REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD APRIL 27, 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.cloud.microsoft/g/n6jqzWj5fv 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 March 23, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Watershed Protection salamander team. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Presenter(s): Nathan Bendik, Conservation Program Supervisor, Austin Watershed Protection. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Parks and Recreation Board supports the Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Presenter(s): Charles Mabry, Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation, discussion, and approve recommendations to the Austin City Council regarding the proposed 2026 General Obligation Bond. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Presenter(s): Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor and Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 2 5. 6. 7. Discussion and approve an amendment to the Parks and Recreation Board by-laws to remove the Contracts and Concessions Committee. (Sponsors: Bazan, Becker) Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that City staff should conduct community engagement related to Perry Park prior to renewing the park use agreement with North Austin Soccer Alliance. (Sponsors: Eubanks, Abou-Emara) Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. 9. …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on MARCH 23, 2026 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: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker Ted Eubanks, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Kathryn Flowers (joined at 9:09 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin. Board Members Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Monica Guzman - GAVA Teresa Rivera – Splash Pad at Gus Garcia Rec Center Kayla Reese - APF Holly Reed - TTC Concerns Robin Tsang - Perry Park Soccer Issues Ozias Tsang - Perry Park Soccer Issues Jude Tsang - Perry Park Soccer Issues Carson Buckner - Bridge Lacrosse Mark May - TTC Concerns Patrick Ywong - Leash Laws APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 23, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 23, 2026 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Land Management Team. Page 1 of 4 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026 Matt McCaw, Environmental Conservation Program Manager; Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager; and Jodi Jay, Assistant Director, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on gas powered equipment, prescribed burns, prickly poppy, biodiversity in natural lands, land management tools, cave collaboration committee, The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Land Management Team was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve 15,368 sq. ft. of permanent Transmission Line use within parkland at Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach. Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Energy is $2,414,240. Dave Tomczyszyn, Vice President of Electrical System Engineering and Mac Kammerer, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Energy gave a presentation …
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, Sunken Garden) • Population monitoring and research (are we meeting biological goals of HCP?) • Barton Springs Zone Spill Response Plan • Conservation Fund Pool drawdown after flood intact pipe work area gravel placed after removal 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
Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia District Park Vision Plan Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Request for Recommendation on Approval Austin Parks and Recreation | April 27, 2026 Presented By: Charles Mabry, Project Manager Gus Garcia Park Today Located at 1201 E. Rundberg Site Character 47-acre District Park Site slopes down to Little Walnut Creek Wooded Floodplain Current Amenities 20,000sf Recreation Center Playground, Fitness Equipment Picnic Pavilion Two Multi-Use Fields Community Garden Lighted Basketball Court Granite Trails Fiskville Cemetery Dobie Middle School 2 Existing Draft Vision Plan Existing Draft Vision Plan Developed in 2008 Coincided with the Development of the Recreation Center Not Formally Approved Why Update Document Current Park Amenities Update Future Amenities Communicate Proposed Future Improvements Bond, Grant Opportunities Opportunity for Community Feedback Formal Approval by APR 3 Vision Plan Development Process Summer 2025 – Develop New Draft Plan Review Historical Community Feedback Review Current Park Amenities October 2025 – Community Engagement Round 1 October 2025 – Develop Final Draft Vision Plan Late October - November 2025 – Community Engagement Round 2 Spring 2026 – Approve Vision Plan 4 Community Feedback Round 1 Survey – October 2025 Display Board at Recreation Center Saturday Pop-up Event Meeting with Advisory Board 48 Survey Responses “Nature trails, aquatic facilities, volleyball courts would be a huge asset to the neighborhood.” “Great variety of facilities” Round 2 Survey – October - November 2025 Updated Display Board at Recreation Center Presentation at Halloween Event 33 Comment Cards “I like it all and hope it will be completely done as proposed.” “I propose a (sic) amazing dog park for both small & Big (sic) dogs with dog fountain” 5 Draft Final Vision Plan Plan Changes Expanded Formal and Nature Trails (1, 10) Relocated Sports Courts (2) Relocated Aquatic Center (3) Relocated Amphitheater (4) Relocated Sand Volleyball Courts (5) Expanded Picnic Areas (6) Added Multi-Use Field (7) Relocated Dog Off-Leash Area (8) New Senior Center Wing (9) Preserve Woodland and Floodplain 6 Action Request Recommendation on the approval of the Gustavo ‘Gus’ L. Garcia District Park Vision Plan. Next Steps Director Approval of the …
