REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MAY 19, 2025 – 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78752 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/3UtQYxPm15 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) CALL TO ORDER Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Coordinator, Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Lindsey Machamer, Project Management Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 5. 6. Discussion and approve an appointment to the vacant seat on the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concession Committee. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Discussion and approve a nomination to the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) DISCUSSION …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on April 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Netherton - Pease Park Conservancy Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club Scott Cobb - Lifeguard issues Chris Flores - Thanks to Holly Reed for her service to the Parks and Recreation Board Kayla Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 11-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse department. David Hillers, Financial Services Division Manager and Ben Rustenhaven, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the evaluation of KPIs. The motion to approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 department was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on an 11-0 vote. 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. The motion to elect Stephanie Bazan to the officer position of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Reed abstaining. The motion to elect Kathryn Flowers to the officer position of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Board Member Becker’s motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on 9-0 vote. Board Member Reed and Taylor abstaining. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement …
Austin Parks and Recreation Presentation Lakeshore Planned Unit Development Amendment May 19, 2025 Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner Development Overview Existing Use: Office campus, residential Proposed Use: Mixed-use Activity Center with office, residential and hotel uses at Lakeshore Drive and Tinnin Ford Road PROJECT LOCATION 2 Development Overview Additional 2.336 acres Original 50.1 acres Original 2006 PUD restricted parkland dedication to $650/ residential unit for the original 50.1 acres. Currently features office campus and residential. Amendment in review adds a 2.336 acre tract, increases allowable height and modifies internal roads from grid pattern to match existing roads. 40’ to 120’ 60’ to 90’ 60’ to 90’ 60’ to 90’ 60’ to 90’ 60’ to 120’ 3 Amendment Details A 4 Parks and Open Space Plan The 2.336 acre tract is subject to the parkland dedication requirements in effect at the time of site development application. 100% Fees-in-lieu shall be required. Additionally: Applicant shall construct a 12’ trail along Willow Creek to accommodate additional proposed density. PARD currently supports this Planned Unit Development for superiority with respect to parkland dedication. 5 Parks and Recreation Board Consideration Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. 6
Austin Parks and Recreation Presentation 500 South Congress Planned Unit Development May 19, 2025 Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner Development Overview Existing Use: Multifamily 60 ft Proposed Use: Mixed-use Multifamily, Hotel, Office and Retail Max heights 650 ft and 500 ft PROJECT LOCATION 2 Development Overview PUD is 6.48 acres located at the intersection of W Riverside Dr and S Congress Ave Proposing 950 residential units, 225 hotel keys, 600,000 sq ft office and 155,000 sq ft retail, paseos and retail plazas OTC Fronting W Bouldin Creek in the South Central Waterfront District Adjacent to OTC and across the creek from the School for the Deaf W Riverside S Congress 3 South Central Waterfront Plans W Bouldin Creek Trail 4 Parks and Open Space Plan North South Connection: Connect east/west trail to Haywood ROW utilizing OTC property East West Connection: Connect OTC to S Congress ROW with 12’ wide trail in the outer half of the CWQZ Open Space: Dedicating 10% more open space than 20% Tier 2 requirement PARD currently supports this Planned Unit Development for superiority with respect to parkland dedication 5 Parks and Recreation Board Consideration Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. 6
