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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: April 2020 MASTER PLAN UPDATES: John Treviño Jr. Metro Park at Morrison Ranch Master Plan: The draft master plan for the John Treviño Jr. Metro Park has been completed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public meeting restrictions, the presentations of the master plan to Boards and Commissions have been delayed. The park plan is tentatively scheduled to go before the Design Commission for a briefing and the Environmental Commission for action in late May and to the Parks and Recreation Board in May or June. The draft master plan can be found at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/JohnTrevinoMetroPark George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Master Plan: Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff held the Master Plan Kickoff Meeting on Tuesday, March 24, with the consultant team and discussed the overall project schedule, task deliverables, and other related actions for the completion of the Master Plan. In mid-April, the consultant met with Carver staff to gather input and insight on the existing conditions of the facility and its usage. The SpeakUp Austin! first survey for the Carver Master Planning process went live April 21 (survey). In early May, the consultant team will be meeting with Carver staff to discuss programming challenges and growth opportunities. You may find additional information at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/CarverATXplanning Zilker Metro Park Master Plan: PARD is working closely with Capital Contracting Office (CCO) on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultant teams interested to work on the park master plan, which is currently open. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for the RFQ has been extended to May 6. PARD anticipates bringing a recommendation for a consultant to City Council for approval in the summer of 2020 and begin the community planning and engagement process in late 2020 / early 2021. Land Development Code (LDC) Rewrite: On April 9, City Council voted (7-4) to appeal the Travis County District Court’s ruling in the lawsuit challenging the procedures used for adopting the Land Development Code Revision. The ruling nullifies first and second readings of the LDC on procedural grounds. The appeal is expected to take many months. The LDC leadership team has continued to meet and will be formulating a set of options for moving forward, to be shared with the City Manager’s Office. In addition, in June, the LDC team will publish what was intended to be the third reading draft and staff report, to ensure that all work done to date will be recorded. Roy G. Guerrero Metro Park – Right of Way (ROW): This is an update on the City Council direction to vacate ROW in Roy G. Guerrero Metro Park. PARD will serve as the applicant for the ROW vacation process and will file an application, along with a survey of all ROW to be vacated, with the Office of Real Estate. Currently, PARD is working to identify all existing undeveloped ROW in Roy G. Guerrero that has not been vacated and is ordering a survey through the Public Works Department. Once the survey is completed, the application will be submitted. 1 Once the application is submitted, it will go to various reviewers for comments and PARD (applicant) will respond to clear the comments. When comments are cleared, the case will be scheduled for public hearing with the Urban Transportation Commission and then by one of the Land Use Commissions. After Commissions consideration, it will be submitted to City Council for final approval. A typical timeline for the process is 9 to 15 months which includes 3 months for the survey and 6 to 12 months for the City public processes. PARD will provide a briefing to the Parks and Recreation Board once the survey is completed. 2  DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center: Construction started on the remodel of the Community Garden which will add more garden area and inclusive garden beds for all mobilities to take part in the program. Installing Gallery Track Art System exhibit in large west hallway which will allow showcasing of senior artwork and quilts. Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center Exhibit Renovation: Progress is being made on the design phase of the exhibit renovation. On March 12, Fd2s presented the 30% designs program for the new exhibit. As the exhibit design process approaches 60% completion, the next community engagement activity will follow. This engagement will include a description of the exhibit space and seek input on how it aligns with the stated themes and values articulated earlier in the process. The feedback will take place through an online survey which is anticipated to occur in May. Grassland Restoration Treatments: In March, the Land Management Program, led by the Conservation Rangers, completed the final grassland restoration treatments and reporting for an approximately $50,000 grant from the National Wildlife Federation to plant pollinator plants at the Barrera, Decker, and Blunn Creek preserves as well as at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. This work planted and seeded a total of 201 acres of native species. 