C5: Director's Memo to Board Chair

Parks and Recreation Board – June 24, 2020

C5: Director's Memo to Board Chair — original pdf

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MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Dawn Lewis, Chair, Parks and Recreation Board Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department June 19, 2020 Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation Center DATE: SUBJECT: This memorandum serves as my support for renaming Metz Recreation Center to Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center. Process On December 5, 2019, City Council passed Resolution No. 20191205-117 (Attachment A), which initiated the process to rename Metz Recreation Center under Austin City Code 14-1-39. This resolution for renaming the facility nominated Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) began a 90-day period to receive public comment, which culminated on May 2, 2020. This memorandum outlines the work and serves as the formal submission to the chair of the Parks and Recreation Board according to subsection 14-1-39(F). Background The ordinance naming Metz Recreation Center was approved by City Council on November 3, 1983 through Ordinance No. 83 1103-C (Attachment B), 11 years after the facility opened. While the ordinance is unclear as to whether the recreation center was named after the person Metz or the area of the city that became associated with the name due to the presence of the nearby Metz Elementary School, the Resolution and the process have been informed by the person, Hamilton M. Metz. The resolution provides additional justification for the renaming of the facility by acknowledging the Confederate Monuments Resolution (20171005-031) and “undoing Austin’s racist past through honoring community members who dedicated their lives to the betterment of Austin.” Hamilton M. Metz (1840-1915) was an Austin firefighter before joining the Confederate Army’s Texas Calvary during the Civil War where he achieved the rank of captain. After the end of the Civil War, Metz returned to Austin where he served as Travis County Tax Assessor and Austin School District board member and eventually president. Shortly after he died in 1915, the new Metz Elementary School was named in his honor. Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez (1944-2019) was born in Austin. He studied dance and performance in New York and Spain and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Chile and Costa Rica before returning to Austin. Page 1 of 3 While in Austin, he dedicated his life to mentoring and teaching dance to youth in East Austin. He served the community as a program specialist at Metz Recreation Center, founded Ballet East Dance Company and developed the nationally recognized “Dare to Dance” program. Mendez was devoted to mentoring the youth who danced in his classes and his foklórico classes continue to this day on Saturday mornings at the recreation center. Community Engagement The renaming ordinance requires PARD to “take reasonable steps to inform persons who are likely to have an interest “... consider[ing] the nature and location of the facility and whether a particular community is likely to be especially interested in the process.” To achieve this goal, PARD focused on the geographic area of the recreation center as well as connecting to the Metz Recreation Center’s visitors and patrons. PARD placed flyers (Attachment C) at local businesses, reached out to people connected to the dance community and sent general notices across the city through Facebook and Nextdoor. In addition, PARD Community Services Coordinator Larry Williams spoke about the renaming process on “Good Day Austin” on Fox7 Austin on February 25. Each promotion shared the opportunity to comment on the proposed name change online or in person at two community meetings. Community comments were collected online and in-person at the recreation center using a short survey tool (Attachment D). In addition, two community meetings were promoted for February 29 and March 3 where interested community members could hear a presentation to learn about the process, the two individuals and provide feedback (Attachment E). Results and Recommendations The survey tool had 336 respondents with 97% supporting the proposed name change; 9 respondents indicated that they did not want the facility name to change (Attachment F). The two community meetings were lightly attended and overwhelmingly supported the name change (Attachment G). Dissenting Voices Attachment F contains five comments that do not support the renaming of the recreation center. These comments have been highlighted. The comments focus primarily on not needing to change the name, because it is fine how it is. One comment acknowledges the long history Metz had serving the Austin community. Another comment points to growth and ongoing changes in Austin that make it more difficult to get around as well as the need to acknowledge the past and be sure not to repeat it. The Parks and Recreation Department honors those voices and