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Parks and Recreation Board Homepage
01-1: Draft Minutes of September 23, 2024 — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on September 23, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathryn Flowers, Cathleen Eady, Nicole Merritt. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Pedro Villalobos. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Diana Prechter – The Trail Conservancy Parkland Operation and Maintenance Agreement Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Laura Esparza - A3 Art Alliance Austin Phillip Thomas - The Expedition School Rowing Dock Bertha Rendon Delgado - The Expedition School Rowing Dock APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 26, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 26, 2024 was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Member Reed’s second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Chair Villalobos absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Youth Development Program, including Totally Cool Totally ART, Roving Leaders Youth Outreach, and Teens in Leadership Training. Davin Bjornaas, Recreation Program Manager, Kelly Hasandras, Recreation Program Specialist, Brolyn Burrows, Recreation Program Specialist, and Demetrius Perry, Program Coordinator Gave a presentation and answered questions on opportunities for expanding and scaling these programs. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Youth Development Program, including Totally Cool Totally ART, Roving Leaders Youth Outreach, and Teens in Leadership Training was approved on Board Member Eady’s motion, Board Member Taylor’s second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Chair Villalobos absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve adoption of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum Historic, Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan. Kim McKnight, Program Manager III, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the number of unique attendees that attended information sessions, opportunities for cyclists to visit the UMLAUF, amount of PARD funding and tree impacts. The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve adoption of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum Historic Preservation, Expansion …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD OCTOBER 28, 2024 – 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/LAUiZZvLWU 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 September 23, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Park Ranger Program for their work as ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our community. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): LeAnn Ishcomer, M.Ed, Park Ranger Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Drive, total mitigation fee is $297,992. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Claudia Corsetti, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan as an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. (PARD Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to complete an audit of the …
03-1: Springfield Liftstation Abandonment Presentation — original pdf
Springfield Lift Station Abandonment CIP No. 3168.125 Chapter 26 Application for Austin Water Infrastructure within Parkland at Onion Creek Metro Park & Marble Creek Greenbelt Parks and Recreation Board Meeting City Hall Chambers October 28th, 2024 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 1 Agenda • Project Summary • Background • Route Evaluation • Parkland Impacts • Project Timeline • QA “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Project Summary • To install a wastewater interceptor that will allow for the abandonment of an existing lift station • Approximately 3,400 linear feet of 36-in PVC wastewater line • 4 bore pits • Approximately 1,000 linear feet of trenchless construction • Approximately 2,400 linear feet of open cut “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 3 Background • Historic floods within the Onion Creek floodplain • Lift station currently lies more than 10 feet below the 100-year floodplain • Rapid redevelopment is expected resulting in significant increases in wastewater flows • No access during flood. Continued near-term operation of the lift station will require significant rehabilitation to elevate electrical equipment above the floodplain • Due to space constraints and costs, upgrading the lift station to meet future capacity requirements is not a practical solution “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 4 Route Evaluation • Option 1 (Red) • Greater area of parkland Require easements from outside entities In conflict with two petroleum pipelines • Option 2 (Yellow) Utilizes the city’s Right Of Way • Only city-owned land • • • “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 5 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 6 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 7 Minimizing Impacts to Parkland • Jack and Bore to preserve trees and prevent road closures - 0 heritage trees will be removed • Protective fencing will be used to prevent damage to nearby trees and natural areas • Contractor will follow a robust engineered design to prevent settlement and erosion • Abandoned lift station will be completely • All disturbed parkland will be restored and revegetated revegetated “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 8 Project Timeline • Design Phase Ends Summer 2024 • Bid/Award Phase Fall 2024 • Construction Phase Winter …
03-2: Draft Springfield Liftstation MOU — original pdf
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 FDU #: 4480 2307 4788; Project I.D.: 3168.125 133,020 sq. ft. = $186,228 45,215 sq. ft. = $111,764 Angela Means Interim Director, Parks and Recreation Department Shay Ralls Roalson, P. E. M.O.U. # PARD 24-004 Director, Austin Water TO: FROM: SUBJECT: South Area Lift Station Improvements: Springfield Lift Station Abandonment DATES: Austin Water Department is allowed to use the parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Dr. as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated in Attachment “B” (Location Map). The parkland is to be used for Permanent and Temporary Use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: Temporary Use: Total Parkland Mitigation Amount = $297,992 Austin Water Department is in agreement to provide the following mitigation ($297,992) in return for use of the parkland after City Council has approved this request. The estimated Project Start Date is February 2025 The estimated duration of the parkland use is 420 Calendar Days. Estimated Date of Final Completion (Restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and PARD; Parkland open for Public Use) is March 2026. Extension/modification of parkland use must receive prior written approval from PARD. Additional fees may be required. Austin Water Department Point of Contact: Axton Vorpahl Phone Number: 512-974-2055 Capital Delivery Services Point of Contact: Claudia Corsetti Phone Number: 512-974-7205 PARD Point of Contact is: Gregory Montes Phone Number: 512-974-9458 1 of 2 Parks & Recreation Board: (Date) Council Approval: (Date) ____________________________________________________________ Angela Means Interim Director, Parks and Recreation Department CONCURRENCE ____________________________________________________________ Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Director, Austin Water Date Date Attachments: A (Mitigation Calculation Worksheet) B (Location Map) 2 of 2
