Approve the proposed Dougherty Arts Center redevelopment site at Butler Shores Park. District(s) Affected: District 5. The amendments are as follows: The motion to approve the proposed redevelopment site with amendments was made by Council Member Kitchen, seconded by Council Member Pool. City Council approves location of the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) on Butler Shores. The City Council also authorizes the City Manager to proceed with design, subject to the directions included in this amendment and to return to Council for approval prior to construction. Design for redevelopment of the DAC at the Toomey Rd./Riverside Drive location shall include analysis of the following options: 1) Planning Commission recommendations: • A parking and transportation demand management strategy be developed for the entire arts complex that considers area on-and off-street parking, and under-shoots parking supply in anticipation of public transit investments. • Any structured parking should be innovative, employ LEED strategies, charge for parking, and be available for future conversion. • The arts complex should be developed as an active transportation hub and generally minimize space dedicated to automobile use. 2) Design Commission recommendations: • Providing access from both Toomey Road and West Riverside Drive • • Streetscape improvements along Toomey Road REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES Integration of district public parking structure THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 8 • Enhancing the cultural arts district around Zach Scott Theater • Connection to the Hike & Bike Trail and public restroom • Outdoor education and performance spaces 3) Moving the existing PARD main office building to another location, to allow for adjustments to the location of the DAC building and parking structure to reduce impact of traffic on Toomey Road. 4) If appropriate and feasible, opportunities to incorporate the PARD office building into the DAC structure, to allow for adjustments of the DAC building and parking structure to reduce impact of traffic on Toomey Rd. 5) Options for locating the DAC parking structure away from Toomey Rd and combining with existing Zachary Scott Theatre surface parking and/or other parking structures in the area. 6) Creation of an Advisory Group consisting of neighbors living along Toomey Rd, DAC users, and other community members, to provide feedback during the design process. A motion to approve the following amendment to the amendment was made by Council Member Tovo, seconded by Council Member Pool. The amendment was approved on an 8- 2 vote. Council Members Flannigan and Renteria voted nay. …
March 9, 2021 Kimberly McNeeley Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department City of Austin Dear Ms. McNeeley, Recognizing the Trail Foundation as a steward of the trail, PARD has asked for comment on the in-progress Dougherty Arts Center Redevelopment Project with specific emphasis on Option 1B and its relationship to, and potential effect on the trail. TTF has attended several public meetings and a presentation from PARD, and understand that Option 1B is PARD’s preferred scenario for reasons that include preservation of existing trees, parking garage access, minimizing utility conflicts and preservation of the historic PARD headquarters building. The Trail Foundation has reviewed this option and provides the following comments: • TTF is excited to have the redevelopment of the Dougherty adjacent to the Trail and sees it as a benefit to patrons of the Arts Center and Trail users. • TTF appreciates that the proposed parking garage is buried under a green roof that should be a water quality enhancement over a more-conventional above- ground solution. • TTF sees public benefit to the trail in the design’s public restrooms, gathering spaces and enhanced park spaces. • TTF’s primary area of interest regarding this option is the placement of the studio spaces adjacent to the Trail and possible resulting congestion. With the recent release of the Butler Trail Safety & Mobility Study, recommendations were made for enhancements on this portion of the Trail. We will work with PARD to implement those into the plan. • In a related comment, TTF notes that the current upper Trail (shown just above the north facades of the proposed building) is also a maintenance corridor. TTF suggests that an alternative maintenance access path with sufficient width and turning radii should be considered. The Trail Foundation was created in 2003 to protect, enhance and connect the Butler Trail for all Austinites and visitors. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail has served as a natural community sanctuary and pathway in the heart of Austin since the 1970s. Since its formation as a 501 (c)(3), it has fulfilled its mission through careful improvements to the Trail’s infrastructure and environment, while honoring the original vision of the Trail’s founders. Sincerely, Heidi Anderson, CEO
