E: Director's Report — original pdf

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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: June 2020 MASTER PLAN UPDATES: Walter E. Long Metro Park Master Plan: The Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park Master Plan remains on hold until further notice and is ready to be presented to City Council. The draft master plan and additional information can be found at the project’s website: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/walter-e-long-park-master-plan. George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Master Plan: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and the consultant team hosted three virtual small group discussions in May 2020. Additional small group discussions are set for June 18 and 25, with all meetings following the same format. Three small group discussions are tentatively planned for July, but no specific dates have been set. PARD and the consultant team continue to collect input from the community via the Carver Master Plan Process survey on SpeakUp Austin! Additional information can be found at the project’s website: http://www.austintexas.gov/CarverATXplanning. P A R K S P A C E : The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in partnership with PARD, launched P A R K S P A C E on June 22 in four parks in Austin. Both vibrant and practical, P A R K S P A C E is an intervention that helps visualize social distancing guidelines in Austin’s parks and green spaces. “As Austinites step carefully back out of their homes, we need to shift the ways we move through and interact in public spaces. To help with this transition, P A R K S P A C E provides an artful wayfinding system to encourage safe practices for our community. The site-specific installation series uses eco-friendly turf paint to delineate spaces where people can come together to enjoy their favorite.” P A R K S P A C E is designed to respond to the topography and character of each site, while highlighting native Texas wildflowers through colors and patterns. In its pilot phase, the project will be installed at Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park, Pease Park, Republic Square, and Zilker Park before the July 4th weekend with future sites in parks across Austin. 1  DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: Montopolis Recreation + Community Center: Construction began in September 2018 and has achieved the substantial completion milestone as of June 13. The general contractor, FlintCo, now has 90 days to reach final completion. Remaining work includes commissioning of all building systems, inspection closeouts, exterior finish work, installation of building signage, completion of all punch list items and installation of furniture, equipment and four remaining Art in Public Places projects. This project, funded in the amount of approximately $15 million by the 2012 General Obligation (G.O.) Bond, provides over 33,000 sq. ft. of new space, including a commercial kitchen, gymnasium, fitness room, computer lab, conference rooms and educational programming areas. In addition, generous landscaped courtyards on both the east and west sides of the building entry are intended to activate the street frontage, encourage social interaction and invite the pedestrian into the building’s central atrium. The building’s design seeks to support the initiatives of both sponsor departments, PARD and Austin Public Health, by fostering mental and physical well-being through community recreation and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles. The project is on track to achieve LEED Gold certification. The facility is expected to reopen to the public in late summer 2020. The project is in Council District 3. Wide angle shot of the entire gymnasium Walkway from the new parking lot to the west lobby entrance. Tanglewood Neighborhood Park: Located in North Austin and originally part of a Municipal Utility District (MUD), the park was transferred to the City around 2002 and is used by nearby residents for its wooded trails, Tai Chi activities, playscape, picnic areas, basketball and volleyball courts. A new pavilion has been installed to replace the pavilion that was burned down in 2012. The new pavilion is located by the playground and is more visible from the parking lot and street. The sidewalks and parking lot have been constructed to meet current ADA standards and allow access to the new pavilion and playground. The playground equipment has been replaced to meet current PARD standards. Additional funding was obtained to replace the railing on the ramp leading to the 5-12-year-old play equipment, refurbish the old pavilion pad with surfaces for hopscotch, four square and shuffleboard and resurface the basketball court. The park entrance has a new, fresh, and updated look. 2  Construction commenced in October 2019 and was completed in March 2020. The park is now open to the neighborhood to enjoy. The total project cost came to $525,000 and includes the playground replacement and additional improvements, pavilion replacement, and ADA improvements. The project was funded through the 2012 and 2018 G.O. Bonds, and Parkland Dedication fees. Tanglewood Neighborhood Park is in Council District 6. 