04-1: Equity Based Preservation Plan Presentation — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD | OCTOBER 28, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, crafts- people, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin …
05-1: Parks Board 2025 Meeting Schedule — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December; and May 19th at 6:00 p.m.) January 27, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 19, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 24, 2025
08-1: Shoal Creek Trail Landslide Presentation — original pdf
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Shoal Creek Trail Parks and Recreation Board Briefing October 28, 2024 D’Anne Williams – Parks and Recreation Mike Kelly – Watershed Protection Cecily Foote – Transportation Public Works History wastewater line. procedure. • In May 2018 and again in May 2019, slope failures destroyed a section of park trail and • The slope failure impacted public and private property. • Following the collapse, the City explored stabilization options under an emergency procurement • In June 2019, the design Engineer submitted conceptual options to City staff. • In January 2020, potential work was halted due to insurance requirements, access limitations, and shifting priorities to public safety to minimize floodplain impacts and erosion damage to parkland. Site Photos Current City Priorities • Minimize flooding and erosion impacts of the landslide material to Lamar Blvd and Pease Park, respectively (Watershed Protection). • Maintain stabilization project on east bank to protect heritage trees and parkland. • Monitor floodplain impacts of landslide encroachment. • Establish trail on East side of Shoal Creek (Parks and Recreation). Constraints on Full-scale Stabilization of Landslide to re-establish trail on West Bank • Stabilizing the slope is a large, costly and complex project that carries considerable risks and uncertainties. • There continues to be movement in the soil mass and periodic rock fall. Lack of certainty on when/if slide material will be stable. • The floodplain in this area includes the roadway and private property on the east side of Lamar. Adding structures in this area could potentially have flood plain impacts. • Focusing efforts on this stretch of trail would decrease the ability to provide service to underserved areas of the City. Work to Date • New/replaced wastewater line • East creek bank stabilization • Reroute of storm drain system from Wooldridge Drive • Nature trail detour option built in 2021 • Repairs to the eastside creek wall, damaged during high rain events • Design and permit for east side sidewalk and urban trail improvements • Removal of Austin Energy guy wire obstructions • Construction of the Lamar sidewalk/trail completed October 25 Planned Trail Improvements • The Parks and Recreation Department has replaced the section of the Lamar sidewalk opposite of the slope failure area with an improved 12’ wide urban trail and sidewalk. • Urban Trails Plan, adopted in 2014 and updated in 2024, calls for replacing the Lamar sidewalk with a multi-use …
05-1: Draft Ballfield Recommendation — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: Audit of City of Austin Baseball Field and Soccer Field Contracts Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing equitable access to public recreational spaces, including baseball and soccer fields, to all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department contracts with outside organizations for the management, maintenance, or usage of certain city-owned baseball and soccer fields; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair access to these recreational facilities, and to determine whether contractual obligations are being met by contracted organizations; Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council: 1. An Audit of Contracts. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department shall conduct or commission a comprehensive audit of all existing contracts between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use city-owned baseball and soccer fields. This audit shall include: a. A detailed breakdown of the number of contracts currently in effect; b. Identification of the organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. The start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Information Regarding Community Access. The audit shall specifically assess the terms of each contract related to public and community access to the baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Whether the contract clearly specifies the level and schedule of access that the general public and community groups have to these facilities, as well as whether and how public notice regarding this access shall be made available to the public; b. Details as to how often and for how long the fields are available for community use versus reserved for the contracted organization’s activities; and c. Whether the contracted organizations are adhering to these terms regarding public access and awareness and, if not, to what extent and in what ways access has been restricted. 3. Data on Compliance and Enforcement. The audit shall examine: a. The terms and conditions in each contract related to breaches of contract, including penalties or remedies for non-compliance by the contracted organization; and b. Any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of material breach or failure to comply with the agreed-upon terms, especially those related to community access. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board …
06-1: Parks Board 2025 Meeting Schedule — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December; and May 19th at 6:00 p.m.) January 27, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 19, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 24, 2025
09-1: PARD Director's Update, October 2024 — original pdf