2026 Bond Program Update Austin Parks and Recreation | April 27, 2026 Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Schedule We Are Here August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 Departments Present to Working Groups BEATF Mtg 8.25.25 Scoring Matrix Shared with BEATF & Departments BEATF Mtg 9.22.25 BEATF Mtg 10.27.25 BEATF led Listening Sessions BEATF Mtg 11.17.25 City Matrix scores provided GIS Map BEATF Mtg 12.15.25 Working Group Closed Meetings Bond Capacity Update Phase III Survey Staff Initial Proposal 2 BEATF Mtgs 1.12.26 1.26.26 Working Groups Present to BEATF Phase III Open House Events BEATF Mtgs 2.9.26 2.23.26 BEATF Mtgs 3.9.26 3.23.26 BEATF Mtg 4.13.26 4.27.26 BEATF recommen- dation to Mayor and City Council 5.4.26 2 $410 million bond package recommended Parkland Acquisition 2025 Key Milestones July 31, 2025 Memo to Mayor and Council with Initial Project Request List – 2026 Bond Development Update for Parks and Recreation projects $3.87 billion total city bond package recommendation August thru December 2025 Internal Project Review Board reviewed and prioritized citywide bond projects / programs Austin Parks and Recreation presented to Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Parkland and Open Space Working Group Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition July 31, 2025 APR Staff Bond Recommendation Building Renovation and Replacements Recreation and Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $85M $100M $55M $40M $60M $70M TOTAL $410M 3 2026 Key Milestones January 14, 2026 Financial Services recommends a maximum $750M 2026 bond package at the Audit and Finance Committee January 21, 2026 Memo to Mayor and Council with 2026 Bond Initial Draft Staff Project Recommendation $140 million bond package recommended for Parks and Recreation projects $700 million total city bond package recommendation Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition Jan. 21, 2026 (CDS) Staff Initial Recommendation Building Renovation and Replacements Parkland Acquisition Recreation and Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $55M $40M $10M $5M $15M $15M TOTAL $140M 4 2026 Key Milestones February 17 thru 28, 2026 Five community open house events and bond survey; summary: Prioritize Improving Existing Infrastructure Over Building New Parks, recreation, and cultural facilities have the largest share of feedback and consistent support …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 BYLAWS OF THE Parks and Recreation Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Parks & Recreation Board. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: (A) The board shall advise city council and the city manager regarding: the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; the purchase of additional land be managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. (B) The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the City Manager for detail development, and the City Manager may then submit the plan to the City Council for approval as may be required by Code. (C) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private members of the public, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest general public welfare. (D) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the City Council. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 BYLAWS OF THE Parks and Recreation Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Parks & Recreation Board. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: (A) The board shall advise city council and the city manager regarding: the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; the purchase of additional land be managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. (B) The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the City Manager for detail development, and the City Manager may then submit the plan to the City Council for approval as may be required by Code. (C) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private members of the public, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest general public welfare. (D) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the City Council. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 …
Community PARKnerships FY25 Update Austin Parks and Recreation | 4.27.2026 Collage photo credits left to right: The Trail Conservancy (TTC), Pease Park Conservancy, TTC, Austin Parks Foundation (APF), City of Austin, Downtown Austin Alliance, Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, APF Policy direction | Parks and Recreation Community PARKnerships Program Council Adopted Austin Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan | 2020 Partners included in 20+ sub-strategies across all 5 citywide strategies Sub-strategy E.5: Develop a clear organizational framework for APR partnerships that is equitable, supportive of APR's mission and goals, and is regularly evaluated to track and monitor impacts and outcomes. City Council Resolution No. 20200312-041 | 2020 Work with parks nonprofit partners to create opportunities for partnership agreements that benefit the community and to outline roles and responsibilities between those groups and APR City Council Resolution No. 