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

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DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Angela Means, Interim Director November 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: 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 1Boyd Vance Theater at the George Washington Carver Cultural Center and Museum: The Boyd Vance Theater recently marked the successful completion of a significant renovation on November 16 coinciding with the premiere of the new documentary Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville. The extensive upgrades encompass the installation of new energy-efficient LED stage lighting, an enhanced audio and visual system, an upgraded stage rigging and fly cabling system, and improved backstage storage solutions. Additionally, the renovation includes the installation of a new dance room and theater stage flooring, as well as the modernization of the utility infrastructure. | District 1 George Washington Carver Museum Facility Expansion, Phase 1a & 1b: A series of community engagement meetings for Phase 1a & 1b of the George Washington Carver Museum Facility Expansion are scheduled through mid-January. The initial meetings will include an online “open house” on December 7 and an onsite open house on December 10. Attendance information will be distributed via a mailer, displayed on information panels at the facility, and posted on the project website. | District 1 Colony Park Pool: Construction on the Colony Park Pool began in May 2023 and is projected to achieve substantial completion in early December 2024. The new Community Pool, will serve the community year round. It features lap lanes, a water slide, a zero-entry activity pool, and new bathhouse facilities. The the new pool aligns with the objectives outlined in both the Aquatic Master Plan and the Colony Park District Park Master Plan. A soft opening is planned for January 2025, with the grand opening scheduled to coincide with the start of the swim season in 2025. | District 1 New lap pool filled at Colony Park District Park 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 2Natural Resources Updates: Land Management Program Annual Update: The PARD Land Management Program experienced its most productive year to date during Fiscal Year 2024. The annual report, which provides an update on the implementation of the Land Management Plan, is available for review at PARD Land Management Program Annual Report. Park Ranger Cadets: The Park Rangers have successfully recruited a new cohort of cadets, emphasizing fostering diversity within the Ranger workforce by engaging candidates from the local community. Park Rangers Barton Springs Operations Update: Park Rangers completed and submitted a report on their six-week summer operations at Barton Springs Pool. Based on their observations, they have recommended several changes for the upcoming season to enhance safety at Zilker Park and other high-traffic locations during peak times. Park Ranger Programming: Per the Guidance Committee recommendation, Park Rangers will begin conducting monthly programming at Givens Recreation Center. The first scheduled session of this regular programming is in November. | 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 3Expand and Improve Park Access for All Planning and Development Updates Special Ceremonies (groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, etc.) Special Ceremonies Oertli Neighborhood Park Ribbon-Cutting: The official ribbon cutting for the development of Oertli Neighborhood Park was held on November 22. The newly developed park features a loop trail that connects the two park entrances, shade trees, a playground area with a pavilion, fitness equipment, a fenced-in off-leash dog area, and extensive space for open play. Additional funding for the installation of shade pavilions was provided by the Austin Parks Foundation. | District 1 Aerial photo of the newly completed Oertli Neighborhood Park ribbon-cutting 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 4Violet Crown Trail Ribbon-Cutting: On November 9, the Hill Country Conservancy hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening to celebrate the completion of a newly finished section of the Violet Crown Trail in Circle C Metropolitan Park. This milestone marks the completion of the first 13 miles of the regional trail system. The project was funded by the Parks and Recreation Department, with the Hill Country Conservancy overseeing the bidding, contracting, and construction processes through a Parkland Improvement Agreement. | District 8 The ribbon-cutting of the first phase of the 13-mile regional Violet Crown Trail. Photo: Hill Country Conservancy Haskell House Documentary Premiere: On November 16, the Department’s Historic Preservation and Tourism Program premiered a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House at the Boyd Vance Theater in the George Washington Carver Cultural Center and Museum. The Haskell House is recognized as the oldest documented residence within the Clarksville National Register Historic District. Following the screening, a panel discussion and reception were held. | District 9 Flyer for the premier of Haskell House and The Story of Clarksville 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 5Planning & Development Updates: Lantana Neighborhood Park: The nature play area at Lantana Neighborhood Park is now open to the public. Designed and constructed by PARD’s Facility Construction team, the play area includes benches, stump tables, balancing logs, stump jumps, and boulders. Materials used in the installation were repurposed from park development and forestry projects. Funding for the project was provided by Parkland Dedication and Cities Connecting Children to Nature. | District 8 Nature play area at Lantana Neighborhood Park Council Dedicates City-Owned Properties as Parkland: On October 10, City Council approved an ordinance to designate five city-owned properties as parkland. These properties, which are currently undeveloped, will benefit from park bond funds and other parks-related funding sources for improvements. This action aligns with the objectives outlined in the Long Range Plan. The properties designated as parkland are as follows: 11703 Charing Cross Road, 11605 February Drive, 1137 Saucedo Street, 1412 Fort Branch Boulevard, and 2011 East 9th Street. | Districts 1, 3 & 10 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 6Activate and Enhance Urban Public Spaces Museums and Cultural Programs and Exhibits Historic Tourism Updates Museums and Cultural Programs and Exhibits Youth Voices Rising: Youth Voices Rising is an eight-week program at the Asian American Resource Center for middle school students to utilize mathematics, data, and statistics to analyze historical events and explore questions related to their personal histories. Through hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focused on spatial awareness, distance, and measurements, students were given a unique opportunity to engage with Asian-American history and identity by conceptualizing timelines and deepening their understanding of these topics. Participants: 8 | 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 Middle school students come together for Youth Voices Rising at the Asian-American Resource Center, where they use math and timelines to talk about Asian-American history and identity. 