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Angela Means, Interim Director October 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Rosewood Playground Replacement: PARD is collaborating with the Austin Parks Foundation to renovate the playground at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. The current playscape features swings and a small ship-themed play structure, but it offers limited shade and play value for visitors. The project team is dedicated to developing a replacement plan that reflects the community’s preferences, adheres to park standards, and takes into account the environmental characteristics of the site. Currently, the project is in the Community Engagement phase, with the first public survey having closed on September 6. | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2018 General Obligation Bond Program Proposition C - Parks and Recreation Update: Total Authorized Funding: $149 million Amount Spent: $93.1 million (62.5% of the authorized budget) Amount Under Contract: $10.8 million (7.3%) Funds Assigned to Ongoing Projects: $31.5 million (21.1%) Active Construction Projects: Colony Park and Givens Pools: Construction started in May 2023, with substantial completion anticipated by November 2024. | District 1 Violet Crown Trail Connection: A 1.7-mile segment linking Circle C Metro Park to the Veloway began construction in October 2023 and is scheduled to open to the public on November 9. | District 8 Parque Zaragoza Bathroom Renovation: Construction began in February and is expected to be completed in early 2025. | District 3 Oertli Neighborhood Park: Construction started in November 2023, with a soft opening expected in early November 2024 and a ribbon-cutting event tentatively scheduled for late November 2024. | District 4 Brownie Neighborhood Park: Construction started in December 2022, with completion anticipated in fall 2024. | District 4 ADA Accessibility Improvements at “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center: These improvements are currently underway, with completion expected by the end of 2024. | District 4 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Projects In Permitting/Bid: Beverly Sheffield Northwest and Montopolis Pool Renovations: Both projects are in the permitting stage, with construction expected to begin by the …
10-1: Working Group Minutes of October 22, 2024 — original pdf
Minutes for the second meeting of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) Baseball Field Working Group Tuesday October 22, 2024 Present: Lane Becker (PARB board member), Stephanie Bazan (PARB board member), Joel Manzo (Austin Sandlot Baseball), Christa McCarthy (Division Manager, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department) Absent: Tyler Sneed (Austin Sandlot Baseball) The meeting began at 7:03PM CDT, October 22, 2024. Summary The meeting focused on drafting a recommendation for an audit of sports fields contracts, reviewing recent work by the city to address access, equity, and maintenance issues in youth sports, and planning future discussions to refine recommendations and integrate community feedback. Discussion on Agenda and Task Delegation ● Lane Becker proposes an open agenda that can be modified by all participants. ○ Lane Becker will discuss a potential recommendation to put forth at the next ○ Christa McCarthy will talk about her relevant recent work and potential future PARB meeting. tasks. ○ The Working Group will discuss next steps. ● Lane Becker is interested in hearing Christa McCarthy's perspective on what would be most useful from this Working Group for her work as Division Manager at the City of Austin. Discussion on Putting Forth a Recommendation at the Next Parks Board Meeting ● Lane Becker discusses work he did prior to the meeting with Board Chair Villalobos on the substance of a potential recommendation for an audit of the contracts that support sports fields to present at the PARB meeting happening the following week. ○ The recommendation draft focuses on auditing areas of concern. ○ Christa McCarthy inquires if the audit relates to baseball or soccer. Lane Becker confirms it involves both, focusing on similar issues with their fields. ○ The audit aims to gather additional information that can be used by the Working Group to draft its final recommendation in the coming months. ○ Stephanie Bazan suggests aligning audit questions with previous Council discussions to strengthen the case. ○ The Working Group agrees such a recommendation would be beneficial to put forward. Presentation on Youth Sports Roundtables ● Christa McCarthy highlights the role of Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs) in utilizing parkland for community programs. ○ Christa McCarthy explains disparity in field maintenance due to different resource levels despite similar contractual obligations. ○ Christa highlights the difference between equality and equity in maintaining ○ Lane Becker acknowledges that organizations charge varying fees, affecting their …
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Recommendation 20241028-003: Springfield Liftstation Abandonment — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-3 October 28, 2024 Springfield Liftstation Abandonment Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Drive, total mitigation fee is $297,992. Vote Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Drive, total mitigation fee is $297,992 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Shelby Orme, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For: None. None. Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck
Recommendation 20241028-004: Equity Preservation Plan — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-4 October 28, 2024 Equity Based Preservation Plan Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan as an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. Vote Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan as an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Shelby Orme, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For: None. None. Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck
