12-1: PARD Director's Update, January 2024 — original pdf
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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: January 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Onion Creek Metropolitan Park All Abilities Project: The first community meeting took place on January 18th at 6:30 p.m. This initial meeting introduced the project and sought ideas and inspiration from the community. In addition, community members interested in more in-depth conversations can participate in a small group decision during the week of January 29th. The different interests and topics include mobility, hearing, vision, autism spectrum disorder and other sensory needs, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Space is limited for these meetings, and interested people are encouraged to register for the particular interest meeting. Registration link Project webpage District 2 Bolm District Park Vision Plan Community Engagement Round #2 Virtual Meeting: The Department will be hosting the second community meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m. Project team members will present design concepts around themes developed through feedback and responses to the first community survey. This will also mark the launch of the second community survey. Additional project information, including a link to register for the meeting and dates for community pop- ups, can be found at the project’s website. Project Webpage District 3 Bolm District Park 1 PLANNING UPDATES: All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park: The Parks and Recreation Department (Department) has teamed with Austin Parks Foundation and their consultant team, TBG Partners and Cultural Strategies, to design and develop an all abilities playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park in alignment with the 2015 Vision Plan. The purpose of the project is to create a destination playground to serve residents of all ages and abilities. Much work has already been done to identify important stakeholders, establish a technical advisory board, and draft a community engagement plan and schedule. The first round of community engagement kicked off with a virtual meeting on January 18th. This meeting will be followed by a survey, six small group discussions with those the playground intends to serve directly, and four in-person tabling events. Two additional rounds of similar community engagement efforts are expected to be completed by July 2024, when the schematic phase of the historic project will begin. District 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/Onion-Creek-All-Abilities Current conditions at Onion Creek Metro Park 2 Parkland Acquisition: On January 18th, Council approved the filing of eminent domain proceedings to acquire approximately 11 acres for public parkland at 12000 S. IH 35, Austin, TX. The acquisition is along the east side of Onion Creek and will support connection of the greenbelt and provide connectivity to existing and future parkland. District 5 Map of planned acquisitions along the Onion Creek Greenbelt Mueller Parkland Maintenance Agreement: On January 18th, Council approved the Parkland Maintenance Agreement for Mueller Perimeter Parks between the Department and the Mueller Property Owners Association (POA). The agreement was recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on October 23, 2023. District 9 3 DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation: On December 21st, 2023 the construction contract was executed with SpawGlass as General Contractor for the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation, following Council approval on November 9th. Planning for onsite mobilization has begun and a groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for mid-February. City officials and the public will be invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. The construction is expected to last 14 months and the pool will remain open to swimmers throughout the construction timeframe. District 8 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-bathhouse-rehabilitation Zilker Maintenance Barn Replacement: The Department’s existing maintenance barn is in poor condition, and inadequate to meet the needs of the Zilker Metropolitan Park maintenance staff. The in- progress replacement project will provide a new barn, additional office space, workspace, and storage space necessary for the upkeep of the park grounds, buildings, and pool. In April 2021, the City of Austin executed a construction contract with a General Contractor for labor and materials for the Zilker Metro Park Maintenance Barn Replacement project. Following repeated failure to adequately progress the work of the project, including declaring bankruptcy and failing to provide assurances that it would be able to complete the project according to the contract’s terms and conditions, the City terminated the General Contractor with cause. The City simultaneously submitted a performance bond claim to the General Contractor surety to complete work on the project. To satisfy the bond claim pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 2253, the surety company offered a replacement General Contractor, to assume the original contract and complete it by its terms and conditions, as well as a tender payment to compensate the City for estimated cost escalations related to contractor failure to perform under the contract. Following satisfactory assurances that the replacement contractor will complete the contract according to its original terms, the City accepted surety’s offer. Surety’s tender payment of $1.3M to the City of Austin is meant to compensate the City for estimated escalated costs associated with completing the project without committing additional City funds. On January 18th, Council approved an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Parks and Recreation Department Capital Budget to increase appropriations by that same amount. District 8 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park-maintenance-barn-replacement Redundant Power Infrastructure at Resilient Hubs: In collaboration with the Office of Resilience, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Building Services Division, the Department