06-1: Director's Update, October 2025 — original pdf
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AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE October 2025 Operations & Maintenance TRAPS Maintenance Rodeo Our Operations and Maintenance Crew participated in the regional Texas Recreation and Parks Society Maintenance Rodeo on October 15. Truck and Trailer • Virgil Saldivar/Tyreese Brown • David Medellin Sr./David Medellin Jr. • Manuel Gonzalez/Trezon Chapman Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • Julian Salazar/Victor Medel • Israel Valdez/Dennis Govea II • Plant ID • Ben Turrubiarte • Hayden Doskocil • Richard Kendziorski Zero Turn Mower Jordan Herrera • • Timothy Espinoza • Ernest Garcia • Virgil Saldivar • Stanley Dickey • Matthew Berron Backpack Blow • Ernest Garcia • Alberto Rodriguez • Mitchell Soliz • Chris Pesina • Virgil Saldivar • Daniel Hernandez Nail Drive • Mike Villea • Teodora Cruz Julian Salazar • • David Medellin • Rufino Rodriguez • Edward Bautista Backhoe • Mike Hernandez Jose Martinez • • Austin Jones • Eric Maldonado Irrigation Joe Gonzales/David Serna • • Alberto Rodriguez/Daniel Hernandez Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • • Alex Shultz/Jesse Armonta Jr. • Joel Hernandez/Sebastian Rico Park Planning Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt New playground open to the public! • Community-driven plan for the park was approved in 2019 • Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association applied for a grant with Austin Parks Foundation to implement their vision • Scope included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness equipment, an off-leash dog area, and trails. • Second phase of trail improvements, funded by a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, will begin this fall. • A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 1. Drone footage of improvements at Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Park Development Celebration of the Biofiltration Pond at Waterloo Greenway • Completed in 2024. • Largest biofiltration pond in the City of Austin. • Holds 50,000 cubic feet of water and supports 1,300 aquatic and wetland plants. • The project prioritized the preservation of existing large shade trees and their critical root zones. • Made possible through significant support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, marking the first instance of federal funding for the Waterloo Greenway. • The celebration was held on October 24. Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Mayor Watson were in attendance. Photo credit: dwg. Park Development Pop-up Event for Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park Improvements • A pop-up event to share proposed improvements to Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park is scheduled during It’s My Park Day on November 1, at 9 a.m. • Planned improvements include a small parking area designed around existing trees, a rain garden, new access to the park aligned with Yaupon Dr., bike racks, and trash/recycling bins. Recreation Services Hallowmania Adaptive Dance – McBeth Recreation Center This costume dance held on Saturday, October 25th provided individuals 18 years and older with disabilities an opportunity to celebrate Halloween. The evening featured music, costume contests, and activities in a fun and supportive setting. Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative Austin/Travis County Active Living Coalition (ATC- ALC) was chosen for this Episcopal Health Foundation’s (EHF) Initiative. Austin Parks and Recreation in partnership with Austin Public Health and UTHealth School of Public Health serve on the coalition. EHF provides coaching and networking opportunities to address challenges and improve health initiatives. Community Recreation Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center: Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center welcomed 32 participants for their coed youth Fall Soccer program. Players are lacing up their cleats and hitting the field with excitement and energy as they kick off a new season of teamwork, skill- building, and fun. We are looking forward to a great season filled with sportsmanship, learning, and plenty of goooooooooals! Bringing Seniors Together: Halloween Spooktacular The South Austin Senior Activity Center will host the Bringing Seniors Together: Halloween Spooktacular event on Thursday, October 9th. Participants will enjoy games, snacks, facepainting, a costume contest and a vendor fair. Natural Resources Division October 2025 Urban Forestry Response to Drought Conditions • Severe Drought Conditions: A second consecutive year of extended summer drought is creating extreme stress on the urban canopy. • Emergency Watering Underway: The Forestry Crew has shifted all resources to a supplemental watering schedule, prioritizing the survival of newly planted, vulnerable trees. • Protecting Our Investment: This emergency action is critical to the survival of new trees, safeguarding a significant long-term investment in our parks. • Proactive Strategy: Early-season mulching, part of our multi-year flexible plan, is now crucial for retaining moisture and maximizing the effectiveness of our watering efforts. It's My Park Day NATURE PROGRAMS 11/1/2025 11/1/2025 Roots & Wings at Austin and Nature and Science Center 11/4/2025 Climbing Adventure Camp at Camacho 11/7/2025 Camacho Film Festival 11/8/2025 11/14/2025 Family Kayaking at Camacho Austin Nature and Science Center Fall Fest Upcoming Events Thursday, October 30th Dia de los Muertas Ceremony with a partnership at Oakwood Annex Cemetery with the Mexican-American Cultural Center. Saturday, November 1st Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Saturday, November 15th Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead Grand Opening QUESTIONS?