Austin Parks and Recreation Presentation Alternative Park Funding Preliminary Analysis May 19, 2025 Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Lauren Gaetano, Project Assistant Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director OUR CONSULTANTS Trust for Public Land (TPL) • Sam Savin, Associate Director • National nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors • Conservation Finance program that serves as a trusted advisor to design, pass, and implement ballot and legislative measures to fund parks PFM Group Consulting (PFM) • Danielle Scott Parker, Director • Public Finance consultants that support local government leaders and staff in analysis of budget, finances, and operations • Existing City consultant for Financial Services Department • Specialize in consulting for alternative funding to achieve a public benefit COUNCIL RESOLUTION Resolution No. 20241121-072 Directs the City Manager to assemble a team from key City departments (PARD, Financial Services, Law, and others) with assistance of external consultants to explore additional funding sources for parks management, land acquisition, amenities, facilities, and maintenance. Timeline Resolution Launched Progress Report to Council November 21 2024 March 31 2025 Report to Council w/ Recommendation May 31 2025 Previous Studies Project Phases Phase 1: Benchmarking of comparable Park and Recreation Departments Phase 2: Revenue, economic benefit, and landscape analysis Phase 3: Recommendations • PARD internal study in 2019 • Former Parks Board Vice Chair Rich DePalma presented research on Park Districts to the Parks Board Financial Committee in 2021 • Parks Board drafted Recommendation Number: 20211130-B4: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Use Recommendations in November 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Survey open from March 11 to April 11 Shared via website, with City Council Offices, through partnership newsletters, flyers posted at recreation centers, tabling at programming events, neighborhood newsletters … Full Survey Results 3,559 VIEWS 682 PARTICPANTS 17,303 RESPONSES 821 COMMENTS Two Small Group Discussions, April 22 and 24 15 total attendees https://publicinput.com/Report/ekt551dmm5i Survey Results: Do you support more funding for Austin parks, pools, and facilities? 3% 6% Yes No Unsure 91% Should Austin Parks and Recreation get more money? Are parks a good investment? https://publicinput.com/Report/ekt551dmm5i Economic Benefits of Parks Enhanced Property Values Boosts Tourism Reduces Healthcare Costs Property values can decrease for every foot further from parkland it’s located. Town Lake Metro Park and Zilker Metro Park are two of the Top 10 Most Visited Locations in Austin. Residents who use parks and trails for physical activity save …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Nature Play Program Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative Presented by Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Manager, Park Planning Division Lindsey Machamer, Project Management Supervisor, Park Development Division Melody Alcazar, Cities Connecting Children to Nature Manager, Park Planning Division Nature Play in Parks & Recreation Dept. Nature Play in Parks & Recreation Dept. Nature Play Vision: building a world where all children can explore nature through play Connections to City Priorities: • Heat Resiliency Playbook (OCAR) • Climate Equity Plan (OCAR) • • • Green Building Program (Austin Energy) Sustainability & Resilience Program (PARD) Long Range Plan (PARD) Nature Play | Timeline 2016 June 224 2018 Cities Connecting Children to Nature Austin is formed Nature Play becomes priority strategy 2019 Debut loose parts lending kit library 2021 2022 2024 1st large installation at Walnut Creek Metro Park Nature Play Guidelines created Established nature play materials yard at Trevino Metro Park Site Examples LARGE: Walnut Creek Metro Park • • Grant + CIP funded • Partner activated Pilot features, perm. signage MEDIUM: Kendra Page Neighborhood Park • • • Community initiated, signage APF grant funded PARD activated SMALL: Ron Rigsby Pocket Park ▪ ▪ ▪ Community initiated PARD funded Community activation Materials Procurement • Pilot Project: Old Lampasas Dam modernization • Materials received: 277 trees, 972 cubic yards of boulders • Other donations: Austin Airport Million Air Terminal expansion, TxDOT I-35 expansion along Lady Bird Lake Training + Staff Development Staff, Partner, Agency, and Contractor Training • Bi-annual nature play design, installation, and maintenance training • Annual chainsaw skills and safety training Staff Collaboration: Facility Construction + Community PARKnerships + Playgrounds Partners + Stewardship Partner support • Install and maintain nature play on partner-managed park sites • Support with training costs • Support concept planning with community-requested nature play spaces Community Requests • Commonly requested amenity via Community Activated Park Project proposals & Vision Planning Current Status • Total nature play installs on parkland to-date: 23 • Installations planned for rest of calendar year 2025: 8 • Nature Play Materials Yard: over 15 partners served, including AISD and early childhood centers • Loose parts lending kits: over 4,000 community members served Questions Melody Alcazar, Cities Connecting Children to Nature Manager, Park Planning melody.alcazar@austintexas.gov
