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
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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 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/ja34jrCQBm 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) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (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 January 27, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 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. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Devon Farber, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and create a working group to explore creating a “rainbow bridge” at a City park as an interactive feature that allow park visitors to honor dogs and pets that have passed away. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Briefing on fuel mitigation and land management on parkland. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Park Access). Presenter(s): Matt McCaw, Land Management Program Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Department and Carrie …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FEBRUARY 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/ja34jrCQBm 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) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Cathleen Eady (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to support the implementation of on-demand city-wide van service, modeling of an integrated city-wide on-demand/BRT transit systems and explore all avenues to expand CapMetro’s on-demand pickup service. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor) 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 Department, at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Tim Dombeck at (512) 974-6716 Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov.
Forestry Program Austin Parks and Recreation Amanda Ross Natural Resources Division Manager February 24, 2025 Forestry Team of 35 Arborists and support staff responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining trees on city parkland • 13 Certified Arborists • 1 Board Certified Master Arborist • Numerous TRAQ, Oak Wilt, and Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualifications • 6 Wildland Firefighters supporting PARD Land Management Tree Planting and Watering • Proactive planned routes • Mostly hand watered using water trucks, some irrigation Tree Maintenance Tree Maintenance
Austin Parks and Recreation Department: Revision and Approval of Interlocal Agreement between AISD and the City of Austin for the GO Project Devon Farber, Community Recreation Program Manager David Crabb, Community Recreation Division Manager February 24, 2025 The City and AISD share a mutual interest in seeing high school aged students with disabilities provided opportunities for educational and personal growth and development to become positive and productive citizens AISD provides an educational program known as the GO Project this is a community-based transition program for students ages 18-22 years with disabilities that enables students to finish their education in a college or work environment PROGRAM OVERVIEW The City and AISD have collaborated on the GO Project since 2005 The current agreement is 20 years old, and the City wishes to update it with a new agreement that reflects current needs The City desires to continue providing facilities for AISD to use in providing the GO Project classes to identified students PROGRAM OVERVIEW CONTINUED The program services students ages 18-22 years with disabilities. The GO Project promotes adult living skills by encouraging students to volunteer in work internships, utilize city transportation and access the Austin Community for recreation and leisure options. Term of the agreement: One-year term with 5 additional 12-month renewal options. Renewed automatically on the anniversary date for 5 years unless amended or terminated WHAT SERVICES WILL AISD PROVIDE AISD is responsible for providing staff supervision of students at all time when in City facilities AISD will provide Parks and Recreation staff two free annual training sessions on behavior management and conflict resolution AISD will provide all materials and supplies for the program WHAT SERVICES WILL THE CITY PROVIDE The City will permit AISD to use classroom space in designated Recreation Centers to conduct classes during normal operating hours of the rec centers and during AISD scheduled calendar days When scheduled in advance and in writing, the Parks and Recreation facility may allow for use of classroom meeting space other than the assigned classroom pending availability at the site The City will provide regular utilities, such as light, heating and cooling and access to wi-fi, in the assigned classroom space during the periods the space is used by AISD. The City will respond in writing to maintenance requests no later than three days from the date the request is received. City will provide maintenance of the space NEXT STEPS …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Recreation & Senior Center Facility Assessment and Gap Analysis Parks and Recreation Board Meeting February 24, 2025 Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor, Architectural Division Brian Carlson, Principal, McKinney York Architects Goals • Assess State of Current Recreation and Community Centers • Guide Future Growth and Development • Develop Strategies, Actions, and Priorities that can be Implemented and Tracked Mission