Protection is allowed to use the parkland located at Jamestown Neighborhood Park, 8323 Jamestown Drive, 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 Temporary Use (staging area). The requested area is: Temporary Use: 20,800 sq. ft. = $58,233 Mitigation Paid by WPD = $55,790 Total Mitigation Amount Due = $2,443 Watershed Protection has already paid $55,790 for the use of the parkland for 570 calendar days. The mitigation amount was allocated towards the purchase of the subject property for parkland as reflected in RCA Item #56 (Attachment C), on the 7/29/2021 City Council agenda. The remaining balance of $2,443 is to be paid by Watershed Protection to Parks and Recreation Department. Additional requests for temporary use will be assessed at the rate of $163 per day. The estimated Project Start Date is September 4, 2025 The estimated duration of the parkland use is 570 Calendar Days. Estimated Date of Final Completion (Restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and APR; Parkland open for Public Use) is March 28, 2027. It is the responsibility of the Capital Delivery Services Project Manager and the Austin Watershed Protection Engineer to notify APR of the Notice to Proceed, when construction starts, and project completion. Extension/modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from APR. Additional fees may be required at the daily rate listed above. Austin Watershed Protection agrees to provide the following mitigation for the use of the parkland: Funds Transfer in the amount of $2,443 to be paid within 30 Calendar Days after execution of this Memorandum of Understanding. 1 of 2 Austin Watershed Protection Point of Contact: Janna Renfro Phone Number: 512-974-3422 Capital Delivery Services Point of Contact: Claudia Corsetti Phone Number: 512-974-7205 Austin Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 Parks & Recreation Board: xx-xx-2025 Council Approval: xx-xx-2025 ____________________________________________________________ Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION— GOLF ATX DIRECTOR-JESÚS AGUIRRE ASST DIRECTOR-LUCAS MASSIE OPERATION MANAGER-STEVE HAMMOND JULY 28, 2025 1 GOLFATX OFFERINGS • Clay/Kizer/Balander • Grey Rock Golf Course (D2) (D8) • Morris Wiliams Golf • Butler Golf Pitch and Putt Course-(D1) (D9) • Lions Golf Course (D10) • The Golf Range (Round • Hancock Golf Course Rock) (D9) GOLFATX HISTORICAL REVENUE 2021: 11.28 Million 2022: 10.9 Million 2023:13.01 Million 2024: 12.93 Million 2025: Estimate 14+ Million GolfATX has not raised fees since October of 2022 3 GOLFATX ROUNDS FIGURES 2021: 312,575 2022: 301,790 2023: 323,924 2024: 341,205 2025: Estimate 355,000 Butler Contributes an additional 90,000/yr GOLFATX estimates an additional 65,000+ range visits/yr 4 GOLFATX MEMBERSHIP FIGURES 1441 Current Active Pass Holders 903-1yr or 6 Month Members 4% Junior, 32% 19-59y/o, 64% Senior 541 Player Development Members 30 Day Pass Holders 5 GOLFATX CREATING A 3RD SPACE FEB 2025-Completed Construction on the Clay/Kizer Driving Range Lighting • Retrofitted Previous Lighting Poles • Increases Accessibility by up to 3 hrs/day • Generated $58,853 in Revenue since Mar 1 • Opportunities for Live Music and Social Events • Total Price of Conversion was $149,000 6 GOLFATX INNOVATIVE OPERATIONS Hancock Golf Course, est 1899 Completely operated by an unstaffed pay station since 2020 • 2019 Rounds = 20210 • 2023 Rounds = 39,064 • 2024 Rounds = 45,228 • 2025 Rounds is estimated at 50,000 Hancock Golf Course celebrated 125 yrs in 2024 7 GOLFATX AGRONOMY ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Putting Greens are the backbone of any golf course—Resurfacing is required • Roy Kizer resurfaced in 2022 • Grey Rock resurfaced in 2023 • Jimmy Clay and Balander Resurface in 2024 • Morris Williams proposed in 2027 • Automated irrigation at all properties • Autonomous mowers are the next move 8 GOLFATX GOALS MOVING FORWARD • Continue to invest in our properties • Develop our future leaders • Evaluate innovative agronomy practices • Continue to emphasis pace of play • Reach an agreement on Lions • LEAD the market in affordability by a large margin 9
1 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Parks and Recreation Board The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: (A) The Parks and Recreation Board membership should include citizens of the city who are interested in public parks and public recreation and persons who are knowledgeable in recreation matters. The director of the Parks and Recreation Department, the city manager or designee, the director of the Financial and Administrative Services Department, and the city attorney are ex officio members of the board. (B) The board shall advise the city council and the city manager regarding: (1)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; (2)the purchase of additional land to be managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin. (C) 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 the City Code. (D) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private