appreciates their willingness to share their comments in this process. Conclusion Based on the community feedback and the amazing life of Mr. Mendez, I support renaming Metz Recreation Center to Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center. Page 2 of 3 Attachments A. City Council Resolution 20191205-117 B. City Council Ordinance No. 83 1103-C C. Flyer for sharing with community D. Survey for community comment E. Presentation from community meetings on February 29 and March 3, 2020 F. Results and comments from survey G. Recorded notes from community meetings on February 29 and March 3, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Attachment A RESOLUTION NO. 20191205-117 WHEREAS, Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, a native Austinite, early in life developed a passion for dance, performance arts, and community service; and WHEREAS, Rudy Mendez studied dance theory, technique, and composition in New York through a scholarship from the Martha Graham School, studied Flamenco in Spain, toured with various companies, and performed in off-Broadway shows; and WHEREAS, Rudy Mendez's passion for community service led him to Chile and Costa Rica, where as part of the Peace Corps, he worked with the minister of Education in each country and to develop performing arts and outreach programs for youth; and WHEREAS, in 1978, Rudy Mendez founded Ballet East Dance Company, which has for over 40 years, been true to its mission to provide a platform for young choreographers and dancers on a national and international level and to develop vigorous outreach to Black and Hispanic communities in East Austin; and WHEREAS, Rudy Mendez has been driven in his work by a conviction that theater and dance can transform lives and serve as powerful community development tools to equip young people in East Austin with discipline and confidence; and WHEREAS, Rudy has selflessly dedicated his work to providing free lessons to multiple generations of young students and provided paid opportunities to dancers and choreographers; and Page 1 of 3 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterWHEREAS, by successfully securing funding and grants, including from the Texas Commission ofArts, Rudy Mendez has led award-winning efforts like Dare to Dance which has been recognized by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities as a top after- school program in the nation; and WHEREAS; as the East Austin community has faced countless challenges, Rudy Mendez rose up for his community and provided necessary resources and support to the youth, and has long been admired and respected by many as a leader of East Austin; and WHEREAS, the Confederate Monuments Resolution No. 20171005-031 revealed that the original land on which Metz Recreation Center is located was acquired by a bond purchase in 1933, opened in 1972 and named after Hamilton M. Metz: Captain Co. E, 33 rd Texas Cavalry (Confederate Vet), also school board member 1903-1915; and WHEREAS, the City ofAustin is committed to undoing its racist past and dedicated to honoring the long time Austin community members who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the Austin communities, such as Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, who through his continuous acts of service for the youth in East Austin has been recognized as a leader; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL: In recognition of Rudy's leadership and steadfast commitment to preserving and sharing the culture of the East Austin Community through his service and art, City Council directs the City Manager to initiate proceedings per § 14-1-34 of the City Code for the re- Page 2 of 3 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation Centernaming of the "Metz Recreation Center" to the "Rodolfo 'Rudy' Mendez Recreation Center". ADOPTED: December 5 , 2019 ATTEST: ?79 2 U Jannette ?. Goodall City Clerk Page 3 of 3 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAttachment B =C1TY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS ORDINANCE NO. 83 1103-C AN ORDINANCE OFFICIALLY NAMING VARIOUS CITY OF AUSTIN PARK SITES AND FACILITIES; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board has recommended official names for the following park sites and facilities; and, WHEREAS, the City Council is in agreement as to the naming of these sites and facilities; Now, Therefore, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. The following park sites and facilities shall be named as follows: Metropolitan Parks Commons Ford Ranch District Parks Bull Creek Northeast Community Parks Colony Park Balcones Community Northwest Neighborhood Parks Battle Bend Springs Clarksville Comal East Woods Rosewood Franklin Govalle Longview Oak Hill Metz North Oaks Spicewood Springs Springdale Tarrytown West Austin Westenfield Neighborhood Parks (Adjacent to Schools) Mary Dawson Williams Greenbelts Barton Creek Blunn Creek Boggy Creek Boggy Creek South East Bouldin Creek West Bouldin Creek Buttermilk Branch Colorado River Hemphill Parkway Johnson Creek Onion Creek