PARD’s mission is to inspire Austin to learn, play, and connect by creating diverse quality programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places that promote equitable quality of life outcomes. As Austin experiences population and employment growth, demographic shifts, and changes in recreational preferences, the parks and recreation system must evolve to meet the needs of all residents. Road Map Data Collection Review of Data and Metrics Generate Gap Analysis Capital Improvements 1 3 5 5 5 7 2 2 Equity Roundtable Discussions 4 4 Metric Prioritization We Are Here 6 6 Issue Report Data Gathering • Staff feedback & previous engagement • Benchmarking, comparisons, & trends • Service areas and facility usage • Public vs. private service locations • Demographic & Socioeconomic data • Maintenance cost trends • Energy usage and resiliency • Historical investment • Program Space Comparison • Facility Condition Assessments • Facility Condition Index (FCI) Feedback and Engagement Staff Discussion & Feedback • Consider providing services along the city edges • Prioritize space for children • Highways act as barriers • Invest in existing facilities • Prioritization and decision making is unclear Previous Engagement Long Range Plan • Maximize flexibility of facilities • Provide low- or no-cost programs • High Priorities Fitness Classes • • Adult (50+) Programming • Medium priorities Indoor Gyms • • Adult (18-49) Athletic and Recreation Programs * Source: Equitable Park Investments 3 Cities, 3 Stories, NRPA Confere Benchmarking • Washington DC • Minneapolis • Portland * Source: Equitable Park Investments 3 Cities, 3 Stories, NRPA Conference 2022. Minneapolis RecQuest & Parks For All Comprehensive Plan Comparisons & Trends NRPA Agency Performance Review Austin Population Vs. Square Footage of Recreation & Senior Centers Senior Centers Facilities primarily serving active older adults (55+). Recreation Centers Facilities with gymnasiums. Community & Activity Centers Facilities without gymnasiums, with defined service area. Activity centers do not have a defined service area. Recreation and Community Centers Senior Centers Service Area Goals Recreation and Community Centers Good = 2 miles …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Bond Program Overview February 24, 2025 Rachel Morris, Capital Improvement Program Manager Alyssa Tharrett, Project Management Supervisor, Architectural Division Parks and Recreation: At a Glance MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 20,041 acres of green space 355 parks 269 miles of trails 190 playgrounds 12 nature play spaces 13 off-leash areas 6 golf courses 34 pools; 11 splash pads 2 Parks and Recreation: At a Glance B o n d O v e r s i g h t C o m m i s s i o n | p g . 4 MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 7 disc golf courses 65 multi-purpose courts 15 pickleball courts 25 soccer fields 87 tennis courts 48 basketball courts 48 volleyball courts 73 baseball/ softball fields 3 Parks and Recreation: At a Glance B o n d O v e r s i g h t C o m m i s s i o n | p g . 4 MISSION: To inspire Austin to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. 6 cultural centers 3 museums 14 performing arts venues 25 recreation & senior centers 115 restrooms 5 cemeteries 107 historic buildings 11 maintenance buildings 12 office buildings And more! 4 Agenda • 2018 Bond Recap • 2026 Bond Schedule • Technical Scoring Criteria Framework • Anticipated Bond Programs PARD 2018 Bond Progress Proposition B ESB-MACC Dougherty Arts Center Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center $66,500,000 $27,000,000 $25,000,000 $7,500,000 Asian American Resource Center $7,000,000 Proposition C Parkland Acquisition Aquatics Parkland Improvements Building Renovations Infrastructure $149,000,000 $45,000,000 $40,000,000 $25,000,000 $21,500,000 $17,500,000 2026 Bond Program Development Schedule We Are Here Bond Program Guiding Principles Standards for all Departments Anticipated PARD 2026 Bond Programs Parkland Acquisition* Acquisition of land, including publicly owned land, to dedicate as parkland. Aquatic Facilities ** Major renovation or replacements of existing city pool facilities. Cultural Centers*** Major renovations, improvements, and replacements of cultural and arts centers. Recreation & Senior Centers* Renovation, rehabilitation, or additions of existing recreation and senior centers and associated assets, including ADA and safety improvements. * Utilizes an existing technical criteria Building Renovations …
Austin Light Rail Progress Update February 24, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Email Us | input@atptx.org Visit Our Virtual Open House Send Mail | 203 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/austinlightrailinput Ask for a presentation at input@atptx.org Thank You.