07-1: Director's Update, September 2025 — original pdf

Backup

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE September 2025 Park Planning Scenic Brook Pocket Park Phase I Improvements complete and open to the public! • Planned, designed and constructed in partnership with the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association and Austin Parks Foundation. • Features include an accessible ramp entry, multi-level playground area, shaded picnic area and irrigated open play field. • Funding for planning and design provided by Austin Parks Foundation. Funding for construction provided by Parkland Dedication fees and City of Austin Urban Forestry funds. • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on September 23. Drone footage of improvements at Scenic Brook Pocket Park Park Planning Heritage Oaks Nature Play New playground opened September 22 • Largest nature play installation to date • Community Activated Park Project • Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and multiple access points. • APR partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to hold a community celebration on September 27 Park Development 2025 Preservation Austin Merit Award Winners Three APR projects were awarded Preservation Austin Merit Awards. • The award was established in 1960, and “celebrates the hard work and visionary approaches of those preserving Austin’s heritage. • The 10 winning projects will be celebrated at an award ceremony on November 18. Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville: Special Recognition Award for Education • Documentary sponsored by APR’s Historic Preservation and Tourism program, which plays for visitors to the Haskell House. • The 1870s-era house in Clarksville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWE42dozBAw Park Development 2025 Preservation Austin Merit Award Winners Buford Tower Repairs: Award for Rehabilitation • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016 • Damaged by fire in 2021, the repairs to the structure were completed in Fall 2023 Henry G. Madison Cabin: Award for Restoration • Both a recorded Texas Landmark and City of Austin Landmark • Built in the 1860s, belonged to Austin civic leader Henry Green Madison, Austin’s first African-American Council Member. • Scope included window/door restoration, roof replacement, lighting, landscape and accessibility improvements Recreation Services City Olympics Participants and spectators enjoyed a wide variety of events on September 27th, from softball, kickball, sand volleyball, disc golf, cycling, and the always-popular fun run. Beyond the athletic competitions, the brisket cooking and salsa contest added an extra layer of excitement and flavor. The energy, teamwork, and spirit of friendly competition made this year’s City Olympics a memorable experience for all who attended. Contract Instructor Renewals Austin Parks & Recreation (APR) utilizes independent contract instructors to provide unique recreational opportunities. From ballet folklorico, to karate, to aerial dance, and everything in between more than 70 contracts will be renewed for the new programming year! Parque Zaragoza Fiestas Patrias Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center brought the community together on Saturday, September 13, for a lively Fiestas Patrias celebration! Families enjoyed a full day of fun with baseball games, music, piñata making, and exciting games for all ages to honor Dieciseis. Community Recreation Hancock Recreation Center’s Summer Forever: Parents and kids celebrated Summer Forever at Hancock on Friday, August 8 with games, face painting, and balloon art! Over 200 people attended the event that include prizes, snacks, and special vendors providing healthy snacks. De lore s Duffie Re cre a tion Ce nte r On Friday, September 5th, the site hosted an intergenerational program experience for youth, parents and grandparents. "Painting with Grandparents" provided an opportunity for youth after school participants to create collaborative art projects while practicing skills including color mixing, brushstroke, and applying paint to canvas. S outh Aus tin Re cre a tion Ce nte r Is hosting Youth Dance from September 11 through October 10. This is a five-week class for children ages 7-9. During the class participants will learn dancing skills and practice a choreographed dance to be performed for friends and family during the final week of the program. The program currently has 7 participants enrolled and will take a maximum of 12 participants. Natural Resources Nature Programs With the transition to fall, Nature Programs is excited to provide a full slate of unique, fun experiences. Camacho will be supporting outdoor adventure programs at several recreation centers, as well as after school programs. Camacho Activity Center Family Kayaking Friday Night Paddles Youth Biking Club Learn-2-Ride Youth Program Dirt Divas After School Easy Rider After School Bike Program School Break Camps Teen Bike Club Varsity Biking Varsity Hiking Austin Nature and Science Center School Break Camps School Field Trips Homeschool Programs Nature's Way Preschool Programming Roots and Wings Festival QUESTIONS?