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE May 19, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Park Planning and Development Upcoming Project Completions • Colony Park Pool Ribbon Cutting: May 24, 10AM • Givens Pool Ribbon Cutting: May 30, 10AM • Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse Anticipated Completion: June 20 • Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Improvements Target Completion: Early June • Scenic Brook Pocket Park Target Completion: Early June Park Planning and Development New Shade Structure Installations • Kennemer Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Dove Springs Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Givens Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Agave Playground Shade Structure Complete March 2025 • Metz Playground Replacement Complete June 2025 Natural Resources Program Internal Circulator and Parking at Zilker Zilker Loop • Free internal circulator managed by the Nature and Science Center Weekends and holidays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 15 to 20-minute intervals from May 24 through September 1 Parking validation at Stratford Gravel Lot for 2 hours available through the Park ATX APP Parking at Polo Field • Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays through September 1 at 50% capacity (weather permitting) Parking capacity will be reduced to 30%, once parking at the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse reopens • Exploring how to maintain parking capacity at 50% during special events Recreation Services Summer Staff Training Annual summer camp preparation training has arrived, covering a wide variety of safety topics, updates to handbooks, youth development, and CPR/First Aid and Basic Water Safety courses. Totally Cool Totally Art Show The end of year showcase and celebration held at the Dougherty Arts Center on May 12th featuring amazing artwork created by teens throughout the year. Adaptive Field Day May 2nd at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center brought together 250 youth and adults from Austin ISD for a variety of inclusive games, activities and talent show! APD Cadet Disability Awareness Hands on activities at the Adaptive Field Day provided 70 APD cadets the opportunity to engage with youth and adults with disabilities. The cadets also attended a training session led by the TR - Modifications & Support team. Community Recreation VARSITY GENERATION South Austin Senior …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD APRIL 28, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/vz4wFsgDC5 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse department. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Ben Rustenhaven, Business Process Consultant and David Hillers, Financial Services Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement events, planning updates, development updates, maintenance updates, program updates and administrative updates. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces, Park Access). Presenter(s): Jesús Aguirre, Parks and Recreation Director. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Page 1 of 2 ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tim Dombeck at …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on March 24, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara (left meeting at 7:44 p.m.), Holly Reed. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Chris Flores - Swim scholarships and budget recommendation Gavino Fernandez - Mexican American Land Owners in East Austin Mike Cannatti - Joan Mean Khabele Bathhouse Project Joy Casnovsky - Austin Parks Foundation Fleetwood Jacobs - Zilker 351 Joel Manzo - Barton Springs and Zilker Park budget issues Mary Fero - Wildfire mitigation at Northwest park APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025 was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low- income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programming Division Manager and Davin, Bjornaas, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions. The motion to and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low-income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons …
P ARD S UP P ORT S ERVICES Parks Board Meeting April 28, 2025 Ben Rustenhaven & David Hillers Austin Parks and Recreation Department Support Services Mission: To be value-added business partners that get results. Long Range Plan Goal E: Optimize and improve efficiency of operations Leverage partnerships and revenue opportunities to elevate the quality of PARD operations and maintenance while upholding equitable park access and ensuring a sustainable and well- balanced budget. Communications and Engagement Unit Public Information / Media Relations Marketing / Social Media Management Web / Creative Services Community Engagement Media Request Report s: • FY2 4 - 2 5 7 m e d ia re q u e s t s • FY2 5 - 8 7 m e d ia re q u e s t s • 2 0 17- 2 0 2 4 Avg . # o f Re q u e s t s : 3 8 8 10 Awards since 2021 2025 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators for the Tillery Neighborhood Park Community Gathering 2024 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators recognizing the Outreach Campaign for A Celebration of Life for a Tree Named Flo 2023 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators for the Ceremonial Moment of Silence and Splash Honoring Civil Rights Activist Joan Means Khabele Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Promotions and Marketing Excellence Award – Class I – for Parque Zaragoza: Communidad, Cultura, y Resiliencia 2022 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators for the Community Engagement Forum on the Historic Montopolis Negro School Open House 2021 City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) Silver Circle Award for the Our Parks, Our Future Long-Range Plan National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Award of Distinction for the 2020 Zilker Tree Lighting Special Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Award: