09-1: PARD Director's Update, October 2024 — original pdf

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DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Angela Means, Interim Director October 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Rosewood Playground Replacement: PARD is collaborating with the Austin Parks Foundation to renovate the playground at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. The current playscape features swings and a small ship-themed play structure, but it offers limited shade and play value for visitors. The project team is dedicated to developing a replacement plan that reflects the community’s preferences, adheres to park standards, and takes into account the environmental characteristics of the site. Currently, the project is in the Community Engagement phase, with the first public survey having closed on September 6. | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2018 General Obligation Bond Program Proposition C - Parks and Recreation Update: Total Authorized Funding: $149 million Amount Spent: $93.1 million (62.5% of the authorized budget) Amount Under Contract: $10.8 million (7.3%) Funds Assigned to Ongoing Projects: $31.5 million (21.1%) Active Construction Projects: Colony Park and Givens Pools: Construction started in May 2023, with substantial completion anticipated by November 2024. | District 1 Violet Crown Trail Connection: A 1.7-mile segment linking Circle C Metro Park to the Veloway began construction in October 2023 and is scheduled to open to the public on November 9. | District 8 Parque Zaragoza Bathroom Renovation: Construction began in February and is expected to be completed in early 2025. | District 3 Oertli Neighborhood Park: Construction started in November 2023, with a soft opening expected in early November 2024 and a ribbon-cutting event tentatively scheduled for late November 2024. | District 4 Brownie Neighborhood Park: Construction started in December 2022, with completion anticipated in fall 2024. | District 4 ADA Accessibility Improvements at “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center: These improvements are currently underway, with completion expected by the end of 2024. | District 4 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Projects In Permitting/Bid: Beverly Sheffield Northwest and Montopolis Pool Renovations: Both projects are in the permitting stage, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2024. | Districts 3 and 7 Givens Recreation Center Renovation: Permitting is complete, with construction slated to start in early 2025. The gymnasium roof replacement has also been permitted, with construction expected to start in late 2024. | District 1 Zilker Maintenance Barn: This project has returned to the bidding process. | District 8 Projects In Design: Walter E. Long and John Trevino Jr Metro Park Vision Plan: Phase one implementation projects are in the design development phase. | District 1 Dittmar Recreation Exterior ADA Improvements | District 2 Hancock Recreation Center and Golf Parking Lot Improvements | District 9 Vision Planning: Bolm District Park Vision Plan: Stakeholder engagement started in October 2023. The consultant is set to finalize the draft vision planning report by Fall 2024 and will present it to the Parks Board in November 2024 for recommendation to the Director for approval. | District 3 Parkland Acquisition: 7605 Shadywood Drive: The City Council has approved the acquisition of this property, utilizing $312,539.21 in bond funds and $426,285 in parkland dedication funds. The 3.28-acre parcel will serve as a neighborhood park, restored to its original land use, and will extend the South Boggy Creek Greenbelt. | District 2 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2018 General Obligation Bond Program Proposition B - Parks and Recreation Cultural Center Improvements and Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Update: Total Authorized Funding: $65.5 million Amount Spent: $16.2 million (24.4% of the authorized budget) Amount Under Contract: $21.1 million (32.2%) Completed Projects: Carver Museum Theatre and Accessibility Improvements: Achieved substantial completion in August 2024. The theatre is now open and available for reservations. | District 1 Active Construction Projects: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center Phase 2: Construction is currently in progress, with an expected completion date by Fall 2025. This phase includes facility expansion, renovation, and site improvements. | District 9 Projects In Design: Carver Museum Phase 1: The plan for facility expansion plan will soon commence, with community engagement and a solicitation for professional design services. | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Dougherty Arts Center Replacement: The project has completed 100% of the construction documents; however, the current budget is not aligned with market conditions and design criteria mandated by Council for the new facility. The project team is exploring alternative plans that would allow for a phased implementation. Phase 1 will utilize the remaining available funds for site and shell construction, while Phase 2 will address the remaining scope, anticipated to be funded by the upcoming bond. | District 9 Asian-American Resource Center Phase 2: The expansion plan for the facility has provided a conceptual plan and preliminary cost estimate for the proposed performing arts center. The project has been realigned to focus on the exterior stage/pavilion scope, which may be constructed using the remaining bond funds. | District 1 Vision Planning: The Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan was approved