20241121-072 | 2024 Explore additional funding strategies for APR, including Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs) and expanding the Community PARKnerships Program City Manager FY26 Priority Goal | 2026 Explore revenue generating funding alternatives in order to secure long-term funding strategies that reduce sole reliance on the general fund to close existing funding gaps in operating and capital functions. Photo credits left to right: Fruitful Commons, The Trail Conservancy, City of Austin (of 4ATX Foundation activity) 2 Community PARKnerships approach Support partners and community in navigating City processes Streamline partner intake, communication, and ensure consistency in approach Ensure compliance with City requirements, procedures, and oversight Align partnerships with City plans, priorities, and Council direction Facilitate cross-department and partner collaboration Track, measure, and communicate impact Recognize and amplify community efforts Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared stewardship of public spaces 3 Austin PARKners framework PARKner Resource Library Monthly PARKner News newsletter Required safety and City policy trainings Optional Lunch & Learn’s Photo credits left to right: City of Austin, Erika Rich for TreeFolks, Austin Parks Foundation, 4ATX Foundation 4 Types of PARKnership agreements MOU: Memorandum of Understanding Ex: Ecology Action Partnership B agreement Ex: Fruitful Commons (in draft – current PIMA) PIA: Parkland Improvement Agreement Ex: Mile Zero Trailhead with Hill Country Conservancy POMA: Park Operations and Maintenance Agreements Ex: The Trail Conservancy Not PARKnerships agreements Event contracts Service contracts Ex: TreeFolks contracts …
Appendix - Resolution No. 20241121-072 Non-profit Report “An annual report…that includes the following: A list of existing public-private partnership or PARKnership agreements, as well as the status of any partnerships or agreements under negotiation.” Managed by Community PARKnerships Partner Organization Agreement(s) & Contract(s) Parkland Location(s) Austin Parks Foundation - Partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land - Partnership B agreement in discussion - Multiple PIAs in development (EastLink Trail, Onion Creek All Abilities Playground) Various Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club - MOU with APR - Partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, others Barton Springs Conservancy - Agreement to provide additional funding for bathhouse restoration (including donor recognition) and to carry out stewardship activities - Partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land Barton Springs Municipal Pool City Parks Alliance MOU for the 2026 Greater & Greener Conference Downtown Austin Parks (Downtown Austin Alliance) - Partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land - Republic Square Agreement - Multiple PIAs in development (EastLink Trail, Onion Creek All Abilities Playground, West Austin Park Overlook) N/A Various Ecology Action - MOU with APR - Partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land Roy G Guerrero Activity Notes Education Ecological restoration Infrastructure Programming Stewardship Programming Stewardship Infrastructure Fund Development Stewardship National Park Advocacy and Support Education Ecological restoration Infrastructure Programming Stewardship Ecological restoration Stewardship 1 Appendix - Resolution No. 20241121-072 Non-profit Report Managed by Community PARKnerships Partner Organization Agreement(s) & Contract(s) Fruitful Commons - PIA for Phase 2 of Festival Beach Food Forest executed 2025 - Partnership B agreement in development Parkland Location(s) Activity Notes Festival Beach Food Forest (Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach), Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park, others Community agriculture Ecological restoration Programming Stewardship Hill Country Conservancy - 2012 MOU for design, construction, and stewardship of the VCT (prior to 2021 policy) - 2024 PIA for Mile Zero Trailhead of VCT in Zilker Park Violet Crown Trail, others Keep Austin Beautiful - None with APR; partner adheres to City standards and processes for any activities on public land - Service contracts with Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Watershed Protection Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics MOU with APR Pease Park Conservancy 2023 Park Operations and Maintenance …
Community PARKnerships FY25 Year in Review Collage photo credits (left to right): 1. Courtesy of The Trail Conservancy (TTC) | 2. Courtesy of Pease Park Conservancy | 3. By Limelight Imaging, courtesy of Limelight Imaging and TTC | 4. Courtesy of Austin Parks Foundation (APF) | 6. Courtesy of Downtown Austin Alliance | 7. Courtesy of Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy | 8. Courtesy of APF Community PARKnerships brings Austin Parks and Recreation and community together to improve and celebrate Austin parks. The program cultivates partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, City of Austin departments, and other organizations that share Austin Parks and Recreation’s values and goals. Opportunities to steward and propose improvements to parks empower the community to actively participate in their development and care. When Austin Parks and Recreation teams up with these park advocates, we can do more for Austin parks. Together, we expand access to nature and recreation spaces, enrich the experience of park visitors, and take better care of parks. APR’s fiscal year 2025 (FY25) ran October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. 