Big Walnut Creek Little Walnut Creek Steck Valley Nature Preserves Bee Creek Blunn Creek Recreation Centers Metz Municipal Pools Northwest Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation Center=CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS= Neighborhood Pools (Senior) Neighborhood Pools (Junior) Govalle Metz Rosewood Westenfield Wading Pools East Woods Metz Northwest Rosewood West Austin PART 2. The rule requiring that ordinances be read on three separate days is hereby suspended and this ordinance shall become effective ten (10) days following the date of its passage as provided by the Charter of the City of Austin. PASSED AND APPROVED November 3 1983 Ron Mullen Mayor APPROVE ATTEST: Jonathan Davis Acting City Attorney James E. Aldridge Acting City Clerk JD:rs Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAttachment C Renaming Metz Recreation Center Austin City Council has initiated the process to rename Metz Recreation Center to Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center. The community is invited to provide input on the renaming now through May 3, 2020. COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Learn more in person at the following times: Saturday, February 29, 2020, 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 6:30 p.m. Provide feedback: Online: www.PublicInput.com/G212 Text: MRC to (512) 580-8850 In-Person at Metz Recreation Center 2407 Canterbury Road, Austin TX, 78702 www.AustinTexas.gov/department/metz-recreation-center-renaming The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance please contact (512) 974-3914 or Relay Texas 7-1-1. Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterEl Cambio del nombre de Metz Recreation Center El Consejo de la Ciudad de Austin inició el Proceso para change nombre de Metz Centro de Recreación a la Rodolfo “Rudy” Méndez Centro de Recreación. Miembros de la comunidad están invitados dar aporte a través del periodo de 90 días concluye el 3 de mayo de 2020. Dar aporte: en línea: www.PublicInput.com/G212-esp text: MRC-esp a (512) 580-8850 en persona en Metz Recreation Center CONVERSACIONES COMUNITARIAS Aprende más en persona: Sábado, el 29 de febrero, 2020, 10 a.m. Martes, el 3 de marzo, 2020, 6:30 p.m. 2407 Canterbury Road, Austin TX, 78702 www.AustinTexas.gov/department/metz-recreation-center-renaming La Ciudad de Austin se compromete a cumplir lo establecido en la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). A solicitud de los interesados, se proveerán modificaciones razonables y acceso equitativo a las comunicaciones. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al (512) 974-3914 o al número de Relay Texas, 7-1-1. Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAttachment D 2, 2020. Background of Metz Cemetery. Background of Mendez Metz Recreation Center Renaming Input online: https://publicinput.com/G212 On December 5, 2019, the Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20191205-117, initiating the process for renaming Metz Recreation Center to Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center. Community members are invited to provide input through the 90-day comment period beginning today and concluding on May Hamilton M. Metz was born in 1840 in South Carolina before moving to Austin in 1845. Metz served Austin before and after the Civil War as a re ghter. During the Civil War, he was one of an estimated 100 re ghters who volunteered to the Confederate army, becoming Captain of Company E of the 33rd Texas Cavalry. Later, Metz was elected as tax assessor for Travis County from 1879 to 1900. Metz then served the Austin school board as member and then president from 1902 until his death in 1915. Shortly after his death, Metz Elementary School was opened and named after him. Metz is buried at Oakwood Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, born in Austin in 1944, studied dance and performing arts in New York and Spain. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chile and Costa Rica, touring with each country's national ballet company and developing performing arts curriculum and programs for youth. In 1978, he returned to Austin and founded the Ballet East Dance Company to provide a platform for young choreographers and dancers and to develop vigorous outreach to Black and Hispanic communities in East Austin. From 1978 to 2000, Mr. Mendez worked for the Parks and Recreation Department as a program specialist at Metz Recreation Center. In 1989, he developed the city-wide program "Dare to Dance," recognized nationally. Mr. Mendez also created the Folkloric Dance and Mentoring Program to encourage students of living in East Austin to graduate high school. Rudy Mendez died in 2019. Do you support the renaming of the Metz Recreation Center to the Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center?  