by Council in 2021. | District 1 The Asian-American Resource Center Vision Plan received Council approval in 2019. | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Expand and Improve Park Access for All Planning and Development Updates Special Ceremonies (groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, etc.) Special Ceremonies Austin Area Garden Anniversary: On October 25, the Austin Area Garden Center celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Garden Center Building. Originally dedicated in 1964, The Garden Center has served as a gathering place for community garden clubs and as a venue for gardeners to enhance their knowledge and skills. | District 8 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Activate and Enhance Urban Public Spaces Museums and Cultural Programs and Exhibits Museums and Cultural Programs and Exhibits Historic Tourism Updates Hyphenated Book Club: The Asian- American Resource Center’s book club held its final meeting of fiscal year 2024 on September 24. Community members gathered bi-monthly to explore the diversity of Asian and Asian-American literature. Attendees shared their appreciation for this year’s selections, expressing feelings of representation and connection with diverse perspectives, and valued the intimate setting for community exploration. Participants: 45 | District 1 Stack of books read by the AARC’s Hyphenated Book Club in 2024. A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Pumpkin Festival: The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center hosted its annual Pumpkin Festival on October 19. The Carver staff, community partners, and volunteers collaborated to create a festive atmosphere where families enjoyed pumpkin carving, a costume contest, and a range of fun activities and games. In partnership with HEB Helping Here, each family received up to two free pumpkins. Community organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women Austin Chapter and Creative Action, provided giveaways and family-focused activities. Participants: 400 | District 1 A family enjoys carving a pumpkin together at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Texas Artists / Texas Music Exhibit: On September 25, the Dougherty Arts Center held its opening reception for the Texas Artists / Texas Music exhibit. This exhibition features the work of twelve artists who have created pieces inspired by songs, musicians, or styles of music associated with Texas. By blending diverse media and personal interpretations, the exhibit explores the influence of music on visual art, capturing the essence of some of Texas’ vibrant musical heritage. Participating artists include Amitai Plasse, Billy Ray Mangham, Carl Block, Denise Elliott Jones, Greg Barton, Jess Wade, Jamie Lea Wade, Karen Woodward, Liz Potter, B Shawn Cox, Sylvia Troconis, and TVHeadATX. Participants: 127 | District 9 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T People viewing the artwork in the Texas Artists / Texas Music exhibit. Manuel Cowboy Donley Tribute: On September 28, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center, in collaboration with Christopher Michael Mares Mendoza, hosted a tribute concert at Parque Zaragoza honoring Manuel Cowboy Donley. This event, produced with support from the Donley Family and the Austin Tejano Music Coalition and funded by the Live Music Grant, was free and featured performances by all local Austin musicians. Sylvia, Phillip, and Lupe Donley shared memories and performed songs in tribute to their father, who passed away in 2020. Trio Los Vigilantes, an Austin-based group dedicated to preserving the Mexican trio tradition, made a special appearance. The event was emceed by Kim Simpson, a well- known Austin singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist. Attendees enjoyed the music, with many elders present, reflecting their strong ties to East Austin, Tejano music, and the musical legacy of the Donley family. Participants: 200 | District 3 Manuel Cowboy Donley Tribute, photo courtesy of Christopher Michael Mares Mendoza Texana at Twight Speaker Series: On October 19, the Susanna Dickinson Museum, French Legation State Historic Site, and Brush Square Museums Foundation presented Texana at Twilight: A Writer’s Life with Author Stephen Harrigan. Held on the front lawn of the French Legation State Historic Site, this event marked the second annual installment of the Texana at Twilight speaker series. Best-selling author and historian Stephen Harrigan reflected on his fifty-year career, providing unique insights into Texas history and its interpretation. Participants: 60 | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Author Stephen Harrigan speaks at the LBJ Library in 2019 Align Programs with Community Interest Community Engagement Events Programs and Events Program Updates National Nights Out: On October 1, Givens and Turner Roberts Recreation Centers hosted National Night Out events to promote police- community, partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie. The events featured food, games, and various vendors to offer resources and support to attendees. | District 1 Youth volleyball exhibition at the Givens Recreational Center during National Night Out event. Community stakeholders and agencies partner with Turner-Roberts Recreation Center to provide the annual National Night Out event. A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Rosewood Creatives: On October 8, the Dolores Duffie Recreation Center launched its “Rosewood Creatives” curriculum. This program, designed to follow their after-school program, teaches youth participants the art of filmmaking, encompassing storyboarding, filming, and