06-1: Director's Update, August 2026 — original pdf

Backup

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE August 2026 Recreation Services Division Dottie Jordan - Sibshop Summer Squad Dottie Jordan Recreation Center hosted the Sibshop Summer Squad, giving youth the chance to explore Austin and connect with peers through meaningful conversations about being siblings of children with disabilities. Recreation Ambassadors The Recreation Ambassador program provides free recreational activities at underutilized parks, led by City of Austin employee volunteers. The Recreation Services Division coordinated the event, “Art in Nature” at Ponciana Park on Saturday August 8, 2026. There were 9 kids and 8 adults that participated Community Recreation Division Northwest Recreation Center Teen Challenge • Hosted the Final Teen Challenge on July 31 with 100+ teens from across Austin. • Featured volleyball, Mario Kart, and rock-climbing challenges. District 7 George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center – Annual Back to School Bash • Distributed 5,000+ backpacks to local families on August 8. • More than 2,500 people attended, and all backpacks were distributed. District 2 Montopolis Recreation Center – VG Aqua Tai Chi • Launched its first Aqua Tai Chi program, reaching 20 participants each week. • Participants reported reduced stress, improved endurance, and increased energy. District 3 South Austin Recreation Center – Banana Blitz • Partnered with H-E-B for a summer initiative addressing childhood food insecurity. • All 60 Summer Camp participants participated in the event. District 3 Natural Resources Division Austin Nature and Science Center and Camacho Summer Camps Summer rains brought cooler temperatures and a vibrant backdrop for outdoor adventures during Nature Programs’ summer camps. More than 1,130 campers hiked, biked, kayaked, caved, climbed, and camped across Austin and Central Texas, covering more than 1,500 trail miles. Arborist Training Program APR Forestry implemented a standardized training program combining online coursework with hands-on field assessments to strengthen crew technical skills. After two years, the program has improved retention and proficiency, with five employees completing the program and two advancing to crew lead positions. Photo Credits: Camacho Activity Center, Lil Bikers Program Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance • A new UV system was installed at Eastwoods Splashpad to enhance water treatment reliability. • Walnut Creek received multiple upgrades; a replacement diving board and a new ADA-compliant shower in the women’s restroom; the men’s shower is scheduled for installation on August 11, 2026. Barton Springs • The final session of the snorkeling class was successfully completed, marking a positive end to the program for the season. Deep Eddy • The End of Season Staff Appreciation Event for Deep Eddy pool staff is scheduled for August 16 at Mabel Davis Pool. Instructional Swim Programming, Marketing and Public Pools • ISP is completing Session 5 of Learn-to-Swim and Statesman Swim Safe, closing out the summer programming. • Across all programming, instructors taught lessons to 4,197 participants, in addition to free lessons provided through Playgrounds and Recreation Centers in partnership with Statesman Swim Safe. Operations and Maintenance Division Our Parks Maintenance Crew was busy this summer! Here are some project highlights. Decker Lake Boat Dock • The Park Maintenance Crew recommissioned and restored the Decker Lake Boat Dock at Walter E. Long Metro Park. • The dock was restored to like-new condition, improving safety, functionality and appearance for park visitors. Befor e After Operations and Maintenance Division Patterson Neighborhood Park Picnic Structure • The Park Maintenance Crew replaced damaged rim joists and vertical support beams with new materials, restoring the shelter’s structural integrity and safety. Operations and Maintenance Division Kreig Fields Storm Drain and Roadway Improvements The Park Maintenance Crew installed two storm pipes to improve drainage and completed asphalt repairs in the parking lot, enhancing drainage, accessibility, and overall safety for park users. Architectural Development Division Barton Springs Retaining Wall Repair Work is scheduled to begin September 8 • Phase 1: Clear Out Vegetation • Phase 2: Forensic Structural Engineering Assessment • Phase 3: Repair Expected to be complete early 2027. The pool will keep regular operating hours throughout. See July 30 memo to Parks and Recreation Board for full project details.LG1 Slide 9 LG1 Tim, can this be posted online somewhere? Gaetano, Lauren, 2026-08-20T15:25:58.046 AT1 0 I think this memo was actually sent August 3, Tim should confirm. Yes, it would be helpful to post it as backup online with the upcoming meeting. Tharrett, Alyssa, 2026-08-20T16:05:21.014 QUESTIONS?