05-1: Director's Update November, 2025 — original pdf

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AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE November, 2025 Park Development Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park Duck Pond Why did it dry up? • Poolfill line leakage repaired • Runoff from smaller rains blocked from entering • Water leaking through bottom despite shale Why is it overflowing now? • Runoff from larger rains What can be done? • Short-term grading improvements can help water flow in and out of the pond in a more consistent, predictable way. • Working with Watershed Protection to implement. • Also investigating how to address water in parking lot. • Feasibility of long-term solutions, such as routing spring water, adding a storm drain, and a pond liner being explored. Water level low Water level high Park Development Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Metro Park • Project led by the Hill Country Conservancy. • Features new trailhead archway, meadow pavilion, observation deck, bike racks and more. • Funding provided by the Hill Country Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation, and City of Austin Parkland Dedication funds. • Ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 15. KXAN photo Architectural Development Gus Garcia Recreation Center Senior Wing Project • Project identified in the citywide Senior and Recreation Center Facility Gap Analysis • Scope is to expand existing rec center to create a welcoming space for seniors and senior programming. • Public engagement kicked off with a pop-up on November 10. • Survey open until December 12. Link to survey! Architectural Development Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Rehabilitation at Barton Springs Pool • Partial opening on October 28 • Restroom and shower spaces, and most of the front parking lot now open to the public. • Rotunda and west side remain closed for construction. Recreation Services Adaptive Kayak Lake Cleanup – Modifications and Support The It’s My Parks Adaptive Kayaking event on Saturday, November 1, held in partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation and the Camacho Activity Center, included 41 volunteers and removed 268 pounds of trash from Lady Bird Lake. Free Meals for Youth Participants – Health Promotions APR partners with the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) to provide meals during after school programming. Despite funding shortages and on-going cuts, the CTFB will be providing weekend meals for youth through the 'backpack' program. Nine recreation centers will participate in the program, providing a projected 320 meals a week to families in need. Community Recreation Montopolis Recreation Center Staff at Montopolis will assist Austin Public Health with their Thanksgiving drive on November 12. Due to recent funding changes this year, we will be focusing on the Montopolis community and its most vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. This event plays a vital role in supporting neighbors who rely on community resources to meet basic needs, especially during the holiday season. Our goal is to strengthen community ties by ensuring everyone feels supported and seen. Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center will be hosting their Autumn Carnival on Saturday, November 22, 205. The event will take place in the gymnasium where community members can enjoy a variety of fall themed games and activities. Virginia L. Brown staff will raffle off turkeys and fun prizes to families. Office of Special Events Livestrong Challenge – November 2nd Event participants may choose their challenge - cycle 20, 45, 65, or 100 scenic miles through the Texas Hill Country Run or walk a timed 5K or 10K Approximately 3,000 attendees Texas Wellness Day – November 8th A morning of free wellness activities including movement, music, and community at the beautiful Fiesta Gardens. Approximately 1,000 attendees Natural Resources Wildfire Fuel Mitigation (funded in partnership with Austin Fire) on ~60 acres Steck Valley Greenbelt Stephenson’s Nature Preserve Balcones District Park Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve Forest Health Restoration Projects • Circle C Metro selective thinning for woodland health ~20 acres • Walter E. Long Metro Park for climate resiliency, woodland health and wildfire mitigation ~110 acres • Walter E. Long Metro Park thinning for post oak restoration ~95 acres • Prescribed Burns Planned for Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on ~40 acres Tree Planting at Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on 9 acres in partnership with Austin Watershed ‘Really Small Museum’ Partnership Launch Early 2026 New art, themed on environmental conservation, will be installed in different preserves every two months for a year. QUESTIONS?