04-1: Director's Update, July 2026 — original pdf

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AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE July 2026 Recreation Services Division Backpack Giveaway Austin Watershed Protection hosts a backpack giveaway for Dottie Jordan Summer Playgrounds on July 29, from 10am- 12pm, to distribute 40 supply-filled backpacks, talk “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”, showcase operations trucks, and hand out promotional items. Totally Cool Totally Art Summer Show The TCTA Summer Theatre Program wraps up with its Summer Showcase on July 30, at the Asian American Resource Center, inviting families and staff to celebrate teen creativity through artwork, film screenings, and theatre performances. Dottie Jordan Recreation Center – Parents Night Out Dottie Jordan Recreation Center hosted its first Inclusive Kids’ Night Out on June 26th, welcoming 17 children for an evening of activities that promoted inclusion and provided parents with respite. Community Recreation Division Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center Mendez Recreation celebrates the annual Teen Fishing Derby, held each year during summer camp. Activities included food and fun in the sun as teens tried their luck in reeling the biggest hauls, which were caught and released. Virginia L Brown Recreation Center’s HEB Banana Block Party: HEB is going bananas at Virginia L Brown Recreation Center on July 25, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The most a-peel-ing block party of the summer! There will be free snacks, music, yoga, crafts, giveaways, and yes… banana costume contests for kids, grown- ups, AND dogs! We hope to see you there! District 4. South Austin Recreation Center Banana Blitz On July 15th, SARC hosts the H-E-B Banana Blitz. This is a six-week summer initiative aimed at fighting childhood food insecurity when school meal programs are unavailable. It features free fresh fruit, kids yoga, crafts, and games. All 60 participants in the South Austin Recreation Center Summer Camp Program were able to participate in the event. Natural Resources Division Really Small Museum, ROAM Continues Traveling Exhibition ROAM Museum’s newest traveling exhibition, In Place by ceramicist Travis Benton, transformed clay harvested from Blunn Creek Nature Preserve into site- responsive art before the museum moves to Stillhouse Hollow Nature Preserve to feature artist Danny Martin. Greater Greener Tours Camacho Hosts Greater Greener Kayak Tour Camacho Activity Center welcomed 30 Greater Greener conference attendees for a Lady Bird Lake kayaking tour, showcasing its programming, equity and inclusion efforts, and collaborative partnerships with The Trail Conservancy and Austin Watershed Protection. Park Ranger Greater Greener Tours Park Rangers provide a birding tour at Commons Ford and supported morning walks at Greater Greener. Zilker Park Tour Nature Programs staff in coordination with Aquatics staff hosted a Zilker Park Metropolitan tour complete with a tour of the Austin Nature and Science Center and a swim in Barton Springs. Photo Credits: Travis Benton Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance Colony Park’s turf project reached completion, while Bartholomew finished roofing repairs from January’s fire. Barton Springs The Greater & Greener Conference tour on June 13 was successful, guided jointly by Aquatics and Culture & Arts Education. Open Water Guard training concludes July 16, ensuring staff readiness. Deep Eddy Completed its scheduled closure from June 22–28 to repair the Shallow Pool inlet valve, reopening the Shallow Pool ahead of schedule on June 27 and resuming full operations June 28. The Aquatics Division held its Mid-Season Staff Appreciation Event on July 9, attended by approximately 200 staff members. Instructional Swim Programing, Marketing and Public Pools The Regional Swim Meet on July 18 is projected to exceed last year’s participation and may result in more swimmers qualifying for the State Games. ISP staffing surpassed 1,000 lifeguards, a major operational milestone. Architectural Development Division Construction Begins on the Zilker Clubhouse! • Full restoration of the historic 1934 special events facility. Funded by the Historic Preservation Fund (Hotel Occupancy Taxes) • Includes replacement of the roof, doors and windows, masonry repairs, utility upgrades, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a new HVAC system. • New features will include a lawn, deck area, and interpretive signage. • Scope also includes a full restoration of nearby Lookout Point. • Architect is Limbacher & Godfrey, general contractor is Phoenix I Restoration and Construction. Park Development Division New Turf at Krieg Field! • Installation of a new synthetic multi- purpose turf field is substantially complete. • Provides two soccer fields and will allow programming year-round. • Enclosed by non-climbable fencing. • ADA enhancements include accessible parking, walkways and main entry. • Contractor was Hellas Construction. Parks and Recreation Month On July 23, 2026, the Austin City Council and Austin Parks and Recreation announced an official city proclamation recognizing the vital role that parks and recreation play in improving the health, wellness and quality of life for all of our residents. QUESTIONS?