3  Emma Long Metro Park: Prairie Establishment and Campsite Electric Improvements Prairie Establishment: A central feature of the Emma Long Park Restoration – Phase 1 project is the establishment of a native prairie in the 13.5-acre central lawn of the park. This park area previously provided little recreational or environmental value due to it being covered primarily with sticker burs and non-native grasses. The prairie establishment process began in fall 2019 with close-crop mowing and planting, with much of the effort completed by PARD staff and without the use of any herbicides. The site was planted with an all-native seed mix that included 11 grass species and 50 wildflower species. As of April, the prairie has begun its establishment with grasses growing vigorously and seven or eight of the pioneer wildflower species blooming. Large prairie establishments typically take three to five years for all the species to take hold enough to display their dramatic and diverse beauty. Minimal maintenance will be required, other than the possibility of a controlled burn every seven to 10 years. The Emma Long Park prairie will be accessible to the public via a walking trail that is to be built in the next phase of park improvements, currently in the bidding phase. Electrical Service at RV Campground: Also completed, as of early April, is the upgrading of the electrical service for the 20 utility campsites at the north end of the park. This was a key priority identified in the planning phase, as the outdated electrical service at the campgrounds led to routine tripping of breakers due to the higher electric demand for today’s RVs. In an effort to complete this work before the busy camping season, all of the electric service was replaced in early 2020 under a Master Agreement contract. The new underground service substantially upgraded the electrical capacity for each campsite, which is provided by a new above ground pedestal at each campsite. A new transformer was also installed by Austin Energy to replace the original transformer. In addition to a walking trail that extends through the central lawn, remaining scopes of work for the Phase 1 development project include improvements to the central bathhouses and courtyard, the provision of a new reservable picnic area, utility improvements to support a mobile food truck, new sand volleyball courts and associated accessibility improvements. Emma Long Metro Park is in District 10. 4  Rosewood Neighborhood Park – Pool Bathhouse: The grounds of the Rosewood Neighborhood Park date back to the last quarter of the nineteenth century as a family homestead. The park has been an integral part of the Austin community since the 1930’s. Different amenities were added to the park over the decades including a pool facility in the 1950’s with a bathhouse, concession stand and a BBQ pit. The bathhouse was a large concrete structure located on the east side of the pool and housed a large mechanical room for the pool equipment. The goal of the new bathhouse project was to create an ADA accessible bathhouse facility for the pool and the park. The new bathhouse includes gender specific restrooms with showers and a family restroom. Accessibility improvements have been implemented to provide ADA compliant access to the bathhouse from the adjoining park amenities including two accessible parking spaces. Art in Public Places will also be part of this project. The current proposal is for art panels depicting the community to adorn the exterior face of the new bathhouse. The project is expected to reach substantial completion in early May and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) by June 2020. Funding for this project was provided from the 2012 General Obligation Bond and Parkland Dedication. Rosewood Neighborhood Park is in District 1. Photo of the new bathhouse looking southeast towards the pool 5  MAINTENANCE UPDATES: Aquatic Facility Preparations: Temporary staff working for the Aquatic Division have continued to be a vital asset to the division’s operations. Currently, four teams are assisting the Aquatic maintenance team in preparing aquatic facilities by painting, cleaning office and storage areas, removing leaves, and power washing. Temporary staff are also assisting in the organizing of required supplies at the Aquatic Office to make distribution to facilities seamless. It is important to note, the summer operational plan is still under consideration and remains unknown at this time. PARD will work with the Austin Public Health Department, established health authorities, the Equity Office and City Leadership to carefully consider operational options that maintain the safety and health of employees and the public. Deep Eddy Pool: Annual maintenance closure is also nearing completion. Staff has worked to spread mulch, paint the pool shell, paint handrails, and deep clean the entire facility. Additionally, it was discovered that the shallow end main drain valve needs to be replaced due to it not closing all the way, therefore causing a leak. The replacement would take a confined space entry with multiple people in a confined area close to one another. Due to COVID-19, the replacement will need to be delayed at this time. This could cause a closure of the shallow end until the replacement occurs. Northwest Pool: A leak is currently being investigated within one of the two surge tanks. Staff performed a dye test on April 3. Maintenance staff will conduct a leak test to determine the amount of water loss. Pool Bleach (Chlorine) Resources: The Aquatic Division participated in a national conference call with others in the industry concerned that pool bleach (chlorine) resources have and will