citizens, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public Welfare. (E) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the city council. Source: The Code of the City of Austin, Texas § 2-1-165 – Parks and Recreation Board PARB Annual Review & Work Plan 2025 Page 2 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has three areas of responsibility in its advisory function to the City Council. The activities this board took for fiscal year 2024-2025 are listed by area below. Unless otherwise noted, all recommendations were adopted at a meeting of the whole Parks and Recreation Board. A. The board shall advise the city council and the city manager regarding: (1) the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Ju ly 28 , 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Park Planning and Development Completed Projects Metz Playground Replacement • Open to the public • Ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for August 1st • Mendez Recreation Center youth created a for-kids-by- kids survey for the first round of community engagement. Zilker Pecan Grove Tree Planting • Planting was completed in late spring • • 17 trees planted Improvements made to stormwater management and soil quality. Park Planning and Development Completed Projects Zilker Botanical Garden Greene Room • Renovations to the Greene Room completed this month. • Work included new beams, flooring, roof, windows and ADA accessibility improvements. Parque Zaragoza Placemaking Project • Pilot community placemaking project • Led the Amigos de Parque Zaragoza • Celebration scheduled for August 21st Highland Park Pedestrian Bridge • Completed late Spring 2025 • Crosses the Waller Creek tributary Park Planning and Development Project Update Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Rehabilitation at Barton Springs Pool https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2144470169372068 Sustainability and Resilience Electric Landscaping Equipment Study The City of Austin is gathering input about electric lawn and garden equipment. • Office of Climate Action and Resilience has engaged consultants Terra Lumina Consulting and Wisdom en Familias, LLC • Community engagement will include a public survey and interviews with local landscaping professionals. Take the Survey!! bit.ly/AustinElectricEquipmentSurvey Natural Resources Division Nature Programs and Zilker Botanical Garden The Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy and Camacho Activity Center won the Best of Austin Award in the 35th Annual Contest for the Austin Chronicle. Highlighted was the Zilker Botanical Garden Dino Days program expanded activations through increased community impact and significant improvement of the program, and Camacho’s affordable programming and activities for all ages. Nature Programs: ANSC Wildlife In partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Austin Nature and Science Center (ANSC) welcomed Ember, a Screech Owl, to their collection. Ember was seized by TPWD, but due to imprinting was not suitable for release into the wild. ANSC will provide a safe environment where Ember will live out her life and provide vital education to visitors about native animals living in our community. Recreation Services Dottie Jordan Recreation Center …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250728-3 Date: July 28, 2025 Subject: Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements Project Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Jennifer Franklin Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends Austin City to approve a permanent change of use of 31,694 sq. ft. of parkland located at Balcones District Park to allow for the construction of the Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements project. Total mitigation is $742,361. Vote: For: The motion to recommend to Austin City to approve a permanent change of use of 31,694 sq. ft. of parkland located at Balcones District Park to allow for the construction of the Walnut Interceptor Odor and Corrosion Improvements project, Total mitigation is $742,361, was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on an 11-0 vote. Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250728-4 Date: July 28, 2025 Subject: Temporary Storage and Staging at Jamestown Neighborhood Park Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends Austin City Council approve the temporary use of 20,800 sq. ft. of parkland located at Jamestown Neighborhood Park for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 570 calendar days. Total Mitigation is $58,233. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City to Council approve the temporary use of 20,800 sq. ft. of parkland located at Jamestown Neighborhood Park for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 570 calendar days, Total Mitigation is $58,233, was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 10-0 vote. Board Member Abou-Emara abstaining. For: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: Luai Abou-Emara. Absent: None. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