Recommendation 20241028-005: Ballfield Audit — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-5 October 28, 2024 Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan Audit of City of Austin Baseball Field and Soccer Field Contracts Date: Subject: Motioned By: Lane Becker Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing equitable access to public recreational spaces, including baseball and soccer fields, to all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department contracts with outside organizations for the management, maintenance, or usage of certain city-owned baseball and soccer fields; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair access to these recreational facilities, and to determine whether contractual obligations are being met by contracted organizations; Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council: 1. An Audit of Contracts. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department shall conduct or commission a comprehensive audit of all existing contracts between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use city-owned baseball and soccer fields. This audit shall include: a. A detailed breakdown of the number of contracts currently in effect; b. Identification of the organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. The start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Information Regarding Community Access. The audit shall specifically assess the terms of each contract related to public and community access to the baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Whether the contract clearly specifies the level and schedule of access that the general public and community groups have to these facilities, as well as whether and how public notice regarding this access shall be made available to the public; b. Details as to how often and for how long the fields are available for community use versus reserved for the contracted organization’s activities; and c. Whether the contracted organizations are adhering to these terms regarding public access and awareness and, if not, to what extent and in what ways access has been restricted. 3. Data on Compliance and Enforcement. The audit shall examine: a. The terms and conditions in each contract related to breaches of contract, including penalties or remedies for non-compliance by the contracted organization; and b. Any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of material breach or failure to comply with the agreed-upon terms, especially those related to community access. 1 of 2 Vote The …
02-1: Park Rangers Recognition Presentation — original pdf
PARK RANGERS CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Amanda Ross Natural Resources Division Manager October 28, 2024 Park Rangers are ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our entire community. 24 Full Time Park Rangers 10 hours a day/7 days a week Seasonal Park Ranger Program Park Ranger Cadet Program A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PARK RANGER • Providing friendly uniformed presence-hiking, biking in the parks • Helping park visitors enjoy parks by providing information about the park • Respond to needs in the parks • Bringing leave no trace education to areas of high impact and visitor concerns Park Rangers In The Field Infrastructure Recommendations- signage, security cameras, guidance on entry and exit points Voluntary Compliance Through Contact with Park Rangers Focused Programming In Concern Areas-Bark Rangers, Leave No Trace Programing Parking Tickets & Warnings Park Ranger Joint Efforts With Partners Including APD Educational Programs • Leave No Trace Programming • Park Ranger Cadets-Partnership with AISD • Bark Ranger • Junior Ranger Program • Monthly Public Hikes • Coffee with a Park Ranger • Career Days at Schools • Social media-FOLLOW US! Highlights of FY24 • Seasonal Park Ranger Program • Barton Springs Pool Support • Security Camera Pilot • Park Ranger Cadets Thank you Join a Park Ranger at Its My Park Day Saturday, November 2 Virginia Brown Rec Ctr/ Buttermilk Branch Greenbelt Kendra Page Neighborhood Park Stephenson Nature Preserve Pastor Edward Clarence Craig Jr. Neighborhood Park Blunn Creek Nature Preserve
Approved Minutes — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on October 28, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin. Board Members Absent: Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Larry Akers - Hybrid Public Transit for Austin Cathy Cocco - Hybrid Public Transit for Austin Jerry Joe Benson - Sand Volleyball Facilities Laura Esparza - Daugherty Arts Center Rehabilitation Project Lucky Lemieux - Daugherty Arts Center Rehabilitation Project Malcom Yeatts - East Riverside Oltorf Combined Contact Team Ed Miller - East Riverside Oltorf Combined Contact Team Diana Prechter - Trail of Lights Contracts Aubrey Rudder - Austin Rowing Club APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of September 23, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of September 23, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Park Ranger Program for their work as ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our community. 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28, 2024 Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager, Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on Scout the Dog, the number of full time Park Rangers and budgetary needs. The motion to approve letters of support for the Park Ranger Program for their work as ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our community was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 – 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/2vueqKCkbW 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 August 26, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Youth Development Program, including Totally Cool Totally ART, Roving Leaders Youth Outreach, and Teens in Leadership Training. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Davin Bjornaas, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department). Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve adoption of the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum Historic, Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Urban Public Spaces, Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Kim McKnight, Program Manager III, Parks and Recreation Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the Palm Park community engagement process and results. (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Lana Denkeler, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department; John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, Laura Cortez, Cortez Consulting. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 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 for All). Presenter(s): …
Agenda Addendum — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 – 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/2vueqKCkbW 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) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS AGENDA ADDENDUM Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the inter local agreement between AISD and the City of Austin to provide culture and language revitalization programs. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All, Program Alignment). Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, Culture and Arts Education Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and approve a recommendation on the recruitment of and the preferred qualifications for the next Parks and Recreation Department Director. (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. Page 1 of 1 6. 7.