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: March 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: MLK Station Neighborhood Park Nature Play Virtual Community Meeting #2: The next community meeting will be held on March 27 at 10am. The Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) program will share the final nature play design and show how community input helped shape it. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/mlk-station-neighborhood-park-nature- play. District 1 Highland Neighborhood Park Virtual Community Meeting: Implementation of the park plan continues at Highland Neighborhood Park. Phase 2 Implementation will kick off with a virtual community meeting on March 31 at 5:30pm. During this meeting, the project team will share information on park designs outlined in the adopted concept plan and seek feedback from the community to prioritize elements to include in the current construction phase. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/HighlandParkProject. District 4 Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park Vision Plan: RVi, the consultant for the plan, hosted a kickoff meeting and initial TAG (technical advisory group) meeting with City staff in late February. The vision planning process began this month with a community survey (launched on March 23). The first of three, public small-group meetings is scheduled for April 6, with the proposed focus being recreation and park activities. A small-group meeting on April 20 will focus on neighborhoods, community, and school feedback, and on April 28, PARD will hold a small-group meeting looking at nature and environmental issues for the park. The first community-wide meeting is scheduled for May 4, meeting registration. Project Webpage: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/beverly-s-sheffield- northwest-district-park-vision-plan. District 7 Givens Aquatic Facility Renovation: On April 26 at 5:30pm, PARD will host a virtual community meeting to reveal draft concepts. The ideas presented will be created from the community input received so far through input at Givens Swims in 2019, the first community meeting in January, and the community survey that followed. Community members will be asked to identify how well the draft design ideas connect with key values and align with feedback collected. The meeting will be conducted on Zoom, meeting registration. Project Webpage: http://austintexas.gov/givenspool. District 1 Colony Park Aquatic Facility: On April 28 at 5:30pm, PARD will host a virtual community meeting that will be shared over YouTube Live and Facebook Live to reveal draft concepts of the new aquatic facility. The ideas presented …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – 5:30pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 5:31pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice Chair Romteen Farasat, Laura Cottam Sajbel, Richard DePalma, Anna Di Carlo, Sarah Faust, Kate Mason-Murphy and Nina Rinaldi. Board Members Absent: Francoise Luca, Fred Morgan and Kimberly Taylor. Board Member Di Carlo joined the meeting at approximately 5:36pm and Vice Chair Farasat joined at approximately 5:48pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Kevin Johnson; Vanorda Richardson; Michael Benbow; Nicholas Johnson; Ed Morris and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jim Schwobel – enforcement of park curfew and no camping rules in Eastwoods Park. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of February 23, 2021 were approved on Board Member Faust motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on an 8-0 with Board Members Luca, Morgan and Taylor absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. Presentation by Vanorda Richardson of the Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion with request to bring back to April meeting of the Board. 2. Discussion and possible action to rescind the recommendation made February 23, 2021 regarding the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Public comment by Bill Bunch encouraging alternate sites for the Dougherty Arts Center such as AISD schools to be closed and maintaining central parkland as parkland; Megan Page 1 of 3 Meisenbach encouraging the City to re-look at other locations and that schools are a wonderful location for the Center and Linda Guerrero explaining the recommendation approved by the Environmental Commission. Chair Lewis made a motion to rescind the recommendation made February 23, 2021 regarding the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project; Board Member Mason-Murphy seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Vice Chair Farasat abstaining and Board Members Luca, Morgan and Taylor absent. 3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council of the preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Board Member DePalma made a motion to recommend to the City Council Option 1A for the …
