REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MAY 19, 2026 – 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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/rVAVuTwSFq or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Lane Becker (Mayor), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) VACANT (D-4) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) AGENDA Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) 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 April 27, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Austin Parks and Recreation staff members who worked to complete the delivery of four pools and two bathhouses: Colony Park Aquatic Facility; Givens Pool; Northwest Pool; Montopolis Pool; Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse; and, Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool. (Sponsors: Bazan, Becker) Presenter(s): Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director and D’Anne Williams, Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. 3. Approve an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Board seat on the Joint Sustainability Committee. (Sponsors: Bazan, Becker) Page 1 of 2 STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing on named features in the Waller Creek District Confluence and Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park projects. (Sponsors: Bazan, Becker) Presenter(s): John Rigdon, Chief Planning and Design Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Staff briefing on Parks Safety. (Sponsors: Bazan, Merritt) Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation and Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief, Austin Police. Staff briefing on the Barton Springs Road bridge replacement project. (Sponsors: Bazan, Becker) Presenter(s): Eric Bailey, Deputy Director, Capital Delivery Services. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement events, planning …
Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence and Palm Park Named Features May 19, 2026 Waterloo Greenway Partnership and Governance • The City’s relationship with the Conservancy was formalized in a 2014 Joint Development Agreement (JDA), which outlined roles and responsibilities for the partners and established the Waller Creek Local Government Corporation (LGC) as directed and authorized by Council, to govern the partnership and implement the Greenway program. • This body follows Boards & Commissions rules, meets publicly and contains 5 members appointed by the City and 5 appointed by the Conservancy. • The LGC authorizes scopes of work and City contracts toward the implementation of the projects within the City Council approved Design Plan and governs the District’s public use and operations. • • • • • Sponsoring Departments: Sponsoring Departments: • • • Community Leadership Community Leadership PARD & Watershed Protection APR & Watershed Protection • Operations & Maintenance • Operations & Maintenance • Code Compliance Code Compliance Public Health, Safety & Welfare Public Health, Safety & Welfare • Environmental Stewardship Environmental Stewardship • • • • Subject Matter Expertise Subject Matter Expertise • • Programming & Art Programming & Art Environmental Stewardship Environmental Stewardship • Design Excellence Design Excellence • 3 Waterloo Greenway Phase II Texas Capitol N Lady Bird Lake C E S A R C H A V E Z S T Pontoon Bridge Austin Convention Center Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Creek The Delta Confluence RAINEY ST D A V S S T I D R I S K I L L S T Palm School Palm Park 2 N D S T 3 R D S T 4 T H S T 5 T H S T 6 T H S T 7 T H S T 8 T H S T 9 T H S T 1 0 T H S T 1 1 T H S T 1 2 T H S T Moody Amphitheater 1 5 T H S T SAN JACINTO BLVD Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center TRINITY ST NECHES ST RED RIVER ST SABINE ST Red River Cultural District The Refuge IH-35 Waterloo Park Dell Seton Medical Center Dell Medical School at the University of Texas Central Health Brackenridge Redevelopment Site Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center Symphony Square Waterloo Greenway Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 4 Waterloo Greenway Naming Authority • The …
Parks Safety Briefing Austin Parks and Recreation & Austin Police May 19, 2026 AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION SYSTEM OVERVIEW 2026 20,041 Acres of Green Space 269 Miles of Trail 355 Parks Playgrounds, Venues & Other Spaces 2 TIMELINE AUSTIN PARK RANGERS AND POLICE 1968 2008 2021 First Park Rangers and grew to 10 commissioned peace officers under Austin Parks and Recreation (APR). Park Police consolidated from APR into the Austin Police Department (APD). APD Park Police units officially transitioned to General Police Patrol. 1985-1993 Renamed Park Police; expanded duties with Federal Park Ranger certification. 