02-1: Parkland Acquisition Presentation — original pdf

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Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition Program September 29, 2025 Agenda • Acquisitions since 1998 • Long-Term Goal Progress • Impacts of HB1526 • Land Banking Benefits and Maintenance • Goals for the 2026 Bond Land Acquisitions since 1998 • Over 3,300 acres acquired through bond or PLD • 197 new parks or park expansions • $20 million in PLD fees expended on land acquisition • $96 million in bond funds expended on land acquisition Parkland Acquistion Heat Map Completed Land Acquisitions since 1998 Concentration of acres purchased High New or Expanded Park Low 3 Long-Term Goal Progress 18.47 Acres of Parkland per 1,000 People 70% of Austinites within a five to ten- Minute Walk of a Park 30% 70% Within 5 to 10 minute walk Longer than 5 to 10 minute walk Impacts of HB1526 – Level of Service • City-wide park service goal of 24 acres set in APR Long-Range Plan, current level of service is 18.47 acres per 1,000 residents • 2016 Parkland Dedication Ordinance supported 40% of meeting that park service goal with a 9.4 Acres/1,000 residents level of service • New ordinance supports less than 12% of that park service goal with 0.075 - 3 acres / 1,000 residents level of service • Remaining park service gap will fall on existing residents through Bonds and other funding Impacts of HB1526 – Annual Fees Effective Fiscal Year • Under the previous ordinance every dollar of bond funding spent on acquisition was matched by 33 cents from PLD • Previous ordinance appropriated up to $26 million annually for park land and development investment • HB 1526 delays payment an average of 5 years after a permit issued • Resulting short-term funding gap of roughly $15-20 million/year for up to 5 years • Delayed delivery of parkland to new residents Land Banking Benefits • Land banking allows APR to purchase land today with available funding from willing sellers and ensures critical park connections are not lost to development pressure. • Land banking saves money by acquiring land today at a lower cost than in the future. Land banking serves as an investment and as land prices increase in Austin, that investment pays dividends of $1.4 to 20+ million per park over 10 years in the form of savings to the community. • During the time between acquisition and development, the new parkland may be maintained as a natural area that contributes to the health of the environment through carbon sequestration, habitat protection, water quality and flood mitigation. • If the parcel is in a residential area, it is maintained for public passive recreation from day one- kicking a ball around, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, water access, etc. Goals for 2026 bond Infill Parks in Deficient Areas Acquire parkland in park deficient areas throughout the city. Recreation Center in Southeast Austin Identify property for a district park and recreation center to serve a deficient area in Southeast Austin. Colorado River Acquisition of land, including publicly owned land, to dedicate as parkland to fulfill the Colorado River Corridor Vision Plan with a shared use trail. Greenbelts and Greenway Critical Gaps Gaps identified in trails, greenbelts and greenways that are missing key parcels; examples include Onion Creek, Williamson Creek, South Boggy Creek, Rinard Creek, Little Walnut Creek, Northern Walnut Creek and others. One City Approach Partner with other City departments with shared goals such as Austin Transportation and Public Works, Austin Public Library, Austin Housing, Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Water and others to remedy deficiencies and achieve multiple City goals when feasible. Contribute to Climate Equity Plan goals Acquire parkland in high priority areas identified for environmental value and areas of historically low park service Parkland Acquisition and Dedication Team Randy Scott Land Use and Acquisition Manager Mendy Marshall, Business Process Consultant Scott Grantham Planner Principal Paul Books Planner Principal Robynne Heymans Planner Principal Ann DeSanctis, Planner Senior Shirley Rempe, Planner Senior Kathleen Stanford, Planner III Gabrielle Patracuolla, Planner III Barry Simons, Planner III Steven Prather, Project Assistant Vacant position, Planner Senior Suzannah DesRoches, Planner Senior Ottilia Willis, Planner III Gavin Tabone, Videography Thank You!