Award of Excellence for the Parks and Recreation Department for the 2019 Annual Report Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Award – Award of Honor – Electronic Report for the Our Parks, Our Future Long-Range Plan Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Award: Award of Honor – Public Service Announcement for Bark Rangers: Poop Offender Leave No Trace Awareness Campaign HR- Employment / Compensation PARD HR Employment/Compensation held several department wide …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE April 28, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Recreation Services - Art in the Park Therapeutic Recreation Youth and adults with disabilities created art with many local organizations on April 10th at Fiesta Gardens for the annual Art in the Park event. Approx. Attendance 900 - Fishing Club Therapeutic Recreation Alamo Recreation Center took twelve adults with disabilities on their first fishing trip to Lady Bird Lake learning basic fishing skills while enjoying being with peers on a pier. – TILT Graduation Community Initiatives The Teens In Leadership Training (TILT) program held their graduation on April 10th with 24 students. Graduates will work for PARD this summer as Jr. Activity Specialists! Athletic Programs – South Austin Little League The South Austin Little League celebrated their 75th anniversary on March 30th with games, food, team pictures and fun activities. Approx. Attendance 400 Community Recreation Hancock Recreation Center The highlight of the evening was teens participating in the escape room designed by PARD staff. This year’s theme was the Hunger Games edition. - Tweens Night Out South Austin Recreation Center Parents and children work together while exploring art projects. - Crafty Tots Mendez Recreation Center Over 72 dogs and 130 people made it out to the park for free doggie and human games. -12th Annual Dog Extravaganza Varsity Games ~Yard Games & Pickleball Competitors will face off in Corn Hole, Washers, and Horseshoes on April 11th and 12th. On April 26th and 27th our annual pickleball tournament will occur at Turner-Roberts Recreation Center. Aquatics Aquatic Maintenance Recently completed eco-finishing at Dove Springs Pool and Big Stacy Pool. Repairs have also been completed at the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad, and preparations are underway for the rest of the splash pads in anticipation of summer. Barton Springs Successfully reopened on March 15th following its annual spring cleaning. Deep Eddy Currently undergoing its annual spring cleaning and is scheduled to reopen on April 19th . Instructional Swim Programing and Public Pools As of April 9th, we have 377 lifeguards ready to work. As of April 11th, we have had 963 total lifeguard applicants, …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MARCH 24, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/Jriy8PSnxa or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low- income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programming Division Manager and Davin Bjornaas, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons during the summer months when AISD is not in session. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Ashley Wells, Aquatics Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 24, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Cathleen Eady, Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Frank Cruz IV - Thankful to the City for not banning pier fishing Carol Baxter - ARC learn to row and paddle programs Phil Thomas - Deep Holly Advocates and Nash Hernandez Building Larry Akers - Public transit to parks APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 27, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of January 27, 2025 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Bazan, Eady and Merritt absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation Forestry Staff for their work planting, watering and maintaining trees, as well as participating in and hosting tree climbs. Josh Erickson, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation. The motion to approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation Forestry Staff for their work planting, watering and maintaining trees, as well as participating in and hosting tree climbs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Bazan, Eady and Merritt absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. Devon Farber, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation. The motion to recommend that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 7-0 …