2008 Park Ranger Program established as ambassadors within APR and partners to APD. 3 PARK RANGER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Visible Presence: Hike and bike patrols. Responsible Recreation: Stewardship messaging. Visitor Support: Information and guidance. Responsive Service: Addressing park needs. Targeted Education: High-impact outreach to areas of need. 4 PARK RANGERS OPERATIONS 23 Park Rangers 7 Days/Week Zone System Directed Patrols 5 PARK RANGER DATA COLLECTION 6 PARK RANGER CONTACTS FOR DOGS OFF LEASH HEAT MAP 2021-2026 7 APD & APR PARTNERSHIP AND SHARED MESSAGING APD oversees all Public Safety as it relates to illegal activity. APD & APR Meeting Agreement Take, Lock, Hide Messaging Security Cameras Joint Operations Pilot Spring 2026 8 PARKS & RECREATION PUBLIC SAFETY SUPPORT Infrastructure Recommendations: Signage, Security Cameras, Limestone Blocks Focused Programming in Areas of Concern: Bark Rangers, Pop-up Events Park Ranger Joint Efforts with Partners including Austin Police Voluntary Compliance Through Contact With Park Rangers Parking Tickets and Warnings for Violations Third-Party Safety Audit 5/15/20 26 Public Safety In Parks 9 9 APR Security Audit: Strategy and Road Map Findings: • Property Crime: 80% of reported incidents larceny or motor vehicle thefts. • Rule Violations: Pet and alcohol violations most frequent • Physical Security Gaps: Lighting and visibility blind spots create vulnerabilities. Recommendations: • Governance: Centralize safety roles and standardize security protocols. • Activation: Through collaboration with APD and site activation to discourage bad behavior. • Infrastructure: Implement crime prevention through environmental design evaluations and standards including lighting improvements. 10 APR SECURITY AUDIT TRANSITION ROADMAP YEAR 1: GOVERNANCE Security Manager APR-wide guidelines Audit facilities Improve partnerships YEAR 2: OPERATIONS Adopt safety design standards Staff de-escalation training Facility access control recommendations 11 Austin Police Department Public Safety Response in City …
Parks Board – Barton Springs Rd. Bridge Update May 19, 2026 Eric Bailey, P.E. – Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Barton Springs Road Bridge 100years old built in 1926 1946 Bridge Expansion 20,000 Vehicles per day Key Entrance to Zilker Park and for Major City Events FUNDING SOURCE: • Preliminary Design: 2012, 2018 and 2020 Bonds • Design: 2020 Bond • Construction: FHWA/City 2 Project Development Process - PRELIMINARY PHASE 2015 - 2023 - DESIGN PHASE 2024 - 2027 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2027 - 2029 PUBLIC MEETING April 2023 RESPOND TO COMMENTS Summer 2023 REFINE REPORT Fall 2023 COUNCIL ACTION December 2023 60% DESIGN + NEPA PUBLIC MEETINGS + BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FINAL DESIGN AND PERMITTING BID AND AWARD + COUNCIL ACTION CONSTRUCTION WE ARE HERE Current Condition Spalling Concrete in Bridge Structure Concrete Cores Delamination of Beams Curb And Railing Do Not Meet Current ADA Standards Load Restricted As Of November 2023 – Heavy Vehicles Moving Eastbound Must Use Outer Lanes 4 Analysis Structural and Mobility Analysis: • • • • External Structure - Spalling Concrete • ADA compliance – Pedestrian Circulation Internal Structure – Deteriorating Steel Geotechnical Data –Replacement Design • Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility – no improvement to existing condition Cost/Benefit Analysis – extended life vs. cost Historical Analysis: • Coordinated with US Army Corps (USACE) and Texas Historic Commission (THC) • The bridge is a contributing feature to the Zilker Park National Register of Historic Places District (1997) • The Texas Historic Commission has approved potentially fully replacing the bridge. As the process continues, the final design will be reviewed and approved by USACE and THC. • Additional analysis is underway as a part of the NEPA process 5 Project Options 6 Bridge Rehabilitation Bridge Structure Rehabilitation 1 Remove Existing Bridge Deck and Spandrel Columns 2 Remaining Portion of Existing Structure 3 New Components: Exterior Pairs of Arch Ribs, Spandrel Columns, Deck, and Abutment Extensions Less than half of the original structure will remain Remaining structure will require refacing with new material surfaces View of old arches will be mostly blocked by new structure 7 City Council Actions 1 Direction from Council in 2020 Bond Resolution (20200812-011): 2 Previous Council Action/Hearings: 11/30/23 – Council conducts a public hearing to recommend the bridge replacement alternative 12/12/23 – Council work session on the recommended option 12/14/23 – Council conducts a public hearing and directs Staff to …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on APRIL 27, 2026 at 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Shelby Orme, Diane Kearns-Osterweil. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Katerina Harris - Support for Garrison Pool John Harris - Support for Garrison Pool Nicholas Littlejohn - Maintenance and litter concerns Patricia Bobeck - Zilker Concession Stand and Parking Lot Heather VanDyke - Support for Garrison Park and Pool Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club Lee Ann Innmon - Friends of Fairview Park Mark May - Improvements to the Non-Profit Model Daniel Kavelman - Shoal Creek Conservancy Gavino Fernandez - Edward Rendon Park and City employee concerns Janett Iturbe - Water Play Area as a priority in the 2026 Bond APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 23, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 23, 2026 was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Watershed Protection salamander team. Page 1 of 4 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 27, 2026 Nathan Bendick, Conservation Program Supervisor, Austin Watershed Protection gave a presentation and answered questions on historical mentions of Barton Springs Salamanders and Austin Blind Salamanders, and the impact of the building of the pool on the salamander population The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Watershed Protection salamander team was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Eubanks’ second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Taylor absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Parks and Recreation Board supports the Gus Garcia District Park Vision Plan. Charles Mabry, Project Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on the off-leash dog area, water crossings, and flooding concerns. The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approval …
