07-1: Director's Update, May 2026 — original pdf

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AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE May 2026 Recreation Services Division • Adaptive Field Day, held May 8 at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center, welcomed over 200 youth and adults with disabilities for inclusive indoor and outdoor activities, including field games and a silent disco • Therapeutic Recreation’s Summer Readiness Trainings include 16 sessions for full-time, temporary, and seasonal staff, with 200+ participants trained in neurodivergence, universal design, and behavior • The Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) program concluded its end-of-year showcase on May 7 at the Dougherty Arts Center, featuring 750+ teen artworks, awards, and a closing reception • TCTA student films were also featured at Austin’s Black Lens Festival, highlighting program achievements and creative success Community Recreation Division • Turner-Roberts Recreation Center hosted its first-ever Soap Box Derby on April 18 through the TCTA program, featuring teen- designed cars, downhill racing, and awards, with 50+ attendees despite weather conditions • APR’s youth soccer clinic on April 16 served 120 participants ages 7–11 with skills instruction from volunteer coaches, supported by 4ATX Foundation and St. David’s HealthCare, and included visits from Austin FC players Damian Las and Robert Taylor • South Austin Recreation Center (SARC) concluded a 5-week youth volleyball clinic on April 29 with a parent–participant scrimmage, engaging 35 youth ages 8–14 in foundational skill development and gameplay Aquatic Division • Aquatic Maintenance continues progress across multiple sites, with Big Stacy’s spring clean scheduled for May 9–17 and all splash pads opened as of May • Barton Springs is completing final preparations with the Austin Nature and Science Center for the Greater and Greener Zilker Park tour, including a trial swim conducted May 7 • Deep Eddy will undergo a brief closure on May 11–12 to install brackets for four new lap lanes in the Shallow Pool. The work is expected to be completed by May 12, and the Shallow Pool will reopen on May 13 with the new lap lanes. • Aquatics Division recruiting remains strong, with 400 lifeguards ready to work as of May 7, 2026, , with a total of 1,455 applicants recorded as of April 30, 2026. The Northwest Pool has opened, Walnut Creek and Mabel Davis are scheduled to open on May 16. Operation & Maintenance Division New crosswalk at Walnut Creek Metro Park • Improve pedestrian safety • Enhance park accessibility and connectivity • Reduce traffic conflicts and improve driver awareness • Support long-term park infrastructure improvements that encourage safe public use, mobility, and community recreation. Historic Preservation and Tourism Historic Pools featured in Texas Monthly • Digital Campaign kicked off May 1 • Featured five historic Austin pools: Parque Zaragoza, Rosewood Park, Givens Park, Deep Eddy, and Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Park. • First of four campaigns planned with Texas Monthly this year! • View the campaign! Land Use and Acquisition Division Park Ridge Neighborhood Park Now Open! • Developed in partnership with Fairfield Residential, it is one of the last parks to be developed under the previous Parkland Dedication Ordinance. • The park is fully owned, operated and maintained by Austin Parks and Recreation. • Special thanks to the Land Use and Acquisition team for making it possible and the Parks Grounds crew for making it “show ready” for its debut! Photo Credits: District 2 Council Office Sustainability and Resilience Introducing the Austin Parks and Recreation Green Team! • 25 members from Recreation and Senior Centers, Planning, Aquatics, and Maintenance divisions. • Primary focus is working towards Zero Waste • Learn and train others on sustainable practices such as composting, green stormwater infrastructure, and sustainable purchasing practices Greater & Greener QUESTIONS?