2 Table of Contents Alignment with City Plans ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Interdepartmental Partnerships ................................................................................................................................... 7 Awards & Recognition ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Integrating Racial Equity ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Austin PARKners ..................................................................................................................................................................12 PARKner Program Resources .................................................................................................................................. 13 Partnership A | Partnerships for Public Purpose ......................................................................................... 17 Partnership B | Project & Program Partnerships ........................................................................................ 36 Partnership C | Community Stewardship ....................................................................................................... 38 Partnership D | Emerging or One-Time Partnerships............................................................................... 40 Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) Program .....................................................................................41 CAPP Collaborators ..................................................................................................................................................... 42 CAPP Implementation Highlights ........................................................................................................................ 44 Adopt-A-Park Program .................................................................................................................................................. 46 Community Stewardship of Parkland .................................................................................................................... 47 It’s My Park Day ............................................................................................................................................................. 49 Parkland Stewardship Plans .................................................................................................................................. 50 School Parks ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53 School Modernization and Joint-Interest Campuses.............................................................................. 53 Leave No Trace - Pet Waste & Off-Leash Campaign ............................................................................... 54 Nature Play ............................................................................................................................................................................ 55 Infrastructure .................................................................................................................................................................. 55 Policy + Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................... 56 Education + Training .................................................................................................................................................... 56 Material Procurement ................................................................................................................................................. 57 Programming + Park Activation ........................................................................................................................... 58 Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) .................................................................................................. 60 Green School Parks .......................................................................................................................................................61 Nature Play, Emerging Green Leaders (EGL) ................................................................................ 65 OLE (Outdoor Learning Environments) Austin ............................................................................................. 63 Nature Smart Libraries .............................................................................................................................................. 64 Special Projects .................................................................................................................................................................. 65 wkrm | Volunteer Coordination Project ........................................................................................................... 65 Trust for Public Land | Park Stewardship Learning Cohort ................................................................. 66 Design Workshop Foundation | Community Capacity Building Initiative .................................... 66 PARKnership Pop-Ups ................................................................................................................................................ 