become more difficult to secure due to COVID-19. In response to this issue, the maintenance team has safely lowered the chlorine setpoints for our operating facilities that are supplied with liquid bleach. Splash Pads: The Aquatic maintenance team is currently prepping splash pads for operation; however, dependent upon CDC recommendations, splash pads may not be open this summer. Filled and Operating Swimming Pools: Walnut Creek, Garrison, Northwest, Westenfield, West Austin, Shipe, Govalle, Bartholomew, Springwoods, Big Stacy, Deep Eddy (not shallow), and Barton Springs. Morris Williams Putting Green: The golf construction team is working to resurface the practice putting green. The team will also reshape and resurface the 14th tee to accommodate expanding tree canopy and provide more tee space for all levels of play. Alamo Recreation Center: Alamo back bathroom remodel almost complete and new kitchen floors were installed in March. Dottie Jordan Recreation Center: Facility improvements for adaptive programming are ongoing through March and April. The closet in the kitchen has been renovated and shelving has been installed around the fireplace in the multipurpose room. Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center: Maintenance week improvements included replacing broken mirrors in the weight room, painting the women’s restroom and spring cleaning in the Senior Garden. 6 Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center: Electrical work for the kitchen hood expression system was completed. Lamar Senior Activity Center: Work was completed on the broken cast iron discharge pipe for the Lift Station Pumps during the week of March 30. Staff was responsible for turning the pumps on and off each hour during hours of operation and while restroom/water was used for four weeks while pipe was broken. Garden and trail renovations at Zilker Botanical Garden: Garden staff have been working on significant maintenance projects during the time of closure. 7  PROGRAM/EVENT UPDATES: Aquatics Division Programming: Current swim instructors will take an online training to crossover to Starfish Aquatics. This training is non-proctored and accessed through the Starfish Aquatics Institute instructor portal. However, depending upon CDC recommendations, Aquatic program may be delayed or canceled this summer. Aquatics Division Training: The Aquatic Division is using these unprecedented times to host virtual in- service training for lifeguards utilizing Microsoft Teams. Topics covered have included customer service and an in-depth training into the scheduling software, Humanity. The in-service scheduling software had special guests from Humanity leading staff on a tour of the application. Future topics are: Safety/Incident reporting; drowning prevention from our lifeguard certifying agency, StarGuard Elite; swim lessons topic from our swim lessons certifying agency, Starfish Aquatic Institute; and maintenance. The Aquatic Division currently has a total of 27 cashiers and 234 lifeguards for the 2020 season. In response to the economic impacts of COVID-19, the City of Austin currently has a city-wide hiring freeze. Community Recreation Newsletters – Now Weekly “Stay Active” Guides: Although programs are canceled, the Community Recreation Division is actively working to provide opportunities for the community to stay active. The monthly newsletters are turning into weekly suggestions of activities to do for all ages such as exercise videos, game ideas, cooking recipes, brain teasers, sport challenges and crafts with limited number of individual craft kit curbside pickups available at select recreation center locations. The following are examples of the weekly newsletters: Week of April 12th and Week of April 18th Virtual Programming: The Community Recreation Division is working hard to provide quality programs to the community. It is great to see our programmers excited to use their skills through a different method of implementation. Look for PARD online content at: https://www.austintexas.gov/parkprograms The following are online content options developed by staff during March and April: Community Recreation PARD: YouTube Playlist Totally Cool Totally Art: Art Projects and DIYs McBeth Therapeutic Recreation Center: McBeth Connect YouTube Channel Stronger Austin Partnership: Virtual Fitness Programming Schedule Asian American Resource Center (AARC): The AARC’s free digital programming gives the public a virtual tour of Sneha Sundaram’s A Ginkgo Walk, where the artist balances nature photography with haikus. Experience the fantasy worlds of anime, manga, and video games with Kingdom Arts online exhibit featuring work from teen artists that celebrates Asian pop culture genres. 