Versión en español a continuación. Finance Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board Special Called Meeting March 9, 2021 Finance Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board to be held March 9, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (March 8, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 9, 2021 Finance Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to sammi.curless@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live • Reunión del Finance Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board March 9, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (March 8, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Finance Committee Presentation March 9, 2021 FISCAL YEAR 2021 CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE 2 CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE (CYE) • The level of revenue, expenditures, or performance data projected to be received, spent, or achieved by the end of the current fiscal period • Conveys financial status to City Council, City management, and residents; presented in monthly fund summaries and Annual Budget Documents • The CYE is a critical factor in determining what a department will need in the future; helps guide decisions and informs the budget process 3 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE EXPENDITURES FY 2021 Operating Budget Current Budget $109,807,598 Year To Date Expenditures through Dec 2020 $8,019,972 Current Year Estimate $104,042,699* Assumptions: • Current status of business operations will continue for remainder of the fiscal year • Projected savings due to vacancies, perm and temp *FY2021 includes required COVID response cost saving 4 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE EXPENDITURES Yearly Comparison of Expenditures Budget Expenditures % Budget Spent FY 2018 $91,747,535 $89,405,355 97% FY 2019 $100,013,335 $98,945,659 99% FY 2020 $106,426,274 $96,084,058* 90% FY2021 Est. $109,807,598 $104,042,699* 95% * includes required COVID response cost saving 5 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE EXAMPLE Barton Springs Pool FY 2021 Operating Budget Current Budget Year To Date Expenditures through Dec 2020 Current Year Estimate FY 2020 Actual FY 2019 Actual $1,427,595 $234,392 $1,127,595 $1,109,467 $1,256,412 6 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE Revenue FY 2021 Revenue Current Budget Year To Date Revenue through Dec 2020 $23,300,178 $4,468,065 Current Year Estimate $14,426,919 Assumptions: • Current status of business operations will continue for remainder of the fiscal year • Projected loses due to COVID-19 related closures 7 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE Revenue Yearly Comparison of Revenue Budget Revenue % Revenue FY 2018 $20,693,173 $20,888,217 101% FY 2019 $22,456,208 $22,438,188 100% FY 2020 $23,306,095 $13,896,162 60% FY2021 Est. $23,300,178 $14,426,919 62% 8 Parks and Recreation Department CURRENT YEAR ESTIMATE EXAMPLE Barton Springs Pool FY 2021 Revenue Current Budget Year To Date Revenue through Dec 2020 Current Year Estimate FY 2020 Actual FY 2019 Actual $2,829,854 ($560) $544,432 $194,496 $3,065,236 9 FISCAL YEAR 2022 DIVISION BUDGET SUBMITTALS 10 The Operating Budget Cycle Mid-Aug: Budget Adoption Oct 1: Start of Fiscal Year May-Jul: Proposed Budget Nov-Dec: Goal Setting Jan-Apr: Forecast Process 11 PARD Approved Budget and Full Time …
MEMORANDUM January 14, 2021 Boards and Commissions Diane Siler, Interim Budget Officer FY 2021-22 Budget Process and Calendar TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The City continues to be committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback into budget considerations and priorities. One important component of this process is input received annually from the City’s various boards and commissions. In FY 2020-21, your input on community needs resulted in significant investments in affordable housing, homelessness response, and public health initiatives. Due to the financial constraints from COVID-19 coupled with the 3.5% property tax revenue cap, the FY 2021-22 budget development process will focus on maintaining existing services. With these constraints in mind, we encourage boards and commissions to provide feedback on the efficiency, equity, and effectiveness of the City’s existing services and programs. As always, the Budget Office is available to discuss these topics in more detail at boards and commissions meetings upon request. As in previous years, the Budget Office will coordinate with City departments to review recommendations passed by boards and commissions. Please note that department budgets are due to the Budget Office on May 7, 2021. Therefore, recommendations should be submitted to the City Clerk no later than April 9, 2021 to provide departments the opportunity to include the recommendation, upon completion of review, into their proposed budget submittal. A template will be created to help Commissions organize and submit their recommendations. For your information, the Council-approved calendar for the FY 2021-22 budget is shown below: • May 7 • July 9 • July 22 • July 27 • July 29 • August 3 • August 11 Department Budgets Due to the Budget Office Presentation of the FY21-22 Proposed Budget to City Council First Budget Hearing City Council Budget Work Session Second Budget Hearing City Council Budget Work Session Tax Rate Hearing and Budget Adoption Additional information, including the FY 2020-21 final survey report, FY 2020-21 board and commission recommendation summaries, and FY 2021-22 budget engagement updates, can be found at the City’s Budget Engagement website at www.austintexas.gov/budget. Should you have any questions, please contact our office at BudgetQA@austintexas.gov. cc: Spencer Cronk, City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, Deputy City Manager Assistant City Managers Ed Van Eenoo, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Department Department Directors