development staff managed the successful installation of electrical infrastructure for five recreation centers to allow for redundant power connections during emergency operations. The five sites include George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center, Gus Garcia Recreation Center, Northwest Recreation Center, Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, and Turner Roberts Multipurpose Gymnasium. Temporary generators were delivered and connected to the five recreation centers in preparation for the MLK weekend winter events but were not needed. Redundant power infrastructure at a sixth facility, Montopolis Recreation Center, will be completed as soon as possible. – Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 4 New docking station for redundant power at Turner Roberts Multipurpose Gymnasium. FY24 Historic Preservation Fund: On January 18th, Council approved a request that will allow $1.8M to be transferred from the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Economic Development (EDD) Operating Budget Special Revenue Historic Preservation Fund (Ordinance No. 20230816-008) to the Parks and Recreation Department CIP. In essence, this memorializes the dedication of the Parks and Recreation Department’s FY2024 Historic Preservation Fund CIP allocation (including a budget amendment for an additional allocation) to the Barton Springs Bathhouse rehabilitation project as well as several small projects. EDD will also provide recommendations for Heritage Grant recipients, which are anticipated to include several Department partner groups. Multiple Districts 5 MAINTENANCE UPDATES: Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Maintenance Complex: The Golf Division experienced a fire at the Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Maintenance Complex. The Austin Fire Department, along with fire investigators, responded to the fire and an on-going investigation is taking place. While the full impact of the fire is yet to be determined, some preliminary losses have been calculated. The Golf Division, along with Risk Management, will meet with insurance adjusters to help determine remediation. In the interim the Department will proceed with expedited purchasing using the emergency purchasing process. District 2 Barton Springs Pool: Broken irrigation lines on the south hill of Barton Springs Pool have been repaired. District 5 Deep Eddy Pool Maintenance: Deep Eddy Pool closed on January 8th for an estimated eight weeks to repair the current leaky bulkhead, replace light fixtures along the perimeter of the pool, paint new striping in the parking lot, and conduct early spring clean. District 10 PROGRAM UPDATES: Visitor Sign-In Pilot Program Launched: The Historic Preservation and Tourism Program has launched a pilot program at three Department sites to capture visitor information as part of the Department’s tourism enhancement efforts. The pilot project at Mayfield Park, Old Bakery and Emporium, and Austin Nature and Science Center will explore a unified approach to visitor tracking. Each of these sites has multi-language signage with QR codes. Questions focus on gathering information about visitor origin, how visitors learn about Department sites, and lodging selections by out-of-town visitors. The data received will enable the Department to learn more about tourists who visit historic sites and identify peak visitor months, market trade areas, attendance trends, percentage of visitors from outside of Austin, effectiveness of current promotional efforts and how many of those tourists are contributing to Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue, which funds operations and improvement at many Department historic sites. Following 12 months of testing, survey data will be reviewed to determine the effectiveness of the pilot program. Districts 1, 8, and 10 QR Code set up at Old Bakery and Emporium 6 George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center: On Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 1 – 3 p.m., the Carver community gathered in the lobby of the museum, also known as the Drum. A vast array of facilitators led the program with drumming, dancing, story time, and interactive learning. Nigerian food from Black-owned Lady T. Kitchen was served to close out the program. Immediately following, organizers opened the floor for community connecting and meaningful conversation, echoing the meaning of the fifth day of Kwanzaa, Nia, which encourages us to look within to not only set personal goals, but also to choose goals that benefit our community. This event was attended by 214 participants. District 1 Community gathered at the 2024 Kwanzaa Nia Celebration at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center Asian American Resource Center: The Asian American Resource Center hosted Artist Talk with Irene June, (pronouns: they, them), on Saturday, January 20th, 12 – 3 p.m. June’s exhibit, Spine Song, is currently on display in the AARC Zen Garden. Spine Song explores the relationship between the body, ancestral prayer, gender, and heritage. June engaged in a Q&A session with participants about their creative process and their aspirations as an emerging Taiwanese American artist. The program also featured an exclusive tour of their work and ended with a guided meditation workshop. The event was patroned by 24 community members. District 1 7 Tapestries and sculptural pieces from Spine Song in the AARC Zen Garden Dottie Jordan Recreation Center Santa's Spectacular: Dottie Jordan Recreation Center held the first Santa Spectacular event on December 19, 2023, and with nearly 200 individuals in attendance. The event was centered around celebrating the winter holiday through delightful activities such cookie and gingerbread decorating, coloring and creating sharable holiday crafts, as well as capturing a memorable family moment with Santa! District 1 Santa’s Spectacular Art Station 8 Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center: On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Conley- Guerrero hosted the 19th Annual Fireman’s Luncheon. Over 350 participants were able to enjoy a great meal and partake in the gift giveaway held by the Austin Fire Department. Varsity generation community members and families were able to enjoy each other’s company and build new relationships. District 1 Austin Fire Staff serving lunch to program participants Givens Recreation Center: On December 14, 2023, Givens Recreation Center hosted the Christmas Drive Thru Event with the Co-Sponsorship of Austin Christian Church and HOPE Worldwide. With the assistance from co-sponsors, Givens Recreation Center was able to provide over 1,000 neighborhood and community members with a memorable holiday experience. Each child in every vehicle received a present for the holidays and a jolly “hello” from Santa Claus. The event took place between 6 – 8 p.m. District 1 Staff members greeting community members in their cars Turner-Roberts Recreation Center: Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Turner-Roberts hosted their Youth Holiday Showcase. The event was held on site in the multiple purpose gym. The showcase featured community youth caroling and performing dance routines. Attendees were provided refreshments while they enjoyed the showcase. The event was attended by an estimated 80 people and was free to the public. District 1 9 Dittmar Recreation Center: On January 5th, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dittmar Recreation Center hosted Mendez Recreation Center in their outdoor space for a fun outdoor field day on the last day of Winter break camp. Over 30 participants were able to enjoy fun activities such as archery, slack line, football, and a gaga ball tournament. District 2, 5 Dittmar Recreation Center Winter Break Camp 2024 George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center: The George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center hosted its annual Holiday event, ‘’Santa’s Workshop’’, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This event featured family friendly holiday activities as well as breakfast for participants and free pictures with Santa. 375 visitors attended this event. District 2 Participants engaging in creating custom gingerbread cookies and enjoying the hot coco station 10 Montopolis Recreation and Community Center: Montopolis Recreation and Community Center hosted its first ever “Crafting and Cookies” event. Community members were given the material to make holiday crafts and cookies. “Craft and Cookies” took place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. An estimated 40 community members participated. District 3 Community members making crafts South Austin Recreation Center: South Austin Recreation Center hosted “C-Day Camp” from December 21, 2023 – January 8th. Participants played games, took field trips, made crafts, and played sports. In total, the camp welcomed 111 participants (10 – 11 people per day). District 3, 5 Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center: On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center hosted their annual Community Holiday Celebration. The event was open to the public and included breakfast for families as well as games, arts and craft, and workshop kits donated by the Arboretum Home Depot. In addition to the food and activities, families and their children also got a chance to meet Santa and take a photo. Supporting groups included the Travis County Constable precinct, as well as various community stake holders. The event, which went from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., had over 300 attendees in attendance. District 3 11 Community families make cookies and build Home Depot workshop kits at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center Community Holiday Celebration Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center: Wednesday December 20, 2023, Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center hosted their annual “Cookies with Santa Event” from 5 – 7 p.m. The event included games, a gingerbread workshop, as well food and photos with Santa. The free event was attended by twenty-five community members. District 3 Parque Zaragoza's Cookies with Santa event Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center: Thursday, December 21, 2023, Mendez Recreation Center hosted their annual “Night Before Christmas Break”. Families enjoyed a fun and free night of games, were able to win prizes, had the option to enter a bike raffle, enjoyed hot chocolate and got a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Clause. Even the Grinch made an appearance. Every child received one gift and most of them went home with a new bike or scooter. Mendez Recreation Center would like to thank, Italex Builders, Inc., Austin Kickball Organization, Casa de Dios church, Fyrepic Photos, Travis County Precinct 4 and the many volunteers who made “Night Before Christmas Break” possible. District 3. 12 Families within the community join the staff at Mendez Recreation Night Before Christmas Break event Gustavo “Gus” Garcia Recreation Center: On Saturday, December 9, 2023, Gus Garcia Recreation Center hosted its annual holiday event “Breakfast with Santa”. The 581 Attendees were able to take photos with Santa Clause and enjoy a hot breakfast consisting of waffles, bacon, sausage, and assorted juices from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. In addition to the festivities, 65 prizes were raffled off to lucky recipients. District 4 Family photo with Santa Clause at Gus Garcia Gustavo “Gus” Garcia Recreation Center: On December 19, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Gus Garcia Recreation Center hosted a Holiday Potluck for its Varsity Generation participants. A total of 75 people attended. District 4 13 A Varsity Generation Participant Making a Plate at Gus Garcia Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center: Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center hosted their annual “Winter Workshop” on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The event took place in the gymnasium where over 300 community visitors enjoyed a variety of fall themed games and activities including a food distribution for community members in the arts and crafts room that was sponsored by the Central Austin Texas Food Bank. Virginia L. Brown staff raffled off over 100 stuffed animals for youth participants and 15 cakes to families that were sponsored by Brown Santa and the Austin Central Texas Food