REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD OCTOBER 27, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/9LMCgndapf or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) 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) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 September 29, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Athletics Team for adult sports program offerings including upcoming initiatives designed to expand equitable access to adult sports opportunities throughout the city. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Jim Kotick, Recreation Program Manager and Elizabeth Tajchman, Recreation Program Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 2 3. 4. Presentation, discussion, and approve a recommendation to City Council to approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency, Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection. Discussion and approve setting the Parks and Recreation Board 2026 regular meeting schedule as the 4th Monday of each month, except May and December, and May 18th at 6:00 p.m. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on a Commercial Landscape Equipment Electrification Market Study. (Sponsors: …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December, and May 18th at 6:00 p.m.) January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 18, 2026 (Memorial Day is May 25th) June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 23, 2026
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on September 29, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Pedro Villalobos (arrived at 6:06 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kearns-Osterweil (arrived at 7:19 p.m.), Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL David Todd - Renaming Little Stacy Shelter House in honor of Jean Mather Mary Fero - NW Park Pond issues Carol Baxter - Austin Rowing Club Craig Nazor - Sierra Club and mowing at Northstar Greenbelt Linda Mendoza - East Austin Sports Teams (EAST) Robert Mendoza - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Tony Castillo - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Israel Lopez - Montopolis Little League Kayle Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Kearns-Osterweil and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10-minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city. Randy Scott, Parkland Use and Acquisition Manager and Principal Planners Paul Books, Robynne Heymans, and Scott Grantham, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on AISD joint school and parkland closures and the TPL ParkScore Index. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10- minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Eubanks second on a …
Austin Parks & Recreation Adult Athletics Year-Round Adult Programs Austin Parks & Recreation offers inclusive recreational leagues for men, women, and co-ed teams across the city, creating opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to compete and connect. Softball 16 ballfields across Austin Basketball 8 community recreation centers Volleyball 5 outdoor courts plus Austin Recreation Center Flag Football 2 multipurpose fields 1,113 Team Registrations Total teams participating in 2024 leagues 11,553 Community Members Austin residents engaged through adult sports Annual Tournaments & Events Austin Parks & Recreation collaborates with over 40 local businesses and external organizations to coordinate tournaments and community events throughout the year, fostering partnerships that strengthen Austin's sports community. • • • • • Recovery ATX National Softball Association of the Deaf Pride Sports USA Ryan Kelly Classic Stonewall Sports Austin • • • • • Liga Venezolana de Softball Pluckers Softball Austin Austin Senior Softball Planet K City Olympics: In collaboration with HRD and GolfATX, the Athletics Division coordinates the annual City Olympics sports tournaments for City of Austin employees and retirees, with more than 900 participants competing in 2025. New & Upcoming Initiatives Austin Parks & Recreation is committed to expanding equitable access and diversifying adult sports opportunities throughout the city with strategic facility upgrades and new program launches. Facility Enhancement Upgrading Krieg multipurpose field to Program Expansion Launching outdoor soccer leagues and synthetic turf, improving playability and senior basketball programs to diversify extending usability year-round adult sports options and serve regardless of weather conditions. previously underrepresented demographics. Contracts & Agreements Strategic contracts and collaborative agreements enable Austin Parks & Recreation to extend programming reach and provide diverse, high-quality athletic facilities across the community. • Austin Tennis Center • Burnett “Blonde” Pharr Tennis Center • South Austin Tennis Center • Caswell Tennis Center • Texas Rollergirls • Huston-Tillotson University • Austin Men’s Soccer Association • Athletic Officials Contract • Softball Umpires Contract