Interlocal Agreement Between Austin Independent School District and City of Austin Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Ashley Wells, Division Manager Aquatics and Nature - Based Division Presentation Overview Mission/Purpose Goals and Objectives History Expenditures Deliverables Current Status Mission/Purpose Formalize partnership with Austin Independent School District Project SAFE (Safety and Fitness Education) is an aquatic safety education and swim training program Teach 1st grade students swimming skills approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute in an 8-day, two-week long swim lesson program Instruct students in a water safety discussion to equip them with ways they can be safe in, on, and around the water Provide an opportunity for students to continue their water safety education by offering summer program information as well as information pertaining to our scholarships Goals & Objectives To enhance students’ comfort, ability, and knowledge of the water which leads to greater water safety practices To familiarize and bring awareness to the presence of nearby aquatic facilities to boost attendance and use To promote healthy activities that can be enjoyed at any age To promote aquatic programs that further increase water abilities History Springs Pool Project SAFE pilot program begins Spring 2011 with Perez Elementary School at Dove Spring 2013 – Widén Elementary joins the program at Dove Springs Pool Spring 2014 – Travis Heights Elementary joins the program and is based at Stacy Pool Spring 2019 – Harris Elementary joins the program and is based at the newly reconstructed Bartholomew Pool Spring 2020 – Project SAFE is put on hold due to COVID-19 Spring 2021 – Project SAFE returns, but Widén Elementary is unable to participate Spring 2024 – The green light is given to offer Project SAFE at the newly reconstructed Govalle Pool. Ortega, Zavala and Govalle Elementary join the program Spring 2025 – Widén again joins the program City of Austin Expenditures 2024 Project SAFE Transportation total was $1700 This paid for busses for four different schools as one school was able to walk to the aquatic facility Staff expenditures HG/MGR Hourly Rate LG's Hourly rate WSE $ WSE WSE Cost Cost HG/MGR/LG HG/MGR/LG FICA/MD Combined total HG/MGR/LG Staff combined cost Staff Total with FICA/MD School Govalle Zavala Harris Travis Heights Ortega Pool Govalle Govalle Bartholomew …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Austin Community College Welding Partnership Agreement Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager Ryan Dees, Environmental Program Coordinator Agenda • Mission/Purpose • Goals & Objectives • Requested Board Action Mission/Purpose • Formalize partnership with Austin Community College Welding department to restore cast iron fencing for family lots at Oakwood that have been damaged, stolen, or have severely deteriorated over the years • This project will address damaged, missing, or degrading iron fencing seen at Oakwood. The restoration will only address family lots that have either lost their fencing or have sustained damage to their fencing • Students will follow guidelines set forth by both the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Park Service (NPS) and in accordance to Texas State law. Designs will be approved before construction can begin. Designs will be submitted to the THC on behalf of the CoA Cemeteries Division for final recommendations or approvals. Goals & Objectives • Design and Detail Students will design fencing of their selected lot reflective of the appropriate time period. Designs will be submitted to both the instructor overseeing the students and to the CoA conservator for final changes and approvals. • Construction • Installation Students will construct the approved designs throughout the course of their semester. The final product after construction will be reevaluated by both the instructor overseeing the class and the CoA conservator for final approvals before installation can take place. Students will install the approved piece to the correct family lot that was chosen at the beginning of the semester. Installation will be overseen by both the ACC instructor and the COA conservator. Requested Board Action • Recommend to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Questions Additional Information Additional Information
Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group Meeting #2 Friday, February 21 Attendees: Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Nicole Merritt 1. Updates from City Process Discussed that we still have not yet heard guidance from the Clerk’s oEice regarding timeline. City Manager has announced public sessions. Vice Chair Flowers noted that she believes the timeline will be unchanged, as the budget is due at the same time and she is concerned if we continue to wait for guidance, we will get late notice. We were notified of the timeline last year in late January, so it is at least a month late. Agreed we should proceed with a March recommendation in the absence of guidance. 2. Strategy for Recommendation + Updated from Board Member Becker Board Member Becker noted he is already far along on a draft recommendation related to wildfire prevention for Joint Sustainability Committee and that we can and should use aspects of it for our own recommendation. It was also discussed that we should focus on a few key issues we are aware of from last cycle and from Board activities this year that are high priority. Those issues were determined to be wildfire prevention, staEing for extended hours for aquatics over the summer (lifeguards), staEing for increased cemetery maintenance, and staEing for park patrol to address property crime in parks. 3. Action Items Per discussion, action items were determined to be as follows: - Board Member Merritt and Vice Chair Flowers to reach out to their respective council oEices to inquire regarding guidance and any budget priorities for Parks from their perspective - Board Member Becker to share his draft wildfire prevention recommendation for Joint Sustainability Committee with the group - Vice Chair Flowers to draft a shell recommendation and share with the group for populating before our March 7 meeting - Vice Chair Flowers to shift our next meeting from Friday, February 28, to Friday, March 7 at the same time (12pm – 1pm)