Bank. District 4. Youth Community Members with their winning raffle prizes during the event 14 Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center: On December 12, 2023, the Varsity Generation group at Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center increased their speed, social, communication, and cognitive skills with “Minute to Win It” games during the Center’s New Year’s Activity Day. During a timed game, one of our pairs completed a task in 40 seconds. Participants also enjoyed the fall harvest in the Senior Garden before the holiday break. District 4. Varsity Generation participants enjoying the New Years Day activity and Senior Garden Pickfair Recreation Center: On Monday, December 18, 2023, Pickfair Activity Center Winter Camp hosted “Camp Days” over the Christmas holidays for youth ages 5-12. “Camp Days” are offered when school is out on non-City holidays. Participants enjoyed active play activities as well as craft activities. There were over 80 participants enrolled over the 10 days of this program. District 6 Northwest Recreation Center: Northwest Recreation Center hosted “Storytime With Santa” on December 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This was a free event for children aged 6 and under. Over 50 participants enjoyed cookies, crafts, games, and a visit from Santa. District 7 Zilker Botanical Garden Volunteer Awards and Recognition: The Garden will host its second annual Volunteer Awards and Recognition event on Saturday, January 27th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to recognize volunteers who serve the Garden throughout the year in its horticulture and programming. This is an event by invitation only. District 8 Bee City Quarterly Meeting: The Bee City Committee hosted the first quarterly meeting of the year at the Austin Nature and Science Center on Saturday, January 20th from 12 - 1 p.m. This meeting was open to the public. District 8 Nature Based Programs Winter Break Camps: The Austin Nature and Science Center and Camacho Activity Center hosted “Winter Break Camp” in December. Both locations had full registration with a total of 60 participants between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Camp activities included spelunking at Whirlpool Cave, beginner caving at the Wildflower Center, and developing new outdoor skills. Camacho 15 Activity Center participants created a 14-page script and shot their film, ‘Film Camp’, which will debut later this year at Camacho’s Film Festival on YouTube. Districts 3, 8 McBeth Recreation Center Sports Awards Banquet: McBeth Recreation Center’s annual sports award banquet is Thursday, January 25th, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at Doris Miller Auditorium. It is expected to host 140 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and family members of the McBeth Adaptive Sports program. The evening is a celebration of the outstanding achievements and performances of those involved in McBeth Adaptive Sports. There were so many inspiring moments to pay tribute to in 2023, it promises to be a joyous occasion for all! District 5, 8 Adaptive Athletics at the 2023 Sports Awards Banquet Hancock Recreation Center: Hancock hosted its annual “Holly Jolly Jamboree and Toy Drive” on December 8, 2023. Families visited the center for holiday crafts, games, and snacks while donating toys to the neighborhood Helping Hand Home. A total of 220 people visited the center for the event. District 9 Holly Jolly participants playing games, posing for photos, and creating crafts during the event 16 Lamar Senior Activity Center: Lamar Senior Activity Center hosted the December Bringing Seniors Together event “Holidays Around the World”. Over 160 varsity generation participants from all around Austin joined Lamar for the event. Participants enjoyed hot tamales, rice, beans, and their choice of desserts from around the world. District 9 Participants seated Dougherty Arts Center Art Jam: Reinvent & Reconnect: On Saturday, January 20th, from 1 – 3 p.m. the Dougherty Arts Center held a community engagement event celebrating community, art, and innovation. Participants engaged in hands-on art activities such as weaving, collaging, and prototyping while providing feedback on the Dougherty Arts Center’s programs. The DAC’s stage was transformed into a photo station where attendees could take photos with props or take professional headshots with the assistance of DAC staff. Snacks included a popcorn bar, where community members were invited to spice up their own popcorn by customizing it with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. The event was attended by 250 participants. District 9 Elisabet Ney Museum January Drawing Salons: On Saturday, January 6th, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., participants joined Museum Educators at Formosa to draw directly from the original works of Elisabet Ney. All supplies were provided to participants. The Drawing Salon series takes place each Saturday throughout the month of January. District 9 17 Drawing Salon led by Museum Educators Old Bakery & Emporium Fantastical Flora Art Opening Reception: On Saturday, January 20th, from 1 - 4 p.m., the Old Bakery & Emporium hosted an opening reception for their new art exhibition “Fantastical Flora”. The exhibition is a comprehensive exploration of the beauty of botanical forms, expressed realistically and in the abstract, created by local Austin artist Francine Funke. Throughout the event, Francine discussed her artistic process and inspirations with participants. The exhibit is on display at the Old Bakery & Emporium through March 16th, more information can be found at: Old Bakery & Emporium Home Page District 9 “Blue Lotus” by Austin Artist Francine Funke Brush Square Museums' Final Fridays Creative Workshops: On Dec 29th, 2023, Brush Square Museums reflected on the joyous parts of 2023 through a collaging and journaling workshop led by Austin mainstay Spike Gillespie. Final Fridays is a monthly series of creative gatherings that celebrate the eccentric spirit of Austin artists. Workshops feature mini classes in sketching, fiber art, visual art, storytelling, writing, and more! This event was attended by four participants. District 9 18 Final Fridays workshop participants