67 City Parks Alliance | Greater & …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260427-3 Date: April 27, 2026 Subject: Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Seconded By: Luai Abou-Emara Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends approval of the Gus Garcia District Park Master Plan as presented. Vote: 10-0 For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260427-4 Date: April 27, 2026 Subject: 2026 Bond Program Recommendation for Austin Parks and Recreation Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation WHEREAS, bond programs are a primary source of capital funding for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) projects, including pool replacements, land acquisition, new park development, recreation and senior centers, and other capital improvements; WHEREAS, the most recent parks-focused bond proposition was Proposition C in 2018, which provided $149 million for parks in 2018, and the anticipated 2024 bond cycle was delayed; WHEREAS, APR has substantially assigned and spent its 2018 bond funding, while maintaining only modest contingency funds for urgent failures that may arise before new bond funds could be received if a 2026 bond is approved by voters; WHEREAS, APR staff conducted a department-wide capital needs exercise that identified approximately $1.4 billion in capital improvement needs, and staff subsequently developed a supportable proposal of approximately $410 million based on departmental capacity, urgency, and market conditions; WHEREAS, current citywide bond discussions contemplate a total bond package substantially below that amount, including scenarios around $750 million total citywide, requiring APR needs to be scaled accordingly; WHEREAS, APR staff have outlined multiple funding scenarios between $140 and $250 million dollars, where lower-dollar scenarios largely fund emergency repairs, critical system failures, and limited high-priority projects rather than meaningful expansion of park and recreation assets; WHEREAS, lower-dollar scenarios are also burdened by the potential need to fund the Central Maintenance Complex, estimated at roughly $50 million to $80 million, due in part to uncertainty related to the Oracle land swap and the adequacy of replacement maintenance facilities; WHEREAS, the City’s aquatics system includes multiple pools that have reached or exceeded their expected useful life, and at least two facilities were already identified as critical failures in the 2018 aquatics assessment, and under lower-funded bond scenarios the Department would be limited largely to emergency responses rather than proactive replacement, increasing the risk of pool failures and extended closures before construction funding is available; WHEREAS, a funding level of $250 million would allow the Department to move beyond emergency stabilization and support critical projects across the parks system, including senior centers, recreation facilities, aquatics, neighborhood and district parks, trails, electrification, and parkland acquisition; THEREFORE, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommends that Austin City Council should: 1 of 3 1. Advance a 2026 bond …
To: Parks and Recreation Board Members MEMORANDUM Through: Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation From: Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Austin Parks and Recreation Date: April 27, 2026 Subject: Austin Parks and Recreation 2026 Bond Update The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on Austin Parks and Recreation’s 2026 general obligation bond development process since the previous memorandum to the Parks and Recreation Board sent on August 4, 2025 and provide updated staff recommendations. On July 31, 2025, the City issued a memorandum with each department’s preliminary ranked program / project recommendations for the 2026 Bond. This preliminary list included all city department included a $410 million recommendation for the parks and recreation 2026 bond programs as outlined in the table below. totaling $3.87 billion, which recommendations July 31, 2025 Parks and Recreation Recommendations Bond Program Building Renovation and Replacement Program Amount $85 million Parkland Acquisition Program $100 million Recreation and Senior Center Improvements Program Infrastructure $55 million $40 million Description Funding for renovation/rehabilitation or replacement of APR maintenance facilities and assets. Funding for the acquisition of land, such as destination parks in park-deficient areas, greenways and corridors for increased trail connectivity. Funding for renovations and rehabilitations to existing APR senior and recreation centers and assets. Funding for improvements to playscapes, trails, parking lots, roadways, athletic fields and facilities, and City cemeteries. Date: Subject: April 27, 2026 Austin Parks and Recreation 2026 Bond Update Aquatics $60 million Parkland Improvements $70 million $410 million Funding for renovations and rehabilitations to existing City pools. Funding for development of existing City parks, greenbelts, or the downtown squares. TOTAL Throughout the fall of 2025, Austin Parks and Recreation presented details, including example projects, for each bond program recommendation to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Parkland and Open Space Working Group. These included presentations on parkland improvement and infrastructure programs, building renovation / replacement, recreation and senior center improvements, aquatics programs, and parkland acquisitions. Bond Process Update and Initial Staff (Capital Delivery Services) Recommendations: On January 21, 2026, a memorandum to Mayor and Council was issued to provide an initial staff draft recommendation for the 2026 bond. As outlined in the memo, work performed throughout the fall and winter of 2025 