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | October 27, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain ▪ Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property ▪ Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Austin Parks and Recreation Project Impacts Under Current Code ▪ Requires solicitation and contract negotiation ▪ Requires multiple rounds of staff review ▪ A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review ▪ Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees ▪ Overall process cost: ▪ Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) ▪ Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) ▪ Adds cost/time to the site plan review process ▪ Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code ▪ Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. ▪ Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. ▪ If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Parks and Recreation Board Members FROM: Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE, Director Austin Parks and Recreation DATE: September 4, 2025 SUBJECT: Proposed Code Amendment related to Drainage Easements on Parkland This memo is to inform the Parks and Recreation Board of a proposed amendment to Section 25-7- 152(E) of the City of Austin Land Development Code (LDC), which pertains to drainage easement requirements. Background Current code requires that when a property owner submits a site development permit application, they must dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on the property. The code includes provisions allowing the Austin Watershed Protection Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment would add “parkland owned by the City of Austin” to the list of exceptions eligible for an administrative variance from the drainage easement requirement. Final ordinance language will be drafted by the Austin City Attorney’s Office. Importantly, this amendment does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. It only applies to the dedication of a drainage easement and only for City parkland. If the parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process or voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. Rationale Allowing an administrative variance for City-owned parkland is expected to improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) and Austin Watershed Protection are in longstanding agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Page 1 of 2 Timeline and Next Steps Austin Watershed Protection is the lead on this code amendment. The anticipated schedule includes submittals to the Code Cabinet, Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, Planning Commission and Environmental Commission starting in September 2025 with an anticipated Planning Commission Public Hearing in October and City Council in November. Should you have any questions, please reach out to D’Anne Williams, PLA, Project Manager, Danne.Williams@austintexas.gov. cc: Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director, APR Lindsey Machamer, P.E., Project Management Supervisor, Park Development, APR D’Anne Williams PLA, Project Manager, Park …
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study Background & Policy Context • Austin Climate Equity Plan: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 • Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA Regional Air Quality Plan: maintain compliance with federal air quality standards • Council resolutions: ◦ 20240229-058: Green purchasing ◦ 20240307-020: Rebates + exchange programs 2 Methodology • Online survey (53 responses) • Interviews (32 local, 7 national) • Site tours • Diverse representation: ◦ City of Austin and other govt. staff ◦ Minority / woman-owned businesses City of Austin Staff Participation by Department ◦ Small and large businesses ◦ Local and national businesses ◦ Early adopters 3 Electric Equipment Benefits Electric Equipment Challenges • Quieter • Cleaner • Easier to handle (for some) • Safer (no fuel handling, improved ergonomics for some) • Less maintenance • Insufficient power output • Insufficient battery life • Charging constraints • Higher upfront cost • Maintenance & disposal uncertainty • Potential for lower lifecycle costs • Heavier and less ergonomic (for some) • Cultural resistance 4 Market-Ready Electric Equipment Not Yet Viable Electric Equipment • Smaller (< 20 bar) chain saws • Larger (≥ 20 bar) chain saws • String and hedge trimmers for light- • String and hedge trimmers for duty applications heavy-duty applications • Leaf blowers for light-duty applications • Leaf blowers for heavy-duty applications and some operators • Push, walk behind, automated • Larger riding mowers and (robotic) mowers, and smaller riding mowers for smaller-acreage and/or single-site applications automated (robotic) mowers for larger-acreage and multi-site applications • Carts / utility terrain vehicles 5 Lead by Example Recommendations • Prioritize outcomes over technology type. • Implement a phased rollout. • Develop citywide charging infrastructure. • Use lifecycle analysis for decision-making. • Leverage service agreements to shift market. • Invest in workforce development. • Plan for equipment end-of-life management. 6 APR Landscaping Equipment Electrification Pilot Program 12 months 6-9 months 3+ months 1. Establish Electrification Team 2. ID Electric Equipment Options 3. Test Equipment Options 4. Assess Charging Infrastructure Readiness 5. Select & Procure Equipment 6. Set Up Equipment Charging & Storage 7. Provide Training & Implement Pilot 8. Evaluate & Scale Program 7 Thank you! Jen: jen@terraluminaconsulting.com Leonor: lvargasconsulting@gmail.com
