REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JANUARY 26, 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/fbfUcMDVeW 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 November 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Watershed Protection salamander team. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Nathan Bendik, Conservation Program Supervisor, Austin Watershed Protection. Presentation, discussion and approve the Austin Parks and Recreation 2025 Annual Concession Report. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 2 4. 5. 6. 7. 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. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (APR Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Lucas Massie, Assistant Director and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for the rental of a mobile security trailer …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on November 24, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Kathryn Flowers, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Jennifer Franklin, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mark Eaton - Austin Rowing Club New Site Planning Mark May - Park funding and non-profit model APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of October 27, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of October 27, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Abou-Emara’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Franklin and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Cemeteries Team who have recently assumed responsibility for providing internment services. Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on the history of unmarked graves, the previous internment contractor, and the success of converting an outsourced service into a service that the City provides directly. The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Cemeteries Team who have recently assumed responsibility for providing internment services was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Board Member Eubanks’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board members Franklin and Taylor absent. Page 1 of 2 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion, and approve a recommendation to City Council to approve 6,327 sq. ft. of permanent waterline use on parkland located at Colorado River Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park, total mitigation to be paid by Austin Water Utility is $37,651. Paul Books, Principal Planner, Austin Parks and Recreation; Tony Buonodono, Engineer of Record, MWM Design Group; Bryce Barkus, Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services, and; Megan Costey, Engineer, Austin Water gave a presentation and answered questions on the disturbance values of the subsurface work The motion to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve 6,327 sq. ft. of …
Salamander Conservation Program Austin Watershed Protection Nathan F. Bendik Conservation Program Supervisor Jollyville Plateau Salamander Edwards Aquifer (northern) Barton Springs Salamander Barton Springs Salamander Barton Springs Austin Blind Salamander Contributing zone Edwards Aquifer (Barton Springs recharge zone) Barton Springs Pool Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) • Describes conservation measures that mitigate and minimize harm to federally protected salamanders • Requirement of City’s federal permit; allows us to operate Barton Springs Pool (endangered species habitat) • Implemented in 1998; renewed in 2013 • Permit expires in 2033 (City will likely renew) Figure 1. Location of the four major springs of the Barton Springs group. Upper Barton Spring Eliza Spring Old Mill/Sunken Garden Spring Major Elements of HCP • Habitat protection (e.g., limited pool drawdowns) • Habitat management (water level adjustments, sediment removal) • Assurance colony (Austin Salamander Conservation Center) • Habitat restoration (Eliza Spring Daylighting) • Population monitoring and research (are we meeting biological goals of HCP?) • Barton Springs Zone Spill Response Plan • Conservation Fund Pool drawdown after flood Captive Breeding Population • Austin Salamander Conservation Center • Refugium populations to preserve gene diversity in case extinct in wild Before After Habitat restoration: Eliza Daylighting in 2017 “stream” “pool” Eliza survey Underwater view 1997 salamander survey crew First stream salamanders Added smaller substrate Daylit stream starts flowing Questions/comments Nathan.Bendik@austintexas.gov 512-974-2040
Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Concession Locations ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Concession Contracts ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 Contract Terms New Concessions Solicitations 3 5 5 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Contract Extensions 6 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 6 Lone Star Riverboat ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Zilker Park Boat Rental ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 APR Concession Policy and Procedure Update 7 Parkland Operation and Management Agreements............................................................................................................. 8 POMA Concessions 10 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Problem Areas, Challenges, and Strategic Actions ............................................................................................................. 11 Audit of Agreements with Trail Conservancy Austin Rowing Club Expedition School Zilker Eagle Waterway Ban Barton Creek Concession Feasibility Barton Creek Streambank Restoration 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 Watercraft Census ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 Concession Sales, Payments, and Expenditures ................................................................................................................. 20 Revenue Share Payments 21 Capital Improvements and Equipment Updates ................................................................................................................ 24 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 24 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24 i Public Benefit .................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Austin Rowing Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................. 26 Lone Star Riverboat .......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 27 Zilker Park Boat Rentals.................................................................................................................................................... 27 Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ............................................................................................................................ 28 Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses 28 28 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 29 Environmental Commission Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 29 Appendix 1. Austin Parks and Recreation Concession Policy and Procedure Update ......................................................... 32 Appendix 2. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY25 ............................................................................ 33 Appendix 3. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................... 36 ii Executive Summary The mission of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, APR has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of Austin Parks and Recreation to allow a concessionaire to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service concession in Town Lake Park. Additionally, Section 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Austin Parks and Recreation Board …