pose with their finished journals Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center: On Saturday, January 13th, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., families participated in the Sabados en Familia bilingual story time event. This free event was at the Central Library. Participants read Bright Star (or Lucero in Spanish) by Yuyi Morales, which explores the plants, animals, and people that live in the deserts of the borderlands. Participants made a clay cactus plant and decorated a paper cup to plant it in. This event was participated by 150 participants. District 9 19 Sabados en Familia in December at Austin Central Library Lifeguard Recruitment, Hiring & Training: As of January 4th, the Aquatics Division has successfully recertified 198 full-time (winter and returning) guards and staff for FY24. At this time last year, there were only 141. Additionally, the Aquatics Division is conducting some small (4-6) person renewal classes for individuals who could not attend training in November and December. Multiple Districts Land Management Wildland Fire Training: The Department Land Management Program administered the field component of the S-130 Introductory Wildland Firefighter training to 20 Austin Civilian Conservation Corps members and 6 members from The Nature Conservancy, Austin Water Department, and the UT Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This component of the training is offered to fire management personnel across the country. All participants will assist the Department and their respective agencies with the implementation of prescribed burns to restore resilient ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. All Districts 20 Students and instructors of the S-130 Introductory Wildland Firefighter course at the Louis René Barerra Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary Austin Civilian Conservation Corps: The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps was able to successfully send 16 participants and staff throughout our collaborative to attend the Texas Children in Nature Network (TCINN) Summit on December 6-8, 2023. This summit allowed for members to engage with other municipalities to share ideas on how to effectively plan their nature programs. Check out this video that was put together by the Digital Media from Austin Civilian Conservation Corps that highlights some of the events that took place. Districts: 1,2,3,4,7,9 Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Attendees at the Texas Children in Nature Summit Land Management Prescribed Burns: The Parks and Recreation Department will be implementing prescribed fires this winter season at the Louis René Barerra Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary, the Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, and the Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. The prescribed fires support healthy functioning ecosystems, improve climate resilience, and reduce wildfire risk to natural resources, nearby structures, and future park improvements. Any prescribed burn will be permitted by the Austin Fire Department and will include information sharing with the public about smoke and other details. For more information about prescribed burns on parkland visit Prescribed Fire on PARD Lands Homepage. Districts 1, 2 21 Parks and Recreation Department staff monitor fire behavior and smoke during a prescribed burn at the Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Land Management Wildfire Risk Mitigation Projects: The Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Program leads the implementation and maintenance of wildland fuel reduction projects on parkland to reduce wildfire risk to natural resources, park assets, and neighboring structures. Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Circle C Metropolitan Park, the Southern Walnut Creek Greenbelt, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt and wilderness park system are some areas of parkland that have been identified as priority for fuel reduction projects in the next two fiscal years. Districts 1, 3, 5, 8, 10 ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: Recreation Management System: The Department, with the assistance of the Communications and Technology Management Department (CTM), published a Request for Information (RFI) to survey current technology solutions in the Recreation Management industry. Based on the information gathered, the Department worked with CTM to establish a scope of work (SOW) and conduct a formal solicitation for a Recreation Management System. As CTM is the principal information technology department that focuses on the delivery and operations of vital IT infrastructure network and telecommunications services for the City, they facilitated the competitive process. The solicitation was published on June 5, 2023, and was extended and closed on July 20, 2023. Six proposals were received, and all proposals were deemed responsive. The evaluation and contract processes, led by Central Procurement, are in process. Meanwhile, the Department will continue to utilize RecTrac services throughout the process until a recommended vendor is established. Watercraft Concession at 2418 Stratford Drive: The current contract with Rowing Dock was extended through October 31, 2024. This one-year extension will assist the Department in providing quality recreation while giving the City time to resolicit a concessionaire for the Stratford Drive location. 22 Department contract staff are coordinating with Central Procurement on finalizing the scope of work and the solicitation release. Watercraft Concession at Barton Creek: The agreement with the current vendor, Zilker Park Boat Rentals, will expire on February 28th. The Department will seek a one-year contract extension through February 28, 2025. The extension will assist the Department in continuing this watercraft amenity while allowing the City sufficient time to solicit a concessionaire for the Barton Creek location. Department contract staff are coordinating with Central Procurement on developing the scope of work and the solicitation release. The contract extension will be presented to the Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 19th, and to the Parks Board on January 22nd. 23