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Motioned By: Subject: City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers Seconded By: Whereas many of Austin's favorite parks, including Zilker Park, Vic Matthias Shores, Michael Butler Park, Roy G.Guerrero Park, Bull Creek Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt have parking capacity problems on busy days Whereas Austin's voters have indicated support for public transit solutions to the extent of willingness to be taxed specifically for solutions Whereas On-Demand transit (aka Demand-Response transit), which offers shared-ride van service summoned by cell phone, browser app, or telephone, can provide direct transit from a rider's location to their destination, including any City Park, thus relieving the need to take a personal car Whereas compared to conventional fixed-route modes that have first mile/last-mile problems and often involve transfers between vehicles, direct van transit offers an ease-of-use and accessible advantage for carrying recreational equipment, children, and small groups to and from a park Whereas by reducing the number of car and truck trips to parks and recreation centers from any city-wide origin, On-Demand transit can reduce the demand for on-site and near on-site parking Whereas CapMetro currently offers On-Demand van service (Pickup) in several zones around the city, but only within those zones Whereas experience in other cities suggests that On-Demand transit can be successfully offered as a city- wide service, providing rides between any source and destination within the city Whereas the only public transit to many parks is by fixed route/fixed schedule bus, with many parks having little or no public transit access Whereas On-Demand fleets can serve multiple purposes, supporting work commuting on weekdays and recreational commuting during more popular recreational hours Whereas public transit agencies typically set On-Demand fares so that rides are affordable for all citizens Whereas On-Demand service requires no physical infrastructure, so is more adaptable to long-term changes in the configuration of the city and can be financed with much lower capital expenditure than other forms of public transit with the possible exception of conventional buses Whereas commercially available modeling technology is available that would support rich, formal analysis of the potential sizing and functioning of On-Demand public transit integrated with Rapid Bus (BRT) service in the context of Austin's physical layout, traffic data, and other existing transit modes 1 of 2 Therefore the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends 1. Austin City Council support efforts to …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250224-3 February 24, 2025 Go Project Interlocal Agreement with AISD Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends 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. Vote: Seconded By: Lane Becker The motion to 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 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Bazan, Eady and Merritt absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. None. None. Stephanie Bazan, Cathleen Eady, Nicole Merritt. Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation. For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on January 27, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Mary Fero - Concerns over urban wildfire and crime issues Chris Flores - 2024 Draft Concession Report Phillip Thomas - 2024 Draft Concession Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 25, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 25, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation and City Staff who led the development and assisted with the premiere of a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House. Ellen Colfax, Project Manager and HPT Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation, accompanied by Cynthia Jeffries, and Sarah Marhsall. The motion to letters of support for Parks and Recreation and City Staff who led the development and assisted with the premiere of a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 7- 0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs. Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programs Division Manager, parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board …
PARD Land Management Plan: FY24 Update Matt McCaw Program Manager, Land Mgmt Austin Parks and Recreation Dept matt.mccaw@austintexas.gov austintexas.gov/LMP Parks and Recreation Board, February 24, 2025 BACKGROUND Degraded lands • Most parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are degraded. As a result, they are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire and present safety risks to both park users and neighbors. 2019 Wildfire Preparedness Audit • Found that PARD does not have the capacity to manage parkland natural areas and address wildfire risk. • Directed PARD to create and implement land management plans for “high-risk areas.” Austin Parks Land Management Plan In 2020, PARD created a Land Management Program. • • PARD also developed a land management plan – approved by City Council in 2023 - to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk. • austintexas.gov/LMP PRESCRIBED BURNS Broadcast burns: 576.6 acres in 7 burn days. Pile burns: 794 piles in 5 burn days to remove 109 tons of hazard fuels. Prescribed burns are an important and economical strategy for restoring large natural areas and mitigating wildfire risk. Burns are planned and managed by fire-trained PARD staff, permitted by AFD, and implemented by PARD staff and a coalition of federal, state, county, City, and non-profit entities, including AFD. FUEL MITIGATION Treated Untreated Shaded fuel break. 2.2 miles of new, 0.7 miles maintained. Small trees and brush are selectively removed to thin the canopy and separate surface fuels from canopy fuels. Slash is chipped and removed. The purpose is to reduce canopy fire and ember production adjacent to structures. Shaded fuel breaks are most effective when paired with other wildfire mitigation strategies on the developed/urban side as well as in nearby natural areas. Contracts New master agreements related to vegetation management and hazardous fuel reduction. - Natural Areas Vegetation Management, approved by City Council Jan 30, 2025 - Vegetation Management for Wildand Fuel Mitigation, anticipated Council date April 2025 Community Involvement Facilitation of Friends groups, neighborhood associations, volunteer organizations - Research coordination and technical guidance Innovative interpretation: Audio Wild and website improvements - - 5 LAND MANGEMENT PROGRAM STATUS Staffing Current staff = 4 FTEs Initial program build-out = 9 FTEs funding FY 25 program budget = $828,115 Cost estimate for land management plan implementation $250/ac/yr 10,300 acres under management 6 Matt McCaw Program Manager, Land Mgmt Austin Parks …