Versión en español a continuación. Parks and Recreation Board Meeting February 23, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board to be held February 23, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (February 22, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 23, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to sammi.curless@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live • Reunión del Parks and Recreation Board February 23, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (February 22, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • Una vez que se haya realizado una solicitud para …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Tuesday, January 26, 2021 – 6:00pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:02pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna DiCarlo; Sarah Faust; Francoise Luca; Kate Mason-Murphy; Fred Morgan; Nina Rinaldi and Kimberly Taylor. Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Romteen Farasat. Board Member Faust joined the meeting at approximately 6:10pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Brie Franco; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Scott Grantham; Mary Marrero; Randy Scott; and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bill Bunch – continued support for Barton Springs area. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the special meeting of December 4, 2020 were approved on Board Member Morgan motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on an 10-0 with Vice Chair Farasat absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action regarding Recommendation 20210126-B1 supporting the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda. Public comment from Bill Bunch encouraging the City to explore utilizing Hotel Occupancy Tax to fund parks. Board Member Cottam Sajbel made a motion to approve Recommendation 20210126- B1; Board Members DePalma and Taylor seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with Vice Chair Farasat absent. 2. Make a recommendation to the Planning Commission to deny the applicant's request to pay fee in lieu of land dedication for 4802 S. Congress (SP-2019-0600C). Page 1 of 3 Board Member Mason-Murphy made a motion to recommend to the Planning Commission to deny the applicant's request to pay fee in lieu of land dedication for 4802 S. Congress (SP-2019-0600C) and uphold staff’s recommendation for the dedication of parkland; Board Morgan seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-1 with Board Member Luca voting nay and Vice Chair Farasat absent. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council regarding modifications to Austin City Code for naming or renaming a park facility or feature. Board Member DiCarlo made a motion to encourage the Austin City Council to incorporate the recommended changes to the Ordinance 20160324-021 in order to make the naming and renaming process more transparent, more efficient, more equitable, and less costly for the Parks and Recreation Department; seconded by Board Member Luca. The motion …
RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20210113-03B): Seating in Parks, Greenbelts, Trails and other Open Spaces WHEREAS, the City of Austin has added to the inventory of parkland, greenbelts, and trails through application of voter- approved bond funds; and WHEREAS, much of the existing parkland, greenbelts, and trails lack adequate benches that would help older adults, children, people with limited mobility and others use and enjoy these green spaces; and WHEREAS, seating encourages walking, socializing and enjoyment of green spaces because there is somewhere to rest; and WHEREAS, the Austin Age Friendly Action Plan includes the following goal and strategy: Goal: Increase access to and utilization of parks, open spaces and public buildings. Strategy: Increase the number of parks and public spaces that are equipped with functional seating at frequent intervals, drinking fountains, shaded resting areas, walkways suitable for wheelchairs/walkers and accessible public restrooms; and WHEREAS, the privately funded "memorial bench" program needs expansion; and WHEREAS, non-profits and businesses may want to work with the Parks and Recreation Department through the Partnership Program to further the City's ability to provide adequate seating in parkland, greenbelts, and trails. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Seniors recommends the Parks and Recreation Department to emphasize the placement of benches on trails and other developed parkland areas at appropriate intervals based on professional guidance and the design elements of the trail or other green space so older adults and others can enjoy the parkland assets. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Seniors recommends the Parks Department promote the "Memorial Bench" program and encourage community partners to support expanding the number of benches and related infrastructure available for residents, including older adults. For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Hauser, Temperley, Spain, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Lugo, Angel, Grampp, Cagle, Bordie, Van Sickle, Jackson, and Kareithi Date of Approval: January 13th, 2021 Record of the vote: 15-0 Motioned By: Varteressian Seconded By: Grampp Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Attest:
RESOLUTION NO. 20200220-046 WHEREAS, the 351-acre Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered Austin's most- beloved park and is home to a variety of recreation opportunities, facilities and special events for individuals and families; and WHEREAS, the twelve-passenger Zilker Park Eagle miniature train made its first trip in Zilker Park on April 22, 1961, and was operated by Zilker Park Eagle, Inc., which consisted of Larry Miller, B.E. Glenn, and G.L. Folger; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin facilitated a contest to officially name the family amusement train, resulting in the renaming of the Zilker Park Eagle as the Zilker Zephyr; and WHEREAS, in February 1997, the 72-passenger family amusement ride known as the Zilker Zephyr, operated by Texas Special Company, owned by Jason and Abel Rodriguez, began its route around a defined path within Zilker Park; and WHEREAS, in June 2018, Resolution No. 20180628-072 created the Zilker Park Working Group (ZPWG), which recommended to City Council in June 2019 that the City begin a Master Plan process for Zilker Park to include an evaluation of visitor convenience impacts and transportation solutions that will be efficient and convenient for visitors, inferred to include but not be limited to internal park visitor circulation, which may consider the family amusement train ride path; and Page 1 0f 4 WHEREAS, the Zilker Park Master Plan request for qualifications/proposal process is scheduled to be released for formal consideration in Spring 2020; and WHEREAS, in May 2019, a rainstorm caused severe erosion to an embankment supporting part of the train's track, causing it to close temporarily; and WHEREAS, in January 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department was not able to come to an agreement with Texas Special Company for a new professional services contract for the continued operation of the family amusement train known as the Zilker Zephyr; and WHEREAS the family amusement train ride known as the Zilker Zephyr is a beloved part of Zilker Park, enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year; and WHEREAS, the non-profit Austin Parks Foundation has served as a City ofAustin Parks and Recreation Department partner for over 27 years, to enhance public parks, trails and green spaces through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy, construction management, and financial support benefiting the Austin community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the service of the Texas Special Company in the operation ofthe family amusement train known as the Zilker Zephyr, has delighted families …
A NEW & IMPROVED Zilker Train 1 01 Intro About APF 02 The Project How we got here 03 Our Approach Where we’re going 04 Operations & Financials Looking to the future 2 About Us Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. Because of our partnership with the City's Parks & Recreation Dept., and nearly 30 years of proven results, we were contacted to help find an interim solution while Zilker Park undergoes a vision planning process to build a new, long-term vision for the park. 3 Project Leads Ladye Anne Wofford Project management and operations Bobbi Kommenini Business management and operations Katie Robillard, PLA Landscape architecture and project design UT McCombs Business Fellows Business technology The entire Austin Parks Foundation team is committed to the success of this project and is leading project management, operations, fundraising and marketing for the new Zilker Train. Our team brings expertise in park improvements and programming, and nearly 30 years of proven results partnering with the Parks & Recreation Dept. 4 Project Expertise We are bringing together a team of subject matter experts and well-established vendors for a well-rounded project team including: ● The Railway Factory: Custom amusement train manufacturing ● Dunaway Associates: Civil and structural engineering ● Frank & Victor: Brand development ● Steven Smith, McKinsey & Co: Business management and operations ● Stan Li, McKinsey & Co: Customer experience ● Giant