5 - 12-Year-Old Playground New Pavilion Refurbished Pavilion Pad with surfaces for hopscotch, four square and shuffleboard Bull Creek District Park Landscape Improvements: Bull Creek District Park is a popular destination known for its many trails, natural beauty and access to Bull Creek. The landscape improvements follow the park master plan and will preserve the park’s natural beauty and characteristics while providing long term solutions to connectivity, wayfinding, creek access and waste management. Most of the planned improvements are near the existing restroom and the two parking lots off Lakewood Drive. The contractor started in early June the demolition on the non-compliant ADA walkway that is located south of the creek near the smaller parking lot. The smaller parking lot will be closed through mid-July to safely install the new sidewalks and curbs. After most of that work is complete, the parking lot will reopen for park use. The contractor will continue to coordinate with PARD to keep the larger parking lot open throughout the summer. The project is funded through the 2012 G.O. Bonds and is in District 10. 3  MAINTENANCE UPDATES: Aquatics Division Maintenance: The Aquatics Division maintenance team is currently in the process of draining pools that are not currently used or that are not scheduled to be used this summer season. Additionally, the maintenance team is prepping the City’s splash pads in anticipation of a possible future opening. Reed Pool: Reed Pool recently had a bleach spill that was responded to quickly. The Aquatics Division maintenance team worked closely with the Watershed Protection Department to clean up and resolve the issue. A report is also being submitted to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Northwest Beverly Sheffield Pool: The Aquatics Division recently collaborated with the Public Works Department to determine the structural safety of the pool pump room. The result was positive with the Public Works engineer determining it to still be structurally sound. Oakwood Cemetery Vandalism: A confederate monument is Section 3 of Oakwood Cemetery was vandalized over the weekend of June 12. The monument was also vandalized previously in June 2019, which was repaired by the owner. This monument is the property of the plot owner, it is not a City of Austin asset. Cemetery Operations has contacted the owner, Sons of Confederate Veterans’ Major George Washington Littlefield Camp 59 regarding the issue. June 2020 June 2019 Advanced Tree Assessments: In early June, the Urban Forestry Program worked with Consulting Arborist Sebastian Koerber to evaluate the structural integrity of several of PARD’s Heritage Trees. He uses cutting-edge assessment methods of sonic tomography and resistograph drilling. Sonic tomography utilizes quantified acoustics to determine wood tissue density, detecting internal decay and cavities in a non-invasive manner. A resistograph is a device that uses a very narrow drill bit to bore into tree tissue, measuring the resistance of the wood tissue in order to indicate where healthy, and/or decaying tissue exists. When combined, these two investigative systems allow specialized consulting arborists to determine overall structural reliability of older trees, as well as provide management plans for each tree after its evaluation. These plans allow PARD to ensure the best possible long-term care and preservation for its stately trees, as well as provide safe and aesthetically pleasing settings for Austin park patrons. 4  Deferred Maintenance Projects: The Deferred Maintenance Program has successfully addressed much needed maintenance and repair work systemwide that was not otherwise funded. In Fiscal Year 2019, $1 million was added to PARD’s budget to address deferred maintenance needs at all park facilities. In Fiscal Year 2020, $1.2 million was added and is being allocated on deferred maintenance projects. The following projects are approaching completion or have been completed since the last update to PARB in January: George Morales/Dove Springs Recreation Center HVAC Replacement: Work was completed in February to replace six water-source heat pumps that had reached the end of their life expectancy. The George Morales/Dove Springs Recreation Center is in District 2. Camacho Activity Center HVAC Replacement: Work was completed in April to replace eight water- source heat pumps that had reached the end of their life expectancy. Upgraded HVAC controls for energy management will also be installed. The Camacho Activity Center is in District 3. Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan-Am Recreation Center HVAC Replacement: Work was completed in April to replace five rooftop package units that had exceeded their life expectancy, the mechanical system’s ducts that were originally constructed in 1955, restroom exhaust vents and the kitchen stove and vent hood. The HVAC controls for the energy management system were also updated. The Oswaldo A. B. Cantu Pan- Am Recreation Center is in District 3. Austin Memorial Park Cemetery Business Office Renovation: Work was completed in May to repair and replace flooring, doors, windows and interior walls to accommodate the increase in administrative staff at the site. Austin Memorial Park is in District 7. Jack W. Robinson PARD Main Office HVAC Replacement: Work was completed in June to replace a roof top 60-ton chiller unit and upgrade air handling equipment and HVAC controls for energy management. The Jack W. Robinson PARD Main Office is in District 5. Martin Field Light Pole Demolition: Work began in June to remove five 80-foot and eight 40-foot metal field light poles that had exceeded their life expectancy. The Martin mixed use and softball fields are in the Holly Shores/Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach in District 3. Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (MYEC) Skating Rink Floor Replacement: Work was completed in June on the replacement of the MYEC skating rink’s flooring system with new hardwood floor system to accommodate skating, basketball, and other event activities. MYEC is in District 1. 5 Waller Creek Boathouse Dock Replacement: Work began in May to repair the gangway, fixed dock and floating docks at the Waller Creek Boathouse. The repairs are expected to be completed in mid-summer. The Waller Creek Boathouse is in District 9. 6  PROGRAM/EVENT UPDATES: General Golf Operations: All sites (excluding Hancock) continue modified operations. Hancock is continuing 7-day a week pay station (walking only) operations. Modified operations include increased spacing of tee times, limiting groups to four players, limited patrons in the pro shop and concession areas, as well as removing items on the course that may present a point of contact risk, like water jugs, bunker rakes, etc. COVID-19 Aquatics Modifications: Bartholomew Pool, Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool, Garrison Pool, Govalle Pool, Mabel Davis Pool, Northwest Pool, Rosewood Pool, Shipe Pool, Stacy Pool and Walnut Creek Pool continue to operate with modified hours and limited capacities. The Aquatics Division continues to evaluate capacity numbers and has added additional lane lines at some pools to increase the opportunity for exercise. Currently, the division is looking at staffing levels and monitoring the local characteristics of the virus to determine if there are opportunities to open any additional facilities. Online Programming and Participant Participation: Totally Cool Totally Art: Art Projects and DIYs • Friendship Bracelets with Nikki • Paper Flowers with Madison Athletic Programs: City of Austin Softball League • Behind the Plate • Softball Equipment Youth Sports Organizations and Adult Sport Leagues: In alignment with State Guidelines for Youth Sports Operators and Adult Recreational Sports Operators, PARD contracted15 youth contractors and 11 adult leagues contractors. Practice (no spectators) resumed on June 1 and modified game play started on June 15. COVID-19 Food Access Partnerships (Contract Management) Brighter Bites/Dimarie: Fresh food box drive through distributions for families began May 20 at three PARD locations; 1,728 boxes divided weekly between the locations, 576 boxes, until funding is depleted. Distribution Day Thursdays, 9am Wednesdays, 10am Fridays, 9am Location Givens Recreation Center Gus Garcia Recreation Center Turner-Roberts Recreation Center Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB): CTFB Youth Summer Meals distribution at three PARD locations from June 8 through August 14; youth will receive one weekly meal pack of seven breakfasts and lunches. Location Delores Duffie Recreation Center Dittmar Recreation Center South Austin Recreation Center Distribution Day Wednesdays, 10am Mondays, 11:30am Tuesdays, 12:30pm Event Camps: Event Camps for City of Austin employees have moved from three locations down to two – Metz Recreation Center and Alamo Recreation Center. Both centers, currently at capacity, are following modified COVID-19 guidelines with capacity for these two locations at 40 children. 7  Stay Playful! Summer Camps: Stay Playful! is our Summer Program and will begin on July 6 and run for four weeks. This program is free to Austin residents and registration began on June 15. Serving 344 children weekly, the Community Recreation Division is using a lottery feature in the RecTrac registration software to determine who attends weekly. Modified COVID-19 guidelines are in place as the safety of the staff and children. Stay Creative! Cultural Centers Summer Camps: Stay Creative! Arts and Culture Summer Discovery Online Program is an exciting exploration of arts, culture and nature, for children 5 to 12 years of age. Beginning July 6, children can engage in a week of programmed activities exploring new and exciting themes like Intergalactic Planetary and The Force of Nature. Each week, programmed activities are provided by professional instructors at the beginning of the hour between 9am-4pm (with a break for lunch) and guided through the development of the activity by instructional aides in their age-specific “Zoom Room.” The purpose of the program is to provide enjoyable and uplifting recreational programming for children based on the arts and cultural content provided by the Dougherty Arts Center, the Asian American Resource Center, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center and the Austin Nature and Science Center. Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Exhibits: The AARC reopened on June 15 with modifications to the facility to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Two new exhibits have been installed: Colonized Women, by Filipina American artist Fran Flaherty, examines colonialism and racism in relation to her indigenous ancestors in the Philippines by creating mixed media works on silk and Reinventions which showcases the AARC senior program participants’ works in calligraphy and papermaking that they created during AARC led art workshops. To schedule a visit to the AARC to view these exhibits, please visit: http://www.aarcatx.eventbrite.com/. Brush Square Museum “The Other Messengers”: The Susanna Dickinson Museum presents "The Other Messengers” exhibit which explores the experiences of the other people who survived the Battle of the Alamo alongside Susanna Dickinson. For so long, it has been told that only a single woman and her baby survived the battle. Come find out the real story. Exhibit on display from June-December 2020. Visits by appointment only. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Susanna%20Dickinson.pdf https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Angelina%20Dickinson.pdf Dougherty Arts Center: Art-O-Rama Arts Festival: The Dougherty Arts Center’s annual Arts Festival, Art-O-Rama, was postponed until September 20 but a virtual event took place on the originally scheduled date, May 23. Participants tuned in for live video demonstrations, virtual studio tours and viewed links to view and support local artists. Through Facebook Live, Instagram, a newsletter and the DAC’s website, the virtual festival featured 30 artists and was a success with a reach of over 20,000 participant clicks and views. http://www.austintexas.gov/page/art- o-rama. 8  Elisabet Ney Museum: Princeton Architectural Press: The Elisabet Ney Museum is featured in this beautiful brand-new book published by Princeton Architectural Press. The Museum was also prominently featured in a copious article in Smithsonian Magazine, based on the book. The online tour was linked to the story and has now been seen almost 700 times! The article can be found at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/take-virtual-tours-these-seven-historic- homes-american-artists-180975013/. George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Stay Black and Live: The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in collaboration with Six Square, Greater East Austin Youth Association, Jump On It, The Vortex, the 10,000 Fearless First Responders and Capitol View Arts hosted Stay Black and Live, a virtual Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, from 6-10pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the Vortex streamed performances by Black playwrights to round out Juneteenth weekend. Stay Black and Live received an unprecedented amount of support from community members, organizations and small businesses with 18,000 people attending the virtual festival. Old Bakery and Emporium (OBE): The Old Bakery & Emporium reopened on June 17 with social-distancing and COVID-19 safeguards in place. As part of a new marketing plan, OBE has begun promoting consignors and artists on its website. The team is excited to reopen and welcome customers back. Nature-Based Programming, Online and In Person: Over the last month, the Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) was able to provide eight school programs for students virtually and reached 249 participants. Additionally, ANSC and Camacho Activity Center have been planning and developing marketing materials for summer programs. ANSC and Camacho will be offering a variety of summer programs including: • • Free bike maintenance for community members at Camacho; • In-person programs for family groups like guided kayak and trail biking programs for families; In Your Park Camp is a series of introductory programs held in parks designed to connect kids and families to nature in their local park; • Support Stay Playful Camps at Recreation Centers; • Stay Creative Interactive Camps and • Weekday Online Program by ANSC and Camacho. Park Ranger Contacts: From May 15-June 15, Park Rangers made 3,091 COVID-19 related contacts: • Social distancing compliance: 399 • Social distancing non-compliance: 576 • Park amenity closure compliance: 383 • Park amenity closure non-compliance: 1,720 • Directional compliance: 12 • Directional non-compliance: 1 9  Treaty Oak Officially Recognized by the Comanche Nation: With the assistance of the Texas Historic Tree Coalition and the Travis County Historical Society, the Treaty Oak was