Hybrid Public Transit for Austin What are the components? • City-wide on-demand micro transit in multi-passenger EV vans • In conjunction with Rapid Bus in high-density, high-demand corridors What is City-wide on-demand micro transit? • EV vans for shared, door-to-door rides anywhere in town, summoned by app or phone • Routes dynamically located and optimized for multiple riders with projected travel times • Integrated with Rapid Bus Transit whenever a transfer to BRT would be faster Advantages of city-wide on-demand micro transit: • Ease of use -- Eliminates walking to/from bus stops, eliminates transfers, no schedule- planning, rides arrive within 15 minutes after request • Equity – Easy transit access for the entire city, not just those who want and can afford to live in transit corridors • Safe, direct, inexpensive transit for the elderly, those with disabilities, and children • Faster than conventional fixed-route • no first/last mile walks or trips, no waiting for transfers integrates with rapid bus at both ends where useful • • Cost • Phase One Project Connect rail: 28500 riders/day, capital cost $7.1 billion • On-Demand: 400 vans + 4 100-port charging stations, 28,500 riders/day (as per experience elsewhere), capital cost $62 million • operations and maintenance cost $94 million/yr • On-Demand is Adaptable • can expand service without expanding infrastructure • can flex for commuting on weekdays vs. weekend and special events • flexes as the future city changes shape • Reduces traffic – Door-to-door convenience and cost savings will induce private car • Preserves parklands – Can reduce parking demand at major parks, preserving drivers to use ride-sharing transit parkland for recreation • Sustainable – publicly available charging stations support wider EV adoption • Fast implementation – the only new physical infrastructure is charging stations • Proven, commercially available technology, used in other cities, dispatching software matches vans to sets of riders along approximate paths and constructs optimal routes
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250224-11 February 24, 2025 Date: Subject: Motioned By: Holly Reed City-Wide On-Demand Micro Transit to Parks and Recreation Centers Seconded By: Kim Taylor Whereas many of Austin's favorite parks, including Zilker Park, Vic Matthias Shores, Michael Butler Park, Roy G.Guerrero Park, Bull Creek Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt have parking capacity problems on busy days Whereas Austin's voters have indicated support for public transit solutions to the extent of willingness to be taxed specifically for solutions Whereas On-Demand transit (aka Demand-Response transit), which offers shared-ride van service summoned by cell phone, browser app, or telephone, can provide direct transit from a rider's location to their destination, including any City Park, thus relieving the need to take a personal car Whereas compared to conventional fixed-route modes that have first mile/last-mile problems and often involve transfers between vehicles, direct van transit offers an ease-of-use and accessible advantage for carrying recreational equipment, children, and small groups to and from a park Whereas by reducing the number of car and truck trips to parks and recreation centers from any city-wide origin, On-Demand transit can reduce the demand for on-site and near on-site parking Whereas CapMetro currently offers On-Demand van service (Pickup) in several zones around the city, but only within those zones Whereas experience in other cities suggests that On-Demand transit can be successfully offered as a city- wide service, providing rides between any source and destination within the city Whereas the only public transit to many parks is by fixed route/fixed schedule bus, with many parks having little or no public transit access Whereas On-Demand fleets can serve multiple purposes, supporting work commuting on weekdays and recreational commuting during more popular recreational hours Whereas public transit agencies typically set On-Demand fares so that rides are affordable for all citizens Whereas On-Demand service requires no physical infrastructure, so is more adaptable to long-term changes in the configuration of the city and can be financed with much lower capital expenditure than other forms of public transit with the possible exception of conventional buses Whereas commercially available modeling technology is available that would support rich, formal analysis of the potential sizing and functioning of On-Demand public transit integrated with Rapid Bus (BRT) service in the context of Austin's physical layout, traffic data, and other existing transit modes 1 of 2 Therefore the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends …