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study October 2025 Prepared by City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study ii Acknowledgements This report was prepared by Jen Cregar (Terra Lumina Consulting) and Leonor Vargas (Wisdom En Familias) for the City of Austin Climate Action and Resilience. We are grateful to the 53 individuals who completed an online survey and the following individuals who shared their time and insights via interviews and written feedback. Their collective knowledge and experience greatly informed the recommendations offered in this study. • Anthony Humphrey, Austin Aviation • William Bedford, Austin Aviation • Amanda Mortl, Austin Climate Action & Resilience • Josiah Wooten, Austin Watershed Protection • Juliet Morgan, Austin Watershed Protection • Rick Harland, Austin Fleet Mobility • Sarah Campbell, Austin Watershed Services Protection • Alex Castillo, Austin Parks & Recreation • Amanda Ross, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brandon Brown, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brian Piper, Austin Parks & Recreation • Desiree Garcia, Austin Parks & Recreation • Erick Roegner, Austin Parks & Recreation • Hayden Doskocil, Austin Parks & • Victor Nelms, Austin Watershed Protection • Aaron Hyman, Austin Yard Barber • John Hart Asher, Blackland Collaborative • Toby Russell, Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) • Greg Fox, CleanScapes Landscaping • Christopher Morris, Dallas Park and Recreation Recreation • Jason Walker, Austin Parks & Recreation • Joshua Erickson, Austin Parks & • Freddie Ortiz, Dallas Park and Recreation • Jonathan (Brett) Johnson, Dallas Park and Recreation • Kraig Harris, Austin Parks & Recreation • Lucas Massie, Austin Parks & Recreation • Malcolm (Larry) Houseton, Austin Parks & Recreation • Matt McCaw, Austin Parks & Recreation • Merredith Giles, Austin Parks & Recreation • Nate Thayer, Austin Parks & Recreation • Steve Hammond, Austin Parks & Recreation • Sarah Talkington, Austin Parks & Recreation • Andy Dawson, Austin Resource Recovery • Esther Houari, Austin Resource Recovery • Fred Freeman, Austin Watershed Protection Recreation • Aaron Bollier, Horizon • Jesse Sunley, Horizon • Nicholas (Nik) McKay, New York Department of Environmental Conservation • Jacob LaBure, Regional Air Quality Council • Emily Waddington, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District • Roy Johnson, St. Edward's University • Savanna Taylor Thornton, Texas Landscape & Nursery Association Region VIII • Sam Berg, Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources Department • Adriane Horne, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study …
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study October 2025 Prepared by City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study ii Acknowledgements This report was prepared by Jen Cregar (Terra Lumina Consulting) and Leonor Vargas (Wisdom En Familias) for the City of Austin Climate Action and Resilience. We are grateful to the 53 individuals who completed an online survey and the following individuals who shared their time and insights via interviews and written feedback. Their collective knowledge and experience greatly informed the recommendations offered in this study. • Anthony Humphrey, Austin Aviation • William Bedford, Austin Aviation • Amanda Mortl, Austin Climate Action & Resilience • Josiah Wooten, Austin Watershed Protection • Juliet Morgan, Austin Watershed Protection • Rick Harland, Austin Fleet Mobility • Sarah Campbell, Austin Watershed Services Protection • Alex Castillo, Austin Parks & Recreation • Amanda Ross, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brandon Brown, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brian Piper, Austin Parks & Recreation • Desiree Garcia, Austin Parks & Recreation • Erick Roegner, Austin Parks & Recreation • Hayden Doskocil, Austin Parks & • Victor Nelms, Austin Watershed Protection • Aaron Hyman, Austin Yard Barber • John Hart Asher, Blackland Collaborative • Toby Russell, Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) • Greg Fox, CleanScapes Landscaping • Christopher Morris, Dallas Park and Recreation Recreation • Jason Walker, Austin Parks & Recreation • Joshua Erickson, Austin Parks & • Freddie Ortiz, Dallas Park and Recreation • Jonathan (Brett) Johnson, Dallas Park and Recreation • Kraig Harris, Austin Parks & Recreation • Lucas Massie, Austin Parks & Recreation • Malcolm (Larry) Houseton, Austin Parks & Recreation • Matt McCaw, Austin Parks & Recreation • Merredith Giles, Austin Parks & Recreation • Nate Thayer, Austin Parks & Recreation • Steve Hammond, Austin Parks & Recreation • Sarah Talkington, Austin Parks & Recreation • Andy Dawson, Austin Resource Recovery • Esther Houari, Austin Resource Recovery • Fred Freeman, Austin Watershed Protection Recreation • Aaron Bollier, Horizon • Jesse Sunley, Horizon • Nicholas (Nik) McKay, New York Department of Environmental Conservation • Jacob LaBure, Regional Air Quality Council • Emily Waddington, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District • Roy Johnson, St. Edward's University • Savanna Taylor Thornton, Texas Landscape & Nursery Association Region VIII • Sam Berg, Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources Department • Adriane Horne, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study …
Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide This guide provides a structured approach for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) to transition landscaping operations to electric and low-emission equipment. It is designed to be consistent, flexible, and inclusive of staff perspectives to ensure equitable adoption and long-term success as equipment is transitioned across 383 parks and cemeteries and 20,000+ acres. Equipment electrification complements APR’s existing Sustainable SITES Initiative. While presented linearly, steps may overlap depending on team capacity and property needs. October 2025 Step 1. Establish a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team Step 1a: Designate a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Manager (“Program Manager”) to oversee program planning and implementation in support of the larger Sustainable SITES Initiative to increase environmental and human health across APR’s properties. This role aligns with APR’s commitment to providing green career pathways and is recommended as an Environmental Program Coordinator or equivalent position. Step 1b. Create a diverse, multifunctional Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team (“Electrification Team”) to provide recommendations and ongoing feedback to the Program Manager on program design and delivery. The team should include a diverse mix of employees representing at least the following functions: • Architectural Development • Grounds Management • Cemeteries • Construction Management • Horticulture • Mowing • Equipment & Services Procurement • Parks Safety • Equipment Maintenance • Urban Forestry • Golf • Wildlands Management Step 1c. Enhance shared knowledge of electric landscaping equipment. The Program Manager will create opportunities for the Electrification Team to: • Learn about the functionality and benefits of electric landscaping equipment • Discuss reservations about and support for electric equipment • Learn from and with staff and external partners experienced in using electric landscaping equipment and other sustainable landscaping practices 1 Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide Step 1d. Establish department-wide measurable goals aligned with City initiatives. In consultation with the Electrification Team, the Program Manager will select program goals to which each team can contribute in their own way and on a timeline that works for them. Example goals and metrics include: Goal: Deploy electric landscaping equipment at 20% of APR properties by 2027, 50% of APR properties by 2030, and 100% of APR properties by 2040. - Alignment: supports implementation of City Council Resolution No. 20240229-058 - Evaluation metrics: • % of properties maintained with electric landscaping equipment • No. of acres maintained with electric landscaping equipment Goal: Reduce emissions from …
Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide This guide provides a structured approach for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) to transition landscaping operations to electric and low-emission equipment. It is designed to be consistent, flexible, and inclusive of staff perspectives to ensure equitable adoption and long-term success as equipment is transitioned across 383 parks and cemeteries and 20,000+ acres. Equipment electrification complements APR’s existing Sustainable SITES Initiative. While presented linearly, steps may overlap depending on team capacity and property needs. October 2025 Step 1. Establish a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team Step 1a: Designate a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Manager (“Program Manager”) to oversee program planning and implementation in support of the larger Sustainable SITES Initiative to increase environmental and human health across APR’s properties. This role aligns with APR’s commitment to providing green career pathways and is recommended as an Environmental Program Coordinator or equivalent position. Step 1b. Create a diverse, multifunctional Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team (“Electrification Team”) to provide recommendations and ongoing feedback to the Program Manager on program design and delivery. The team should include a diverse mix of employees representing at least the following functions: • Architectural Development • Grounds Management • Cemeteries • Construction Management • Horticulture • Mowing • Equipment & Services Procurement • Parks Safety • Equipment Maintenance • Urban Forestry • Golf • Wildlands Management Step 1c. Enhance shared knowledge of electric landscaping equipment. The Program Manager will create opportunities for the Electrification Team to: • Learn about the functionality and benefits of electric landscaping equipment • Discuss reservations about and support for electric equipment • Learn from and with staff and external partners experienced in using electric landscaping equipment and other sustainable landscaping practices 1 Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide Step 1d. Establish department-wide measurable goals aligned with City initiatives. In consultation with the Electrification Team, the Program Manager will select program goals to which each team can contribute in their own way and on a timeline that works for them. Example goals and metrics include: Goal: Deploy electric landscaping equipment at 20% of APR properties by 2027, 50% of APR properties by 2030, and 100% of APR properties by 2040. - Alignment: supports implementation of City Council Resolution No. 20240229-058 - Evaluation metrics: • % of properties maintained with electric landscaping equipment • No. of acres maintained with electric landscaping equipment Goal: Reduce emissions from …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE October 2025 Operations & Maintenance TRAPS Maintenance Rodeo Our Operations and Maintenance Crew participated in the regional Texas Recreation and Parks Society Maintenance Rodeo on October 15. Truck and Trailer • Virgil Saldivar/Tyreese Brown • David Medellin Sr./David Medellin Jr. • Manuel Gonzalez/Trezon Chapman Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • Julian Salazar/Victor Medel • Israel Valdez/Dennis Govea II • Plant ID • Ben Turrubiarte • Hayden Doskocil • Richard Kendziorski Zero Turn Mower Jordan Herrera • • Timothy Espinoza • Ernest Garcia • Virgil Saldivar • Stanley Dickey • Matthew Berron Backpack Blow • Ernest Garcia • Alberto Rodriguez • Mitchell Soliz • Chris Pesina • Virgil Saldivar • Daniel Hernandez Nail Drive • Mike Villea • Teodora Cruz Julian Salazar • • David Medellin • Rufino Rodriguez • Edward Bautista Backhoe • Mike Hernandez Jose Martinez • • Austin Jones • Eric Maldonado Irrigation Joe Gonzales/David Serna • • Alberto Rodriguez/Daniel Hernandez Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • • Alex Shultz/Jesse Armonta Jr. • Joel Hernandez/Sebastian Rico Park Planning Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt New playground open to the public! • Community-driven plan for the park was approved in 2019 • Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association applied for a grant with Austin Parks Foundation to implement their vision • Scope included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness equipment, an off-leash dog area, and trails. • Second phase of trail improvements, funded by a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, will begin this fall. • A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 1. Drone footage of improvements at Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Park Development Celebration of the Biofiltration Pond at Waterloo Greenway • Completed in 2024. • Largest biofiltration pond in the City of Austin. • Holds 50,000 cubic feet of water and supports 1,300 aquatic and wetland plants. • The project prioritized the preservation of existing large shade trees and their critical root zones. • Made possible through significant support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, marking the first instance of federal funding for the Waterloo Greenway. • The celebration was held on October 24. Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Mayor Watson were in attendance. Photo credit: dwg. Park Development Pop-up Event for Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park Improvements • A pop-up event to share proposed improvements to Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park is scheduled during It’s My Park Day on November 1, at 9 a.m. • …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20251027-3 Date: October 27, 2025 Subject: Title 25 Land Development Code Amendment for Drainage Easements Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Seconded By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to City Council to approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on an 8-1 vote. Those voting aye we Chair Bazan, Vice Chair Flowers, Board Member Becker, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Merritt, Orme and Villalobos. Those voting nay were Board Member Eubanks. Those abstaining were Board Member Abou-Emara. Board Member Taylor Absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. Against: Ted Eubanks. Abstain: Luai Abou-Emara. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL 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/ZsmfrhxRqL 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) 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) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 August 25, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10-minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Randy Scott, Parkland Use and Acquisition Manager; Robynne Heymans, Planner Principal; Scott Grantham, Planner Principal, and; Paul Books, Planner Principal, Austin Parks and Recreation. Discussion and approve a recommendation to City Council regarding improving access to public ball fields. (Sponsors: Becker, Bazan) Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Page 1 of 2 5. 6. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to City Council to approve the temporary use of 4,756 sq. ft. of parking lot on parkland located at 1108 W. Riverside Dr. for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on August 25, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Pedro Villalobos (arrived at 6:08 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil (arrived at 6:18 p.m.), Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Baxter and Joe Derrick - Austin Rowing Club Mary Fero – Beverly Sheffield NW District Park drainage pond Sarah Coles - Texas Children and Nature Network Phillip Thomas - Expressing thanks to the Parks Board Members Chris Flores - Movies at Deep Eddy Pool APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of July 28, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of July 28, 2025 was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara and Orme absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Therapeutic Recreation Services team providing safe, accessible, fun and supportive recreation environments for all persons no matter their abilities, including both adaptive and inclusive programs. Malorie Solus, Recreation Program Supervisor and Emmanuel Turner, Recreation Program Coordinator, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on the number of unduplicated youth that get to participate, programming changes in 2026, areas for growth and expansion, budget, data on participant waitlists and programming past 5:00 PM, 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Therapeutic Recreation Services team providing safe, accessible, fun and supportive recreation environments for all persons no matter their abilities, including both adaptive and inclusive programs was approved on Vice Chair Flowers motion, Board Member Eubanks second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Abou- Emara and Orme absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to City Council to approve a permanent change of use of 138,136 sq. ft. and a temporary change of use of 11,997 sq. ft. of parkland for a period not to exceed 120 calendar …