7Torch Literary Arts: The George Washington Carver Museum partnered with Torch Literary Arts, in collaboration with Texas State University, Culture Ireland, and Consulate General of Ireland-Austin, to present Writers Across the Diaspora, featuring Irish poets Nithy Kasa and FELISPEAKS! The evening began with a warm welcome from Amanda Johnston, Founder and Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts, followed by an introduction from Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland in Austin. A reading and conversation with the poets evoked tears and laughter and set the stage for meaningful community dialogue. Participants: 38 | District 1 Congolese Irish poet Nithy Kasa reads from her debut collection of poverty, Palm Wine Tapper, and The Boy at Jericho (2022), at the George Washington Carver Museum. 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 8Dia de Los Muertos and MexAmeriCon: On November 2, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center held its annual Día de Los Muertos 2024 and MexAmeriCon event at the Oswald A.B. Cantu/Pan-American Recreation Center, featuring local artists, a community altar, and live music, which attendees enjoyed before the rain began. In preparation for inclement weather, staff had arranged for numerous tents, ensuring many participants were provided with cover. The face painting activity continued despite the rainstorm, maintaining the event’s spirit. Throughout the six-hour event, a strong sense of community, joy, and heartfelt support was felt, making it a truly memorable community celebration. Participants: 1,500 | District 3 Collage of images from Dia de Los Muertos on November 2 at the Pan-American Recreation Center It’s My Park Day: On November 2, the Dougherty Arts Center hosted volunteers for It’s My Park Day, where they actively participated in various gardening tasks on the Center’s grounds. Volunteers replenished garden beds in the east yard and planted native wildflowers intended for future textile dye projects. Additionally, the mulch around trees was refreshed to support their ongoing nourishment. On the west side, native grasses and wildflower seeds were planted in a pocket prairie style inspired by Houston conservationist Jaime Gonzalez. Participants: 15 | 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 Dougherty Arts Center Volunteers gather for It’s My Park Day 9Align Programs with Community Interest Community Engagement Events Programs and Events Program Updates STEM Club: The STEM Club for children aged 5-11 has proved to be an exceptional success. Each week, 38 participants engage in exciting journeys of discovery, exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on activities such as construction projects and experiments, the young participants not only have fun but also develop valuable skills. This program is designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of innovators, fostering a strong foundation in STEM fields. | Districts 2 & 5 Dittmar STEM Club Program Camp Days: The Pickfair Community Center is hosting Camp Days during the Thanksgiving Break, from November 25-27, for youth ages 5-12. Camp Days are offered on non-City holidays when schools are not in session. Participants engage in a variety of activities, including active play and craft projects. Currently, 21 participants are enrolled in the program. | District 6 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 10Halloween/Fall Festival Celebrations: Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, and Cultural Centers throughout the city held celebrations in observance of Halloween and the fall season. | Citywide Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center Left: Senior partake in the Día de Los Muertos celebration; Right: Seniors enjoy the Halloween celebrations Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center’s Halloween carnival hosts a bike raffle, haunted house, and costume contest for the community 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 11Out-of-School Time: A new Out-of-School Time program in Girl’s Flag Rugby was successfully conducted with seven participants attending the five-week session. During the program, participants had the opportunity to learn a new sport, develop valuable skills, build new friendships, and enjoy an engaging and enjoyable experience. The class took place from September 26 to October 24. | District 3 Left: First day of Rugby; Right: Last day of Rugby Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration: On December 1, The Zilker Holiday Tree, installed by Austin Energy, will be lit during a tree lighting event managed by PARD, with support from Austin Energy and the Economic Development Department. The event will feature live local music, as well as food and beverage concessions for attendees to enjoy. Approximate attendees: 1,000 | District 8 Sports Frenzy: The Sports Frenzy After-School Club at Hancock Recreation Center commenced with 12 participants enrolled. The first week focused on soccer, with participants engaging in drills and games. Over the next three weeks, children aged 5-11 will have the opportunity to learn new sports each week. The upcoming weeks will feature football and golf and conclude with basketball. | 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 Hancock’s Sports Frenzy Participants during week 1 of the Club! 12Optimize and Improve Efficiency of Operations Operations and Maintenance Updates Administrative Updates Maintenance Updates Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center Kitchen Upgrade Project: The kitchen renovation project has been successfully completed. The project, which took four weeks to finish, included the installation of new cabinets, countertops, and appliances. The estimated cost of the project was $40,000, with the final expenditure totaling $23,349.53 which resulted in a savings of $15,650.17 for the department. The upgraded kitchen became operational in the first week of November. | District 4 Left: Kitchen before installation of cabinets and countertops, Center/Right: Kitchen after installation of all new appliances, cabinets, and countertops. 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 13Administrative Updates Exploration of Additional Park Funding Sources: On November 21, City Council approved a resolution directing staff to explore additional funding sources for park management, land acquisition, amenities, facilities, and maintenance. As part of this resolution, staff will conduct at least two public input sessions to review and gather feedback on the draft public recommendations before presenting them to City Council for further consideration. | All Districts The Expedition School: Over the past month, PARD staff met with The Expedition School to review a list of alternative locations for their continued operations and to discuss the desired outcomes for all parties involved in the project. Staff is scheduled to meet with The Expedition School again in December to review a 60-day community engagement strategy, with the expectation that this process will be completed in February 2025. Additionally, staff held a meeting with members of the East Town Lake Citizen Neighborhood Association to provide a progress update on the project. | District 3 PARD Contract and Agreement Audit: At the request of Interim Director Means, an independent audit is being conducted on a selection of contracts and agreements executed and monitored by the Department. This includes contracts related to park operations and maintenance, special events, concessions, and parkland improvements. The audit is being conducted by an internal auditor, currently on special assignment from Austin Public Health. The scope of the audit has been finalized, and the audit process is now underway. 14