officially recognized by the Comanche Nation as part of their cultural heritage. Although there is no evidence that an actual treaty was signed by the Comanche beneath the tree, the site is known to have been used as a gathering place, earning it the marker tree designation of “Comanche Council Oak.” There were once 14 trees that comprised the Council Oaks, and the Treaty Oak is the last that remains. PARD Forestry is working to create new interpretive signage and other updates to the site. Saluting Branches Volunteer Event: PARD Urban Forestry is in the planning phase of partnering with Saluting Branches for a volunteer tree maintenance event at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. Saluting Branches is a non-profit organization centered around recognizing and honoring our nation’s veterans by coordinating the efforts of local professional arborists at cemeteries where veterans are represented. The day of service is tentatively scheduled for September 23. More information on Saluting Branches can be found at https://www.salutingbranches.org/. If you are aware of potential opportunities to partner with other veterans groups to enhance this event, please contact Forestry Program Manager Joshua Erickson at joshua.erickson@austintexas.gov. Austin Community Gardens Program – Food Donation Day: At the Deep Eddy and Adelphi Community Gardens, Wednesdays are dedicated to harvesting produce for donation to the wider community. Both community gardens will begin using food scales to help track the amount of produce that is donated each week. Many of the community gardens donate produce to emergency food providers and to their neighbors, which is especially important during the COVID- 19 Pandemic that has exacerbated food insecurity for many Austin residents. Zilker Botanical Garden and Woodland Faerie Trail Reopening: The Garden reopened to the public on June 1, with reduced capacity, online ticket sales and new signage throughout the Garden to suggest a one-way flow and remind visitors about the importance of social distancing. The Woodland Faerie Trail also reopened on June 1. As a no touch, trail-based interpretive adventure for children, it offers no- contact and self-guided programming for children and families through the summer. Zilker Botanical Garden Free Day: The Garden hosted a free day on June 11 as scheduled. Reduced capacity limits were implemented, and visitors were asked to reserve tickets online. It was a successful day with 610 people reserving free tickets online and 399 of those visiting the garden. Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN): CCCN Austin is excited to announce the addition of a new key strategy in our goal of equitably connecting children to nature: Nature Smart Libraries. Austin Public Libraries have agreed to team up with CCCN Austin for this new initiative. The Austin Library system already has a lot in place to connect children and families to the natural world, so the focus will be on promoting what is already being done under the CCCN lens and supporting their infrastructure, programming and professional development needs to equitably connect children to nature. The kick-off meeting will be July 13 at 2 pm and PARD welcomes anyone interested in helping create this new team. Rosewood Neighborhood Park – Virtual Historic Marker Celebration: The PARD Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism team has developed the first ever "virtual" historic marker celebration for 10 Rosewood Neighborhood Park, which was shared with our community on June 17. Please see the media release and the video. Rosewood Park was created as the first public park for African Americans in Austin and opened in 1929. Just a year prior, the city adopted the 1928 City of Austin Plan, which enforced codified racial segregation by only providing services and utilities in the eastern section of the city for communities of color. Since the opening of Rosewood Park, it has served as the heart and cultural center for the Rosewood community. Juneteenth, the annual celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States, has been held at the park since 1930. The official Texas Historical Marker is sited near the entrance to the park off Rosewood Avenue and the Lone Star Legacy Park plaque sits on the hill south of the Delores Duffie Recreation Center near the pool. 11  ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: Hancock Golf Course: PARD has postponed the two additional engagement meetings on Hancock golf operations until additional flexibility is allowed for in-person gatherings. These meetings will be to review proposed plans to transition from a City-owned golf course to a contractor operator. Lions Municipal Golf Course: The extension of the lease has been approved. The new contract is month-to-month with a minimum of five months notification for termination. PARD is working to coordinate two donations from HEB – barrier netting replacement and seven rental golf carts – coordinated through the Save Muny Historic District. Food and Beverage Concession Operations: PARD has