Appendix 1 AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION POLICY Subject Section Applicability Director Approval Policy: Policies and Procedures for Concessions in City’s Parks System Finance All Personnel Jesús Aguirre Digitally signed by Jesús Aguirre Date: 2025.12.05 14:02:47 -06'00' Reference Number PR-F-004 Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Dated March 12, 1998 Signature Date December 5, 2025 It is the policy of Austin Parks and Recreation to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Purpose: To provide a policy for concessions in City of Austin parks. Authority: The Code of the City of Austin Texas, City Charter, Article V Administrative Organization, §4 Directors of Departments. The Director has the authority and responsibility to maintain efficiency within the operation and to determine the methods of operation to accomplish the Department’s mission and objectives. DEFINITIONS Applicable Rules – The applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession - a business owned by a private citizen or a privately-owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Concessionaire – a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Director – the Director of the Department or designee. Family Member – means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a spouse. Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Date March 12, 1998 Reference Number PR-F-004 Page 1 of 5 Legacy Concession – an existing concession operating in the Parks System pursuant to a concession agreement with the Department that: (cid:120) Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person, Local Business, or a Family Member of the person or Local Business for at least 20 years; (cid:120) Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; (cid:120) Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its …
Zilker Park Boat Rental Legacy Concession on Barton Creek Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Austin Parks and Recreation | January 26, 2026 Presented by: Lucas Massie, Assistant Director Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II Legacy Concession Policy Authority Revised Policies and Procedures for Concessions in City of Austin Parks approved by Council on November 6, 2025, under Resolution 20251106-043 In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices and under City Code: 8-1-71-73. The Director shall evaluate a proposed Legacy Concession and determine in their sole discretion whether it meets the requirements set forth in these Policies and Procedures. 2 Legacy Concession Policy Legacy Concession Criteria A Legacy Concession is an existing concession operating in the Parks System under an agreement with the Department that: Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person, Local Business, or a family member of the person or owner of the Local Business for at least 20 years; Has operated under the same or a similar name throughout its existence; Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined solely by the Department; and Has maintained its physical features in good condition. 3 Current Zilker Park Boat Rental Agreement Zilker Park Boat Rentals opened for business in 1969 as a canoe rental service for Barton Creek and Town Lake. Later they included kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) among their boat inventories. Current Agreement: On February 28, 2006, the City of Austin entered into a revenue concession agreement. The initial agreement period expired on March 1, 2011, with two additional five-year extensions. The City extended this agreement four additional times with the last extension expiring on February 28, 2026. 4 Current Zilker Park Boat Rental Agreement Revenue Share: The agreement includes revenue obligations: Payment of minimum $18,000 annually plus 10% of any amount over $180,000 gross revenues. Annual Gross Revenue Annual Concession Payments-City FY25: $755,059 FY24: $902,856 FY23: $994,395 FY22: $1,124,276 FY21: $915,893 FY25: $75,506 FY24: $90,285 FY23: $99,548 FY22: $134,607 FY21: $91,589 5 New Legacy Concession Agreement Term An Initial Term of Ten (10) years with Two optional Five-Year Extensions Updated …
Trailers With Security Camera Pilot and Recommendations Austin Parks and Recreation Department 1/26/2026 Background: Rising Property Crime The pilot program was a strategic response to a critical surge in Burglary of Vehicle (BOV)offenses across major park locations. Safety Impact: High crime rates made it difficult for families to feel secure in parks. Strategic Deployment: Locations were chosen based on specific APD historical crime data. MEASURABLE SUCCESS: IMPACT ON CRIME 76% REDUCTION IN BOV 9/15 PARKS IMPROVED Incidents at Mt. Bonnell (Covert Park) dropped from 373 to 88 cases during the pilot period. The majority of participating sites saw an immediate decrease in reported criminal activity Deterrence Factor: Prominently placed trailers served as a high-visibility warning to potential offenders 3 UPHOLIDING PRIVACY STANDARDS LONGTERM CONTRACT Exclusive Ownership: The City of Austin maintains 100% control of all footage. Secure Storage: Hosted in a CJIS- compliant cloud with U.S.-based encryption. Strict Prohibitions: No facial recognition or biometric identification technology used. Auto-Deletion: All data is permanently purged after 60 days unless required for investigation. 4 LOOKING AHEAD: IMPLEMENTATION MASTER AGREEMENT STATUS Contract with Live View Technology (LVT) scheduled for City Council 2/5/2026. 3-Year Initial Term: Plus two 1-year extension options. Community Transparency: Mandatory signage at every monitored parking lot. Targeted Focus: Strategic placement in areas with high property crime historical rates. 5 Questions
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE January 2026 Recreation Services Division Athletics: Adult Volleyball Tournament The APR Athletics Office hosted a volleyball tournament on January 10th at the Austin Recreation Center. The tournament reached maximum capacity, with exciting, high-energy play, and look forward to future tournaments. Community Initiatives: Youth Scholarships Through community donations made to the Parks and Library fund, along with support from APF, qualified families are starting to receive scholarship funds to help pay for APR programs like summer camp, sports, and after school programs. Last year, scholarship usage reached its highest total, exceeding $168,000. Design Assessments Therapeutic Recreation: Universal Universal Design promotes environments and services usable by all without the need for adaptation. Assessments identify accessibility improvement opportunities and include written reports and action plans for each site. 75% of APR Recreation Centers have been assessed, with the project concluding in January 2026. Sustainability and Resilience Division Holiday Tree Recycling at Zilker Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Resource Recovery partnered for the 39th year of Holiday Tree Recycling at Zilker Metro Park during the two weekends after Christmas. Approximately 1,500 pine trees were diverted from the landfill and turned into mulch which was offered free to the public. Over 40 volunteers worked together with Park Rangers, Forestry staff, Zilker Park Grounds staff, Austin Resource Recovery marketing and communications team members and the ARR mulching crew. Special thanks to APR Program Manager Meredith Gauthier for coordinating this event over the last several years! Park Planning Division Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park DOLA The fenced Dog Off-Leash Area is back in place at Circle C Ranch Metro Park. Located near trail parking area of Donald E. Carpenter Way Temporary fencing will remain in place while the design is developed for a permanent space, sponsored by the District 8 Council Office. Park Planning Division New Playground at Rosewood Neighborhood Park APR partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to renovate the Rosewood Neighborhood Park playground. The existing playscape equipment included swings and a small ship-themed play structure. It offered little shade or play value for visitors. Community members identified values and priorities for the park improvements via onsite pop-ups and online surveys. The new playscape is open to the public! Work on additional improvements including a new pavilion, upgraded sidewalks, seating, and new shade trees are underway. This project was funded by Austin Parks Foundation. https://www.austintexas.gov/rosewoodplayground Park Development Division Upcoming Ribbon …