8  Dougherty Arts Center: The Dougherty Arts Center launched its digital programming on April 16 with the premiere of Susannah Haddad’s online exhibit, “A Deconstructed View.” Through the artist’s own words, viewers can experience firsthand Haddad’s artistic process, and view examples of her work that are currently installed onsite at the Dougherty’s JCB Gallery. Visit the DAC digital programming website for additional resources. Brush Square Museums: Published recently on the O. Henry website, tour the O. Henry House, explore William Sydney Porter's life in Austin and take a look inside the museum. Visit:https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/0e9b040437e7448d92451f9bcb9e57d4 ESB Mexican American Cultural Center: ESB Mexican American Cultural Center staff have been diligently working on rolling out its digital programming. One of the upcoming features is a virtual experience of the exhibit "Piecing it Together: Austin Graffiti Art 1984-2004." Piecing it Together focuses on the first three generations of Austin graffiti art, considered the foundation of what many call street art today. The show is organized by each decade which helped shape the backbone of Austin’s vibrant Graffiti Art culture. If you missed the show in person, check out the photos and video. George Washington Carver Museum: Beginning Friday, April 10 and occurring weekly, CarverMuseumATX launched Digital Kickback an Instagram Live series which runs through mid-May and features Black Austin-based DJs who provide a little levity in these uncertain times. The first Digital Kickback featured wellness coach, capoeira master, educator, and multi-disciplinary artist, Devon Boyd (aka DJ Cysum) who played for 68 of the Museum’s social media followers. Camacho Activity Center Online: Through the month of April, the Camacho Activity Center rolled out online content and programs through an online newsletter and social media channels. A series of online nature challenges allow participants to enjoy nature programming from a safe distance and stay engaged for a chance to win a free registration to a Camacho Family Kayaking or Climbing event at a later date. The Nature Challenges include the following: • April 6-12: Nature Challenge # 1: Nature Photography • April 13- 19 Nature Challenge # 2: Nature Bingo • April 20 - 26 Nature Challenge #3: Leaf Printing • April 27- May 3 Nature Challenge #4: Natural Dyes Additional content will feature Two Wheel Tips, a weekly YouTube video covering bike maintenance, bike safety and bike trails. On April 17, Camacho premiered Family Short Film Nights which showcases various Camacho films. The film series will continue every Friday at 7pm and will include a live chat to allow participants to react in real time and ask questions about all the behind the scenes action. 9  Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center Zoom and Google Hangout: Weekly group meeting with seniors for social interaction. Staff is also creating YouTube video content for stretch and strength, A Moment in Time, yoga, home fitness and arts and crafts that can be done at home. Lamar Senior Activity Center (LSAC): The following have been implemented to connect with adults 50- plus while the Center is closed: o “Phone Buddy” list of site participants that may live alone or potentially have challenges while social distancing-stay home/stay safe order in place; currently have a list of approximately 60 participants. LSAC staff make calls to “Phone Buddy” list 1-2 times per week to chat, assist with needs by providing resources, contact info, etc. o ZOOM livestream Zumba Gold class on Friday mornings at 10am by volunteer Instructor, Jacque o Filmed two exercise videos with current LSAC fitness class staff which were added to the PARD Cotrell. YouTube channel for easy access. o Sent out YouTube exercise links and LSAC Advisory Board newsletter to approximately 200 participants requesting email or mail correspondence. o Ukulele Group/Class YouTube links for instruction and group play led by LSAC volunteer instructor, Kevin Jolly. Metz Recreation Center - Senior Care Visit and Activity Package: The staff at Metz Recreation Center wanted to check-in with their Senior participants and bring them a care package to let them know they are a part of the Metz family! The ladies were glad to receive these packets and each delivery was filled with conversation and smiles. All of the Recreation Centers have been making care and health calls to their Senior participants and friendly hello calls to afterschool students. Gus Garcia Recreation Center Activities Central Texas Food Bank Distribution: Center staff assisted Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) to provide the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) to over 90 seniors impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. With the help of CTFB and staff, a drive-through was created to allow seniors to stay in their vehicles while they received their monthly box of non-perishable foods supplies. https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/get-help/help-seniors Meals On Wheels: Meals on Wheels (MOW) in partnership with Community Recreation staff, recently provided meal packages of daily food to seniors during the COVID-19 crisis. Meals were distributed on March 19 and March 30 at Gus Garcia by MOW and facility staff. The daily meal program will help provide seniors with 10 days’ worth of meals, by a drive through distribution. More information at https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/. Controlled Shower Access: Beginning March 19, Gus Garcia and Austin Recreation Centers, Barton Springs, Bartholomew and Springwoods Pools began controlled shower access for Austinites. The program runs Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm and is open to the public. Approximately 30 individuals are accessing showers each week at Gus Garcia and approximately 240 per week at Austin Recreation Center. Barton Springs Pool is averaging 30 per week; Bartholomew is averaging 36 per week and Springwoods has yet to have any visitors. 