Aquatics Project Delivery Austin Parks and Recreation | May 19, 2026 D'Anne Williams, PLA, Project Manager Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director What is Aquatics Project Delivery? ▪ The planning, design, management and construction of Capital Improvement Projects related to Austin Parks and Recreation aquatic facilities. ▪ Projects are designed and constructed to meet the needs of the community and the programs for the Aquatics Division. ▪ The Austin Aquatic Vision Plan (excerpt right) was approved by City Council in 2018 2 2018 Bond – Aquatics Program Anticipated to be 98% spent in FY26 Completed 6 projects total via 2018 Bond Projects were supplemented with a variety of funding sources: Grant Funding APF contributions Parkland Dedication funds Shade Certificates of Obligation Historic Preservation Funding 3 2018 Bond – Aquatics Program Colony Park Aquatic Facility Givens Aquatic Facility Shipe Aquatic Facility Montopolis Aquatic Facility Beverly S. Sheffield NW Aquatic Facility 4 Projects Colony Park and Givens Aquatic Facilities ▪ Budget: ▪ Colony Park: $15M ▪ Givens: $10.3M ▪ Kicked Off Winter 2021 ▪ Opened May 2025 & June 2025 ▪ Pursuing SITES Certification ▪ APR Project Team: ▪ D’Anne Williams – Project Manager ▪ Katie Kimball – Landscape Designer ▪ Scott Sinn – Former Landscape Architect II ▪ Consultants ▪ JMT International, Marmon Mok, Flintco Construction, Cortez Consulting 6 Givens Aquatic Facility Colony Park Aquatic Facility 7 Montopolis and Beverly S. Sheffield Aquatic Facilities ▪ Budget: ▪ Montopolis: $9M ▪ Beverly S Sheffield: $12.6M ▪ Kicked Off Summer 2022 ▪ Opening April 2026 and June 2026 ▪ Pursuing SITES Certification ▪ APR Project Team: ▪ D’Anne Williams – Project Manager ▪ Patrick Beyer – Former Project Manager ▪ Consultants: ▪ JMT International, Marmon Mok, Flintco Construction 8 Beverly S. Sheffield NW Aquatic Facility Montopolis Aquatic Facility 9 Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse Renovation ▪ Budget: $2M ▪ Kicked Off Summer 2021 ▪ Opening June 2026 ▪ Pursuing LEED ID+C Certification ▪ APR Project Team: ▪ Reynaldo Hernandez – Project Manager ▪ Leo Alaniz – Project Assistant ▪ Dylan Kinsey – Engineering Tech III ▪ Consultants ▪ Limbacher & Godfrey, Majestic Services 10 Thank you for all you do!
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE May 2026 Recreation Services Division • Adaptive Field Day, held May 8 at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, welcomed over 200 youth and adults with disabilities for inclusive indoor and outdoor activities, including field games and a silent disco • Therapeutic Recreation’s Summer Readiness Trainings include 16 sessions for full-time, temporary, and seasonal staff, with 200+ participants trained in neurodivergence, universal design, and behavior • The Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) program concluded its end-of-year showcase on May 7 at the Dougherty Arts Center, featuring 750+ teen artworks, awards, and a closing reception • TCTA student films were also featured at Austin’s Black Lens Festival, highlighting program achievements and creative success Community Recreation Division • Turner-Roberts Recreation Center hosted its first-ever Soap Box Derby on April 18 through the TCTA program, featuring teen- designed cars, downhill racing, and awards, with 50+ attendees despite weather conditions • APR’s youth soccer clinic on April 16 served 120 participants ages 7–11 with skills instruction from volunteer coaches, supported by 4ATX Foundation and St. David’s HealthCare, and included visits from Austin FC players Damian Las and Robert Taylor • South Austin Recreation Center (SARC) concluded a 5-week youth volleyball clinic on April 29 with a parent–participant scrimmage, engaging 35 youth ages 8–14 in foundational skill development and gameplay Aquatic Division • Aquatic Maintenance continues progress across multiple sites, with Big Stacy’s spring clean scheduled for May 9–17 and all splash pads opened as of May • Barton Springs is completing final preparations with the Austin Nature and Science Center for the Greater and Greener Zilker Park tour, including a trial swim conducted May 7 • Deep Eddy will undergo a brief closure on May 11–12 to install brackets for four new lap lanes in the Shallow Pool. The work is expected to be completed by May 12, and the Shallow Pool will reopen on May 13 with the new lap lanes. • Aquatics Division recruiting remains strong, with 400 lifeguards ready to work as of May 7, 2026, , with a total of 1,455 applicants recorded as of April 30, 2026. The Northwest Pool has opened, Walnut Creek and Mabel Davis are scheduled to open on May 16. Operation & Maintenance Division New crosswalk at Walnut Creek Metro Park • Improve pedestrian safety • Enhance park accessibility and connectivity • Reduce traffic conflicts and improve driver awareness • Support …