West Riverside Reclaimed Water Main Parks and Recreation Board Oystein Moen Austin Water Monday, September 29, 2025 Agenda Project Summary Background Route Evaluation Chapter 26 Minimize Impacts Timeline 2 Project Summary The project consists of 2,800 linear feet of reclaimed water main Approximately 2,150 linear feet of 24-in Ductile Iron (DI) pipe installed using conventional open trench Approximately 650 linear feet of 30-in High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pipe installed using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Project drivers: • increase redundancy and reliability • extend service area • offset drinking water use Project alignment 3 Horizontal Directional Drill Background Completing the Core • 5 projects to connect SAR and Walnut Creek WWTPs Connect north and south systems Provide redundancy and reliability Expand the reclaimed water system 4 Background Allows more users and developments to use reclaimed water in the future, which will reduce potable water usage Allows nearby parks to irrigate with reclaimed water 5 Route Evaluation Best route and method based on the following constraints and considerations: Not allowed to attach pipe to bridge Existing reclaimed line near S Lamar Blvd Existing reclaimed line across Lady Bird Lake Limit impacts to traffic in area 6 Route Evaluation Best route and method based on the following constraints and considerations: Not allowed to attach pipe to bridge Existing reclaimed line near S Lamar Blvd Existing reclaimed line across Lady Bird Lake Limit impacts to traffic in area 7 Chapter 26 State Law PARKS AND WILDLIFE CODE CHAPTER 26. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC PARKS AND RECREATIONAL LANDS Sec. 26.001. PROTECTED LAND; NOTICE OF TAKING. (a) A department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality of this state may not approve any program or project that requires the use or taking of any public land designated and used prior to the arrangement of the program or project as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, unless the department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality, acting through its duly authorized governing body or officer, determines that: (1) there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such land; (2) the program or project includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the land, as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, …
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G TO: Shay Ralls Roalson, P. E. M.O.U. # PARD 25-001 Director, Austin Water FROM: Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: West Riverside Reclaimed Water Main FDU: 3990 2107 4152; Project I.D.: 5267.097 DATE: September xx, 2025 Austin Water is allowed to use the parking lot located at 1108 W. Riverside Dr. for staging and as a “string out area” for horizonal directional drilling as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated on Attachment “B” (Location Map). The parkland requested is for temporary use. The requested area is: Temporary Use: 4,756 sq.ft. = $74,313 Total Parkland Mitigation Amount Due = $74,313 Austin Water is in agreement to provide the following mitigation ($74,313) in return for the temporary use of the parking lot after Parks and Recreation Board has recommended approval of this request. The estimated temporary duration of the parkland use is 150 Calendar Days. Immediately following the vacation of the parking lot, Austin Water will repave and restripe the parking lot at no additional cost to Austin Parks and Recreation. It is the responsibility of the Austin Capital Delivery Services Project Manager and the Austin Water Engineer to notify Austin Parks and Recreation at least two weeks in advance of the Notice to Proceed and when mobilization starts that it will close the parking lot at 1108 W. Riverside Dr. Extension/modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from Austin Parks and Recreation. If construction exceeds 150 calendar days by up to 30 calendar days, Austin Parks and Recreation will apply the daily temporary use rate shown on Attachment A to calculate the additional mitigation. Further delays in the construction schedule that impact the use of the parking lot by the public would require Council approval. Execution of this MOU and transfer of funds in the amount of $74,313 shall take place within 60 Calendar Days following a recommendation for approval of this request by the Parks and Recreation Board. Austin Water Point of Contact: Oystein Moen Phone Number: 512-412-1150 Austin Capital Delivery Services Point of Contact: James Mendez Phone Number: 512-974-3662 Austin Parks and Recreation Point of Contact: Paul Books Phone Number: 512-978-1315 and Chapter26@austintexas.gov 1 of 2 Parks & Recreation Board: 9/29/2025 ____________________________________________________________ …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Temporary Use - Staging and Storage Calculated Fee $74,313 Project: AW-W. Riverside Reclaimed Water Line-1108 W. Riverside Dr. 5267.097 MOU 25-001 TOTAL = $74,313 ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Temporary Use TCAD Land Value of Parkland ($): $17,424,000 Project: AW-W. Riverside Reclaimed Water Line-1108 W. Riverside Dr. 5267.097 MOU 25-001 Average Lot Size (sq. ft.): 69,696 Average for Selected Lot Value per Square Ft. ($): $250 Average Requested Area (sq. ft.): 4,756 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Annual Value of Requested Area ($) $1,189,000 Area requested multiplied by Value per Square Ft. Adjusted Annual Value of Requested Area ($) $178,350 (15% Rate of Return) Monthly Value of Requested Area ($) $14,863 Adjusted Annual Value divided by 12 Daily Temporary Use Rate ($): $495 Monthly Value divided by 30 (Average number of days in a month) Days Requested: 150 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Temporary Use Rate ($): $74,313 Daily Temporary Use Fee multiplied by Days Requested Prop ID Avg Sq Ft Land Value 104345 69,696 $17,424,000 104345 69,696 $17,424,000 Totals