Yes, I support the renaming  No, I do not support the renaming  No opinion or unsure Please share any comments you have: Share input online: www.publicinput.com/G212 (Optional Demographics questions on other side) Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterDemographics The Austin Parks and Recreation Departments asks for the following information in order to help identify whether we are connecting to our diverse community eectively. We aim to have our responses represent the people in the communities we serve. Your responses are appreciated. How frequently do you visit this space? What is your race or ethnicity? What is your age range? What is your zip code?  I have never visited  Fewer than 5 times a year  5-12 times a year  2-3 times a month  Once a week  2 times or more each week What park is closest to your home? How long have you lived in Austin?  Less than 5 years  5-10 years  11-20 years  21-30 years  More than 30 years  17 or under  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+  17 or under  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+  American Indian / Alaskan Native  South Asian / South Asian American  Hispanic / Latinx  Pacic Islander / Hawaiian Native  Black / African-American  East Asian / East Asian American  Southeast Asian / Southeast Asian American  White / Caucasian  Middle Eastern / North African  Biracial, Multiracial, or none of the above. Please specify: What is your gender?  Woman / Feminine  Man / Masculine  Non-binary  Transgender man, Transgender woman, or identifier not mentioned Please describe where you currently live?  I rent a house or duplex  I rent an apartment  I own a townhouse or condo  I own a house or duplex  I live in my parents', relatives', friends' home  Other  Under $25,000  $25,000 to $49,000  $50,000 to $74,999  $75,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150, 000 to $250,000  More than $250,000 Language spoken at home: Not including yourself, what other ages live in your household? What is your approximate household income? Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterOportunidad para dar aporte sobre cambiando el nombre de Metz Centro de Recreación El 5 de diciembre de 2019, el Consejo de la Ciudad de Austin aprobó la Resolución No. 20191205-117, iniciando el proceso para cambiar el nombre de Metz Centro de Recreación a Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Centro de Recreación. Antecedentes de Metz Hamilton M. Metz nació en 1840 en Carolina del Sur antes de trasladarse a Austin en 1845. Metz sirvió Austin antes y después de la Guerra Civil como un bombero. Durante la Guerra Civil, fue uno de los aproximadamente 100 bomberos que se ofrecieron para el Ejército Confederado, convirtiéndose en el capitán de la Compañía E de la 33ª del Calvario de Texas. Más tarde, Metz fue elegido como asesor de impuestos para el Condado de Travis de 1879 a 1900. Luego se desempeñó Metz al consejo escolar de Austin como miembro y luego presidente a partir de 1902 hasta su muerte en 1915. Poco después de su muerte, la escuela primaria Metz se abrió y se nombran después de él. Metz está enterrado en el cementerio de Oakwood. Antecedentes de Mendez Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez, nacido en Austin en 1944, la danza y las artes escénicas estudió en Nueva York y España. También sirvió como voluntario del Cuerpo de Paz en Chile y Costa Rica, de gira con el Ballet Nacional de cada país y el desarrollo de planes de estudio y la realización de programas de los artes para la juventud. En 1978, regresó a Austin y fundó el Ballet East Dance Company para proporcionar una plataforma para jóvenes coreógrafos y bailarines y desarrollar actividades de extensión vigorosa a las comunidades hispanas en el este de Austin y Negro. De 1978 a 2000, el Sr. Myndez trabajó para el Departamento de Parques y Recreación como un especialista del programa en Metz Centro de Recreación. En 1989, se desarrolló el programa en toda la ciudad "Dare to Dance" reconocido a nivel nacional. Sr. Mendez también creó el Programa del Baile Folklórica y Mentores para animar a los estudiantes de la vida en el este de Austin para graduarse de la escuela secundaria. Rudy Méndez murió en 2019. ¿Apoya usted el cambio de nombre del Metz Centro de Recreación al Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Centro de Recreación?  Sí, apoyo el cambio de nombre  No, no soporto el cambio de nombre  Sin opinión o inseguro Comparta sus pensamientos: Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterDemographics El Departamentos de los Parques y Recreación de Austin pide la siguiente información para ayudarnos a identificar si estamos conectando a nuestra diversa comunidad de manera efectiva. Nuestro objetivo es tener nuestras respuestas representan a la gente en las comunidades que servimos. Sus respuestas son apreciados. ¿Con qué frecuencia visitas este espacio? ¿Cuál es su raza / etnia?  Nunca he visitado  Menos de 5 veces al año  5-12 veces al año  2-3 veces al mes  Una vez por semana  2 veces o más cada semana ¿Qué parque está más cerca de su casa? ¿Cuánto tiempo ha vivido en Austin?  