the use of digital equipment. The program will span four weeks and commenced with five participants, with an additional five recently enrolling. | District 1 The participants in the Rosewood Creatives learning about the art of filmmaking. Fall Soccer: Hancock Recreation Center’s Fall Soccer started this month. Hancock will join teams from Gus Garcia and Northwest Recreation Centers as they compete against each other in a recreation league; 23 Hancock kids will participate in weekday practices and games. | District 9 Hancock’s 6u Spring team huddling up after last season’s final practice. Out-of-School Time: The South Austin Recreation Center launched three programs in September: the Volleyball Clinic on Thursdays, PreK Sports on Tuesdays, and Youth Dance & Recital on Wednesdays. Collectively these programs have attracted a total of 45 participants. | District 3 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Youth Dance Recital - Hawaiian themed dance recital Fall Movie Series: Starting in October, the Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center will host its annual Fall Movie Series. This free event, held in Metz Park, features a monthly movie screening on Friday nights through December. Families, friends, and pets are invited to enjoy a delightful evening of film and popcorn on the lawn. Additionally, various city agencies and vendors will be present to offer community resources. | District 3 Mendez Recreation Center’s Fall movie series flyer Ofrenda Display: The George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center has established its inaugural ofrenda display to celebrate a traditional Mexican cultural practice. This commemorative exhibit is located in the facility’s lobby, providing visitors with an opportunity to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones. The display will remain on-site until November 1 | District 2 Ofrenda display allows visitors to leave pictures of their cherished loved ones. After-School Fun Fridays: The After-School Program at Gus Garcia Recreation Center has introduced an exciting new addition to its weekly schedule for youth participants. Every Friday, attendees can partake in “Fun Friday,” which features a variety of enjoyable activities such as movie screenings, games, and the opportunity to earn play money. This play money can be redeemed at the “Gus Store,” which allows them to redeem their play money for small toys and snacks. This activity reinforces Gus Garcia’s commitment to providing a fun and safe environment for the youth in the community. District 4 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T After-School participants inside the “Cash Cube” attempt to earn play money to be redeemed in the “Gus Store”. Varsity Generation Outreach: Thirteen participants at our Varsity Outreach location in Circle C celebrated the Chinese Moon Festival. The event featured a reading on the festival's history, as well as singing, dancing, and ukulele music performances. The gathering concluded with a potluck that was enjoyed by all. Participants enjoy a potluck while celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival Camp Days: Pickfair Activity Center and Northwest Recreation Center host camp days for children in kindergarten through 5th grade during most school holidays. Registered participants can engage in games, crafts, and various enjoyable activities from 7:30 am - 6 pm. There is a maximum capacity for participants in the program. Registration began on October 1. | Districts 6 and 7 Nature Program Break Camps: Austin Nature & Science and Camacho Activity Centers are hosting School Break Camps, which have proven popular among families during school closures. Registration for the camp has reached full capacity, with growing waitlists. | Districts 3 and 8 Guided Hikes: Starting October 19, from 10 am - 3 pm, the Austin Nature & Science Center will offer free guided hikes on select Saturdays at the Zilker Nature Preserve. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about native flora and fauna during the hikes. | District 8 Acoustical Cafe: On September 7, the Lamar Senior Activity Center welcomed the return of the Austin Acoustical Cafe program, attracting more than 80 participants in support of this cherished event. The Austin Acoustical Cafe occurs on the second Saturday of each month, continuing through May, starting at 7 pm. | District 9 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Performer at Austin Acoustical Cafe Optimize and Improve Efficiency of Operations Operations and Maintenance Updates Administrative Updates Maintenance Update Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center Kitchen Upgrade Project: The kitchen space is currently undergoing renovations. Demolition of the existing kitchen cabinets and layout has started, and the new kitchen cabinets were delivered in early September. The estimated timeframe for project completion is three to four weeks. District 4 Left: Kitchen prior to remodeling. Right: New kitchen cabinets for the remodel. A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Gus Garcia Recreation Center Bathroom Improvements: The renovation of the men’s lobby bathroom is currently underway. Although the women’s bathroom is not yet fully accessible, all toilet installations have been completed. Both lobby bathrooms will be fully reopened once the women’s facility is cleared of construction materials. The contractor is awaiting the arrival of the tiles; however, the restrooms remain operational in the interim. District 4 Men’s (left) and women’s (right) lobby bathrooms showing toilets fully installed and ready for use. A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T