included a public input process, Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) listening sessions, and the development …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: 2026 Bond Program Recommendation for Austin Parks and Recreation Motioned By: Recommendation Seconded By: WHEREAS, bond programs are a primary source of capital funding for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) projects, including pool replacements, land acquisition, new park development, recreation and senior centers, and other capital improvements; WHEREAS, the most recent parks-focused bond proposition was Proposition C in 2018, which provided $149 million for parks in 2018, and the anticipated 2024 bond cycle was delayed; WHEREAS, APR has substantially assigned and spent its 2018 bond funding, while maintaining only modest contingency funds for urgent failures that may arise before new bond funds could be received if a 2026 bond is approved by voters; WHEREAS, APR staff conducted a department-wide capital needs exercise that identified approximately $1.4 billion in capital improvement needs, and staff subsequently developed a supportable proposal of approximately $410 million based on departmental capacity, urgency, and market conditions; WHEREAS, current citywide bond discussions contemplate a total bond package substantially below that amount, including scenarios around $750 million total citywide, requiring APR needs to be scaled accordingly; WHEREAS, APR staff have outlined multiple funding scenarios between $140 and $250 million dollars, where lower-dollar scenarios largely fund emergency repairs, critical system failures, and limited high-priority projects rather than meaningful expansion of park and recreation assets; WHEREAS, lower-dollar scenarios are also burdened by the potential need to fund the Central Maintenance Complex, estimated at roughly $50 million to $80 million, due in part to uncertainty related to the Oracle land swap and the adequacy of replacement maintenance facilities; WHEREAS, the City’s aquatics system includes multiple pools that have reached or exceeded their expected useful life, and at least two facilities were already identified as critical failures in the 2018 aquatics assessment, and under lower-funded bond scenarios the Department would be limited largely to emergency responses rather than proactive replacement, increasing the risk of pool failures and extended closures before construction funding is available; WHEREAS, a funding level of $250 million would allow the Department to move beyond emergency stabilization and support critical projects across the parks system, including senior centers, recreation facilities, aquatics, neighborhood and district parks, trails, electrification, and parkland acquisition; 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommends that Austin City Council should: 1. Advance a 2026 bond program that includes a strong and clearly …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE April 2026 Recreation Services Division Athletics - Ballfield Upgrades The APR Athletics Office has replaced eight scoreboards at the Krieg and Havins softball fields. Therapeutic Recreation – Art in the Park The 30th Annual Art in the Park at Fiesta Gardens, held on April 9th in collaboration with Art Spark Texas, welcomed over 1,000 individuals with disabilities. Community Initiatives – Teens in Leadership Training The TILT (Teen in Leadership Training) graduation was held on April 16th at the Doris Miller Auditorium. We celebrated 20 teens (15-18 years of age) successfully completing the program. Community Initiatives – Soap Box Derby Totally Cool Totally Art hosted their first annual Soap Box Derby Race Event on Saturday, April 18th at Turner Roberts Recreation Center. 10 Recreation Centers and their teens took part in the program and got to build from scratch a life size soap box derby car and race them in this event. Community Recreation Division Hancock Recreation Center’s Robotics Club: 11 participants meet weekly to create with Cubelets Smart Blocks, learning real engineering and problem-solving skills. They create MazeBots to tackle tricky courses, StoryBots that act out their own stories, and RaceBots that zoom through obstacles to compete against friends. The program is all about helping students feel proud of what they build, all while learning and having fun! Delores Duffie Recreation Center April 15, Delores Duffie Recreation Center hosts its second year of Jackie Robinson Day – Hit, Pitch, Run Challenge. Over 70 participants pay tribute to Jackie Robinson and his contributions to America’s Favorite Past Time by exploring the key elements of baseball. The East Side High softball and baseball players volunteer to help run the younger aged participants through some warm ups. Natural Resources Division Park Ranger Program – Year-to-Date Contact Counts • 11,874 citizen contacts • 20,595 programming contacts • 202 hours of programming Park Ranger Program – Summer Operations • Preparation underway for expanded summer park operations with Cadets and Seasonal/Temporary staff during peak times for Memorial Day through Labor Day. Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance Continues preparing facilities for the season, completing motor repairs at the Bailey, Eastwoods, and Clarksville splash pads. Canyon Vista, Mabel Davis, Martin, Walnut Creek, and Garrison pools are now filled. Barton Springs The pool successfully reopened after the skimmer project. Staff are finalizing plans with the Austin Nature and Science Center for the Greater and …