coordinated a temporary food concession trailer (Southside Pizza) at both Morris William and Lions Municipal golf courses. PARD has proposed to establish a partnership agreement with the Save Muny Conservancy to operate the food and beverage concession at Lions. The agreement would allow Save Muny to contract with a third party to operate the concession and utilize proceeds from the operation to improve infrastructure and equipment at Lions. This agreement is under review. Morris Williams Concession Solicitations: The Golf Division has made the decision to reissue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a food and beverage concessionaire at the Morris Williams Golf Course. PARD is working with Corporate Purchasing to establish a solicitation schedule for the release of the RFP. The previous RFP that was released in March was cancelled due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID- 19 impact on the City’s golf program. Elimination of Bring Your Own Booze (BYOB): The City’s Law Department is reviewing City Code to confirm that the PARD Director has the authority to eliminate BYOB from golf courses with food and beverage concessions in place. If approved, the golf sites will begin to transition to BYOB, starting with Butler Pitch and Putt and then the other courses when a new concession agreement is reached at Lions or Morris Williams. Pharr Tennis Center Renovation: PARD hosted its first community-wide virtual meeting on June 11. The virtual meeting informed community members of the project which will renovate the pro shop, replace the tennis courts, increase ADA accessibility and provide fire access to the parking lot. Public input, via an online questionnaire, is being accepted through June 28. Digital Programs Continue: Since March 2020, PARD Community Engagement Unit (CEU) has posted over 250 digital programs and videos created across several divisions. All videos are currently housed on PARD’s YouTube channel. Within the past 28 days, there have been over 10,000 views of our digital programming. PARD CEU is currently launching a campaign to increase viewership by highlighting select videos on social media. Park Programs – Drone Footage: Parks Planning has been recording high quality overhead drone shots of parks, trails and recreation centers which CEU staff is using to promote digital programs and social media accounts. An example of a social media post with drone footage can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=680076249497471 Leave No Trace 2020: CEU is working with Park Rangers to develop media campaigns regarding Leave No Trace, a campaign promoting minimal impact to our parks and public spaces. New images will 12  exemplify social distancing in our parks which coincides with messaging from the City of Austin’s COVID- 19 response and the Leave no Trace messaging. Expedition School Boating Concession: The City Council has directed the City Manager to provide a boating concession for The Expedition School through a Council Resolution. PARD Contract Management staff is working with the vendor to develop a proposal that will serve as an essential component of a resulting contract. The Expedition School has completed its preliminary proposal and provided it to PARD staff. Staff review is underway and discussions with the vendor are ongoing. PARD has been granted an extension to August 1 to complete the contract negotiation process. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Update: PARD Human Resources (HRD) received 106 applications from employees related to COVID-19. These employees were unable to work because they were quarantined and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and sought medical diagnosis. HRD also received 196 applications from employees related to health concerns of a spouse and/or care for a child. These employees were unable to work because of need to care for an individual that was subject to quarantine or to care for a child whose school/childcare provider was closed and/or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19. PARD Position Vacancies: Positions that become vacant due to resignations, transfers, etc., will automatically transition into a frozen status. It is likely the hiring freeze will remain in place for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 with approximately 62 PARD positions frozen with one under review. WebTrac/RecTrac Upgrade: Over the last month, the WebTrac/RecTrac system has been upgraded and enhanced to enable the following additional system capabilities: • Park entry day passes for vehicles at Emma Long, Walter E. Long and Commons Ford Ranch Parks; • Park entry day passes for bike and walk-in customers at the same parks; • Pool entry passes for Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Garrison, Mabel Davis, Northwest and Walnut Creek pools; • Community Recreation Stay Playful! on-site summer camp re-registration lottery; • Museums and Cultural Programs Stay Creative! online summer camp re-registration lottery and • Entry passes for visiting The Austin Nature and Science Center. 13