10  Northwest, Parque Zaragoza and Dittmar Recreation Centers Event Camp: Northwest, Parque Zaragoza and Dittmar are hosting Event Camp for the children of essential City of Austin employees. The camps offer childcare from 7:00am-6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Children and staff are required to do temperature checks before entering the facilities and social distancing is in place throughout the day. The Camps consists of active play activities, crafts, assigned schoolwork and other fun projects and activities. Dittmar Recreation Center: A refresh of landscaping around the flagpole was a fun project completed by staff and Event Camp participants. Hancock Recreation Center: Hancock Recreation Center’s Tiny Tot Program for children 4-years old ended early due to COVID-19 program cancellations which meant some participants were not able to celebrate their graduation from the Tiny Tot Program. Luckily, specialty packets were created for the children to complete art projects at home, one of which included decorating their graduation caps that they were going to wear for the ceremony. Parents were encouraged to celebrate with a graduation party at home with examples of their artwork and fun written stories from PARD staff. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center: Flintco construction is following all CDC guidelines to ensure staff are safe. South Austin Recreation Center (SARC): Providing staffing assistance to Dittmar Recreation Center’s Event Camp. Maintenance week began April 13 and focused on safety updates, cleaning and organizing. Elisabet Ney Museum: Though the Elisabet Ney Museum has been closed, it continues to gain recognition! The museum’s silent walkthrough tour of the Barbara Attwell exhibition, “Rewylding,” was submitted to Glasstire, Texas’s premier online arts magazine, where it was recognized as one of the five most interesting walkthrough tours of 90 that had been submitted. Old Bakery and Emporium: Since closure began, the staff have been working to improve the marketing of the consignor store. A professional photographer has been taking photographs of the treasures found in the store (photo by Ulises Garcia of a beaded bracelet by Sharon Boyd). Photos will be posted on the website and social media along with information about the artists. Community Gardens Program: Staff are working to assist community gardens on city land to increase local food production by providing supplemental compost, mulch and vegetable seeds and plants. Food produced through community gardens benefits local neighborhoods and food banks in addition to the gardeners themselves. 11  EAT Initiative: The PARD Homeless Response Coordinator (HRC) has been helping coordinate and operate the EAT Initiative, an Austin Public Health program to help feed people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. The HRC is managing the food and water packaging and distribution hub Monday through Friday. More information can be found at: http://austintexas.gov/news/food-distribution-launched-people- experiencing-homelessness Park Rangers: Since October 2019, Park Rangers have had contacts with 2,840 park visitors who had their dogs off the leash. COVID-19 Park Monitoring: Park Rangers have been regularly helping with COVID-19 related operations by assisting with park closures and educating the public on social distancing. From March 27 to April 15, Rangers have made 2,120 social distancing educational contacts and 3,037 park closure contacts. In addition, PARD created a park monitor team to help monitor closed parking lots. These staff monitor areas of regular concern and communicate social distancing and details on why the parking lots are closed. These efforts provide opportunities for temporary staff to work to support COVID-19 response. 12  Recycling Program – Implementation at Town Lake Metropolitan Park: The first shipment of new recycling and landfill trash receptacles was received in early February from vendor Max-R. The new receptacles have two-way dome lids and clear labels in English and Spanish to differentiate Recycling and Landfill. The new receptacles are currently being installed along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Town Lake Metropolitan Park and specifically at Lamar Beach, Shoal Beach, Michael Butler Shores as well as at Zilker Metropolitan Park. PARD is coordinating with The Trail Foundation to prioritize locations. The new receptacles will be installed on trailheads and parking lots while the old and outdated receptacles will be removed. 13  ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: Town Lake Concession Solicitations: The Texas Rowing Center concessionaire contract is set to expire on May 18. The Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on March 23 and is scheduled to close on April 30. Additionally, to ensure ongoing services the current concessionaire has agreed to a 180-day holdover operating period. Expedition School Boating Concession: The City Council has directed the City Manager to provide a boating concession for The Expedition School through a resolution. PARD Contract Management staff is working closely with vendor to develop a proposal that will serve as an essential component of a resulting contract. The Expedition School is in the process of completing its proposal. Receipt is anticipated by the end of April. PARD has been granted an extension to August 1 from March 31 to complete the contract negotiation process. Morris Williams Concession Solicitations: The Request for Proposal (RFP) for a food and beverage concessionaire at the Morris Williams Golf Course has been cancelled due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 impact on the City’s golf program. Social distancing requirements have decreased the allowable number of golfers, which has negatively impacted the anticipated revenue. Until the golf program can return to a degree of normalcy, PARD will explore the provision of food trucks on an interim basis. Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Development Process: PARD is finalizing the draft of the Fiscal Year 2021 proposed budget submission, which is due May 8. As of April 17, the draft proposed budget contains requests totaling an additional $2.7M in funding and five full time equivalent positions. The following are upcoming key dates from the City of Austin Budget Timeline: City of Austin Hiring Freeze: Effective March 27, all vacant positions within the City were frozen which includes approximately 52 PARD positions. Additionally, seasonal/summer positions are also frozen. Budget hearings Council Budget Work Sessions Tax Rate Hearing and Budget Readings Jul 23, Jul 30 Jul 28, Aug 4 Aug 12 Proposed Budget Presentation to Council Proposed Budget due from Depts. CALENDAR May 8 Jul 13 14  Strategic Direction 2023 (SD23) Updates: PARD has published the following Performance Measure Card and Story Pages, along with visualizations and data sets in cooperation with the City of Austin’s Office of Performance Management: Measure Link to Story Page Measure ID HE.C.1 HE.C.2 CLL.C.5 https://data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/ht8x-aijb https://data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/rnwr-4s4u https://data.austintexas.gov/stories/s/etbz-5muf Percentage of participants in City-supported events or programs who report that they increased their knowledge and understanding of culture, history, and/or art Percentage of residents who have access to parks and open spaces (live within one-quarter mile in urban core and within half-mile outside of urban core) Austin's ParkScore ranking (absolute score and ranking among U.S. cities) COVID-19 Communications Coordination: The PARD Community Engagement Unit (CEU) has been coordinating communications regarding COVID-19 protocol with the City’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) in order to appropriately field media inquiries and give ongoing direction to PARD staff regarding communication standards and use of communication channels (social media, email to lists, website, etc). Harmful Algae: PARD is working with the Watershed Protection Department and Park Rangers to develop signage, language and protocol regarding harmful algae ahead of warmer weather. Hancock Golf Course: The online survey and comments from the meeting in February are being compiled in anticipation of a future community meeting. The comments represent a wide swath of opinions. Oakwood Cemetery Archeological Investigation: As communicated to the City Council in a memo dated December 13, 2019, PARD has been awaiting the final report on the archeological investigation from the consultant - Hicks and Company - for the historic Oakwood Chapel restoration. The Texas Historical Commission reviewed the report and provided feedback to the consultant. A revised report was resubmitted to the Texas Historical Commission on April 10. PARD anticipates that the report will be finalized in coming weeks, but the exact timeline is not yet confirmed. Once finalized, the report will be made available to the public and PARD will follow-up with additional communications to boards and commissions. As part of the next phase of the project, which includes re-interment of exhumed remains, a public symposium and commemoration, PARD has executed a contract with Weston Solutions and Amaterra Environmental for archeological consulting. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health restrictions, the timeline for the next phase is under development. PARD will continue to keep the Parks and Recreation Board apprised as updates become available. Fannie Davis Gazebo Listed to the National Register of Historic Places: The Fannie Davis Gazebo at Vic Mathias Shores at Town Lake Metro Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in late February. Noted for its historical and architectural significance, the Fannie Davis Gazebo joins other properties under the stewardship of PARD with National Register status. The 1969 Town Lake Gazebo was the first public structure built in the effort to beautify the south shore of Town Lake (now Lady Bird 15 Lake), which was created after the construction of Longhorn Dam on the Colorado River in 1960. National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources deemed worthy of preservation. Eastwoods Neighborhood Park Receives Lone Start Legacy Designation: Austin’s Eastwoods Neighborhood Park was one of four Texas parks honored with designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society in a ceremony at the association’s annual institute in Galveston in late February. Eastwoods Park was the original home of Eeyore’s Birthday Party, which began in 1964, but outgrew the park and moved to Pease Park in 1974. Prior to use as a public park, the area was known as Wheeler’s Grove, which is one of the earliest known sites in Austin where African Americans celebrated Juneteenth. A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Other Austin parks to previously receive the Lone Star Legacy designation include Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park and Rosewood Neighborhood Park. 16