06-1: Director's Update, June 2025 — original pdf

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AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE June 23, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Parks and Recreation Month On June 5, 2025, Austin City Council and Austin Parks and Recreation announce the official City Proclamation recognizing the vital role parks and recreation play in improving the health, wellness and quality of life for all Austin residents. The City of Austin joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Park and Recreation Month this July. Park Planning and Development Project Updates College Row Pocket Park • Acquired by PARD in 2021 at 1901 E 11th St. • The project is in the Community Engagement phase • Community survey was launched May 9 and closed June 10 • Pop-ups were held to promote the survey on May 28 (Delores Duffie Recreation Center) and June 5 (College Row Pocket Park) Zilker Maintenance Barn • Construction scheduled to begin in July • Anticipated to be complete Summer 2026 Operations and Maintenance May Microburst Cleanup On May 28, a sudden storm brought hail, 80 mph winds, and 3 inches of rain to parts of North and East Austin. • Damage was reported in 76 total parks/facilities. 43 of those were developed parks. • • Eastwoods Neighborhood Park was hit hardest. • The storm damaged or blocked access to amenities in 19 locations. Grounds, Forestry and Facilities worked together to coordinate a quick response. • Most damage to developed parkland was cleared or repaired within a week. • Forestry continues to work through brush clearing in natural areas. Park Partnership Events Kids Block Party at Seaholm Intake Facility • Held on June 7 • Held in partnership with The Trail Conservancy and Austin Public Library • 450 attendees Juneteenth Celebration • Held on June 19 • Hosted open house at Montopolis School in partnership with Montopolis Proud • Celebration followed at the Montopolis Recreation Center Recreation Services Learn to Fish Community Events Alamo Recreation Center hosted fishing events from May to June, serving over 50 participants. PBS joined to film the program highlighting Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing license exemption and support for accessible programs. Disability Awareness and Support Training In preparation for summer programs the Modifications and Support team provided 112 training hours for staff supporting individuals with disabilities to include policy updates, behavior management, and specialized training for a successful summer! Givens Park Summer Activation Through a collaborative effort Givens Park is being activated this summer for the community while the recreation center is closed. Activations include pickleball, youth sports clinics, Movies Under the Stars, Field Day Event, Teen Challenges, Group Fitness, and more! NJTL Summer Tennis Program The Central Texas Tennis Association provides youth summer tennis camps through the National Junior Tennis League at 19 park locations with more than 225 children registered. Community Recreation Community Recreation Youth Spring Soccer: recreation centers across the city wrapped up its Youth Spring Soccer season with 752 participants competing in a 7 week recreational league hosted at various Park and Recreation sites. The Mendez Recreation Center, Mother Day Celebration Varsity Generation mothers from Mendez Recreation Center enjoyed a Mothers Day celebration filled with food, crocheted roses and BINGO games and activities, along with a special visit from APD's mounted unit for the 16 participants in attendance. George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Tiny Tot's Program Tiny Tot’s program graduation ceremony on May 29th from 11:00am-1:00pm. 8 participants and their families came out to celebrate their kiddos during their special day and enjoyed a luncheon, facilitated by the Dove Springs staff. Office of Special Events 5.26.25 CapTex Triathlon CapTex Tri is a combination of swimming, cycling, and running, set against the stunning backdrop of Austin, Texas. Approx. 2,500 attendees 6.5.25 Moonlight Run 5K For 22 years, runners, walkers, and Butler Trail lovers have come together for a 5K event and evening benefiting the Butler Hike- and-Bike Trail. Approx. 2,500 attendees 6.7.25 The Fat Gator Walter Long Metro Park hosts a car and truck show along with a gumbo cook off and live entertainment. Approx. 1,000 attendees 6.19.25 Juneteenth Parade and Festival Juneteenth, often referred to as "Freedom Day," commemorates the conclusion of African-American slavery in the State of Texas. The year 2025 will signify 160 years since the abolition of slavery. Celebrated through a parade through East Austin and festival at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. Approx. 7,000 attendees Support Services Human Resources This month, the PARD Workday Change Ambassadors facilitated 17 in-person sessions to various workgroups across 13 locations. These sessions were intended to inform PARD staff about the upcoming changes to expect through the Workday transition and how it will impact them as individuals. The Employee Self-Service webinar was played during these sessions to ensure preparedness and compliance with Citywide Workday trainings. Through this effort, the Change Ambassadors have assisted over 320 employees in preparing them for Workday. Communications and Engagement Program Updates: Austin Nature and Science Center 2389 Stratford Drive, Austin, Texas 78746 Pollinator Week June 16 – June 22 Explore native pollinator gardens and attend hands-on educational programs that teach how to create pollinator habitats at home. Visitors can also pick up pollinator guides and engage with interactive exhibits highlighting bees, bats and butterflies. Austin Nature & Science Center | AustinTexas.gov City of Austin District 8 Financial Services The City Manager’s Office (CMO) is presenting the budget on 7/15/25. The Budget Office continues working on the items that will move to Arts, Cultures, Music & Entertainment (ACME) and we are working on providing information to them as the request it. We continue to provide data to the consultants for the alternative funding solutions that will be presented to council in July. Information Systems Management The ISM team processed more than thirty tickets last month. We are moving forward in data-gathering for the creation of a PARD Data Management Plan. This will require review by the Executive team, which will align with other city-wide endeavors in proper data governance and maintenance. Contracts, Concessions, Purchasing & Grants The Zilker Café solicitation response is currently under evaluation with an award recommendation anticipated in June and approved by Council by end of July. Upcoming Events July 4th – Austin Star Spangled Fest, July 4th Symphony and Fireworks July 11th – Wood Reclamation, large logs great for art projects and milling July 12th – Old Bakery & Emporium: Raised to Engage Art Opening July 19th – Major League Soccer All-Star Celebration QUESTIONS?