Nativo de Hawai o las Islas del Pací co  Blanco o Caucásico  Negro o Afroamericano  Indio americano / nativo de Alaska  Hispano / Latino  Asiático del este / Asiático-americano (de Asia del este)  Asiático del sur / Asiático-americano (de Asia del sur)  Asiático del sureste / Asiático-americano (de Asia de sureste)  de Oriente Medio / Norte de África  Biracial, multirracial o ninguno de los anteriores. Por favor especifica:  Menos de 5 años  5-10 años  11-20 años  21-30 años  Más de 30 años ¿Cual es su edad?  17 o menos  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+  17 o menos  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+ Sin incluirse a usted mismo, ¿qué otras edades viven en su hogar? ¿Cuál es su género?  mujer / femenino  hombre / masculino  No binario  Hombre transgénero, mujer transgénero o identificador no mencionado ¿Cuál es el código postal de su casa? Por favor describa donde vive actualmente:  Alquilo casa o duplex  Alquilo apartamento  Soy dueño de pueblo / condominio  Soy dueño de casa  Vivo en la casa de mis padres o familiares o amgios  Otro ¿Cuál es su ingreso familiar aproximado?  Menos de $25,000  $25,000 to $49,000  $50,000 to $74,999  $75,000 to $99,999  $100,000 to $149,999  $150, 000 to $250,000  Más de $250,000 ¿Cuál es el idioma principal que se habla en su casa? Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAttachment E Community Conversation Metz Recreation Center Renaming Larry Williams Community Services Coordinator Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAgenda • Introductions • Explanation of the renaming process • Background on Hamilton M. Metz • Background on Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez • Small group discussion • Community sharing Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation Center• Initiated by Council resolution and notice • Survey and community comments ends May 2 90 days • Parks and Recreation Board reviews comments • Public hearing in May; sends recommendation PARB • City Council receives PARB recommendation • City Council makes final decision Council Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterDecember 5, 2019 The Austin City Council initiated the process to rename Metz Recreation Center (located at 2407 Canterbury Street) to Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center. Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterThe report described by Resolution No. 20171005-31 consists of three parts: A. Identifying all City-owned monuments and memorials of the Confederacy located on City-Owned property, including, an without limitation, streets and buildings located on City of Austin property. B. Producing an analysis of the cost of removal, replacement, or renaming of these icons, monuments, and memorials of the Confederacy; and C. Making recommendations for disposition of artifacts of historic value, including preservation, storage, and maintenance for educational purposes. Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAdditional Background • Confederate Monuments Resolution (No. 20171005-31) • Confederate Monuments Report (Equity Office, 2018) • Guidance on Renaming (Women’s Commission Resolution No. 20171011-05a) Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterConfederate Monuments Report Equity Office, 2018 “It is essential to acknowledge that societal values are fluid, and they can be and are different today compared to when our city made decisions to name and/or place these Confederate symbols in our community,” the Equity Office’s report notes. “It is also important to acknowledge that nearly all monuments to the Confederacy and its leaders were erected without a true democratic process. People of color often had no voice and no opportunity to raise concerns about the city’s decision to honor Confederate leaders.” Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterRodolfo “Rudy” Mendez 1944-2019 • Born in Austin • Studied dance in New York and Spain • Served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chile and Costa Rica • Founded Ballet East Dance Company • Program Specialist for PARD at Metz Recreation Center 1978 to 2000 • Developed “Dare to Dance” • Created Folklorico Dance and Mentoring Program for students in East Austin City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterHamilton M. Metz 1840-1915 • Austin firefighter • Captain in Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army • Travis County Tax Assessor • Austin School Board member and president • Involved in other civic organizations Austin ISD Archives Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterDiscussion in small groups • What additional information would you like people to know about Mr. Metz or Mr. Mendez? • What does it mean to “honor the history” of the community? • How are you deciding whether you want to support the name change or not? Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCommunity Sharing What would you like to share with the group as a whole? Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterNext Steps • Complete feedback form/survey by May 3, 2020 • All comments and feedback will be shared with the Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) at their May meeting • PARB May meeting will also be a public hearing for community members to also speak • PARB will then pass on their recommendation if they have one • City Council will make final decision Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterShare the opportunity with friends www.austintexas.gov/department/metz-recreation-center-renaming Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 Attachment F 1 of 17 5/12/2020, 3:12 PM Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 2 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 3 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 4 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 5 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 6 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 7 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 8 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 9 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 10 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 ♥ 11 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 12 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 13 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 14 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 15 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 59 4 16 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterCity of Austin, TX - Report Creation https://publicinput.com/report?id=5094 17 of 17 Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterMetz Recreation Center Renaming Community Conversation February 29, 2020 12 people in attendance “Things should not happen to the community; they should happen for the community” • • Martin Middle School dance team (Eaglettes) performed and won in national competitions • • • • Baile Folklorico – Rudy would check up on students and stay connected Ballet East Board – grants, videos, all documented; continues today and has not ended The neighborhood is changing. We can leave a legacy that can be searched and understood The soccer kids were also the folklorico kids who he followed to college and took care of basic needs (groceries, computers at college, etc.) – he took a holistic approach to caring for the kids Ballet East toy drive • • He had a bedroom in his house, but I never knew him to sleep • • • He was persuasive and demanded a lot • Marie Martinez, former president of Ballet East, took care of all of their books, has a ton of Rudy would always go the extra mile, but he needed you to go with him Folklorico and contemporary dance continues information • Millie Hernandez, director • Would bring groups from China and other countries to expose people to other types of dance from all over the world Folklorico kids were exposed to new experiences and other dancing. He took kids to Nutcracker each year so they could see outside of their world. Traveling outside state for the first time for many of the kids. Keep the kids for those hours to make sure the kids were challenged physically, mentally. Also a way to keep the parents involved (backstage) What does it mean to honor the history? Rudy lived here. Literally gave his life for the children of this neighborhood. More than fitting to name it after him. The connection. • • He connected way beyond this community. He was concentrated in East Austin, but he was so connected to the national and international dance scene. He would be choreographers from Chicago, New York, and more. Regina Larkin would come down every year. Finally recognizing all that he did. Our way to give back to him after he spent his life giving back to us. He never took any awards or recognition, because it was always about the kids. Documenting the stories Austin History Center Life in New York • • • • • • Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterUpcoming: PanAm Spring Production Additional Outreach: • UT • • Martin Community – Connect to the principal Bass Concert Hall – Judith o Reach out to former staff o Invite students back to Martin • Miguel would know • • • Cinco de Mayo – celebrations Ballet East community; Stephen Mills Ballet East Board Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation CenterAttachment G Metz Recreation Center Renaming Community Conversation March 3, 2020 2 people in attendance -“Our understanding was that the rec center was named after the neighborhood or the school, not Metz the person.” So renaming shouldn’t be an issue. -further discussion on how the renaming process works, the limitations on renaming a place that was named after a person, and how Metz Rec came to be named. How do you Honor the community? “[the renaming] is not so much about honoring the community as the community honoring him.” Danny – “I want to make this happen, so I’m willing to go and find what you need in order to back the support from the community.” “We [the Ballet East company] have wanted to approach it as a family driven initiative and with us [Ballet East] as the backing to the family.” - further discussion on how the Metz Renaming was originally brought about for clarification. Memorandum of Endorsement of the Renaming of Metz Recreation Center