Parks and Recreation Board Budget Working Group Meeting #3 Friday, March 7 Attendees: Jennifer Franklin, Kathryn Flowers, Nicole Merritt Absent: Lane Becker 1. Review of Draft Recommendation The group reviewed the draft shell recommendation that Vice Chair Flowers drafted and Board Member Becker added wildfire prevention language to. Some small edits were made to language throughout. It was discussed whether we should carry forward the summer camp staJing recommendation from last year, as it was unfunded. As there were no objections, this was added. The group reviewed publicly available information related to Park Ranger and cemetery staJing, but noted that it was outdated and not available for the most recently closed fiscal year. It was discussed that in order to provide more specific dollar and staJing values, we had follow up questions for PARD staJ. The wildfire prevention details were agreed to be suJicient as were the summer camp staJing details, being carried forward without change from the previous year. Questions related to park ranger staJing, extended pool hours staJing, and cemetery maintenance staJing were outstanding. 2. Next Steps + Action Items It was discussed that we likely can finalize the recommendation asynchronously and plan to get it to Tim Dombeck, Liaison, by the week of 3/17 for posting prior to the Parks Board meeting. In order to do so, we would aim to get responses to our questions from PARD no later than 3/14. Action items were determined to be as follows: Vice Chair Flowers to email PARD staJ with the following questions to inform recommendation edits: 1. How many FTEs are currently in the Park Rangers group (both filled FTEs and any funded vacancies)? Can you provide any statistics similar to what is in the annual report but for FY24 (i.e. # contacts, # of directed patrols at # of parks, etc.) 2. What was the estimated cost to the department of keeping seasonal pools open through September 2024 during last year's heat wave (including FTE cost and any maintenance cost)? 3. How many FTEs are currently working in the Historic Cemeteries area specifically on maintenance, monument settings, and interments (both filled FTEs and any funded vacancies) ? a. Relatedly, is this considered to be full staJing for appropriate level of maintenance service for the acreage of the cemeteries? If not, what would full staJing be in terms of number of FTEs? When Vice Chair Flowers receives a …
City of Austin Office of the City Auditor Special Report Ball and Soccer Field Contracts March 2025 The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) works with many different organizations to provide recreational baseball, softball, and soccer opportunities for residents of all ages. The City has 28 ball and soccer field contracts with 25 different organizations, both public and private. PARD uses these contracts to outline both the responsibilities of the City and those of the partnering organizations to support recreational activities. Some contracts are only for one year and can be renewed annually, while others are much longer. The public remains able to use City-owned facilities when not reserved by a partnering organization. However, fields and sites used for these contracts vary in how they are used, reserved, and how the public is informed about availability. All contracts contained language about breaches and/ or the steps to terminate the contract. The contracts did not contain specific language regarding breaches or termination on issues related to public access. Contents Objective & Background What We Learned Appendix A: Inventory of All Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Contracts Why We Did This Report, Scope, & Methodology 2 4 10 17 Cover: Photo of Downs Field, February 2025 Objective The objective of this special request was to: 1. Provide information about the existing contracts and associated amendments between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use City-owned baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Number of contracts in effect; b. Organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. Start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Provide information about the terms of each contract and associated amendments related to public and community access, including: a. Details in the contracts about level and schedule of access to the general public and how the public is notified about access; and, b. Details in the contracts as to how often the fields are available to the general public versus reserved for the contracted organization. 3. Provide information about the terms and conditions in each contract and associated amendments related to breaches of contract and any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of a material breach, especially related to community access. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) works with many different organizations to provide recreational baseball, softball, and soccer opportunities for residents of all ages. Most of the …