Noise: Public Relations 5 THE Project 6 Then The Zilker Train is one of the most beloved family activities in Austin. Since 1961, the train has taken children on an adventure around Zilker Park, past scenic views of Lady Bird Lake, the great lawn and the Zilker Playscape. In 2019, erosion under the tracks caused the Zilker Train to close down permanently. In February 2020, Austin City Council passed a resolution allowing Austin Parks Foundation to work in partnership with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department to bring back the Zilker Train as quickly and safely as possible. Now 7 Project Timeline Analysis Engineering firm site analysis Topographical survey Structural assessments Operations research Manufacturing research Concession agreement Permitting New route in permitting Brand development Formation of LLC Standard Operating Procedures Fundraising campaign begins Concession agreement finalized Fall 2020 Spring 2021 Launch Fundraising campaign Site improvements complete …
Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project Preliminary Design Phase Update Boards and Commissions February 2021 Site Map & Context 2 Previous City Council Direction • Butler Shores location approved on 5/9/19 • Council direction to consider site alternatives: on site 1. New DAC & existing PARD Main Office remain 2. New DAC & New PARD Main Office rebuilt on site (unfunded) 3. New DAC on site, existing PARD is removed/relocated elsewhere (unfunded) • Consolidated Arts District Parking (underground, partially unfunded) • Seek alternative financing mechanisms & interest in philanthropy Conceptual development scenario from 2018/2019 planning process 3 Existing PARD Main Office • Constructed 1959, 2-story addition in 1976 • First permanent home for COA Parks Department • High degree of historic integrity • Architect: R. Earl Dillard • Defining features: wide eaves, flat roof, curtain • Eligible for listing on National Register of Historic windows Places Image credits: Austin History Center 4 Recent Stakeholder Engagement • Two Open House Community Meetings • Meeting #1: Oct. 28, 2020 • Meeting #2: Jan. 26, 2021 • (10) Small Group Meetings • Dougherty Arts Center Staff: 11/10/2020 • Painting, Photography, and Drawing Artists and Instructors: 11/19/2020 • Youth Program Instructors and Parents: 12/1/2020 • Gallery Artists: 12/2/2020 • Artist Professional Development Programs: 12/3/2020 • Theater Organizations and Technical Staff: 12/7/2020 • Friends of the Dougherty Arts Center: 12/9/2020 • Ceramics Studio Artists and Instructors: 12/10/2020 • Neighbors to the Dougherty Arts Center: 12/15/2020 • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Arts: 1/7/2021 • Electronic Survey • 221 Participants & 894 Responses • Ongoing Partner Coordination • ZACH Scott Theater • The Trail Foundation • Austin Transportation Dept. 5 Project Mission Statement 6 Site Constraints Map 7 Four Options Key operational criteria and site considerations • Preservation of heritage trees • Relationship to adjacent ZACH • Underground parking solution • Pick-up & drop-off for youth programs • Load-in areas for theater programs • Balancing traffic impact between Toomey Rd. & Riverside Dr. • Preservation of PARD Main Office (1959) • Allowance for possible expansion • Activates parkland & enhance trail access • Civic presence/identity • Back of house areas for kiln yard, etc. 8 • Compact building footprint tucked closely behind PARD Main & ZACH School • One heritage oak impacted • Proposed parking garage sits between ZACH and new DAC, within ZACH lease boundary • PARD Main is retained and renovated/expanded (future scope, unfunded) …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Barton Creek Greenbelt Reservation Pilot PARB Presentation Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager February 2020 PILOT PROJECT • Free Reservations Available Online • Park Monitors In Place At 7 Entrances • Reservations Implemented Friday-Sunday • 10:30am-7:30pm 2 GUIDING QUESTIONS • Can managing access provide enjoyable access/nature appreciation for park users? • Can a reservation system be implemented equitably? • Is this a model that could work in this park or other parks? • What are potential benefits and challenges of increasing staffing levels at the Barton Creek Greenbelt? • Are there changes to environmental impacts? 3 DATA REVIEW • All reservation slots FULL at all 8 entrances in August • Reservations available every weekend September and October • 34% of reservations were claimed 4 DATA REVIEW • 4,675 visitors were allowed to enter without a reservation • 1,642 visitors were turned away • 828 dogs were counted • Park Ranger contacts for dogs off-leash were down 35% from the previous year timeframe 5 PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS In Person Survey (569) Online Survey (376) 54% were visiting for the first time or only visited annually Hiking, nature and swimming reasons for visiting Over 60% visited the site monthly or weekly Hiking, nature and swimming reasons for visiting 78745 most frequent zip code South/south east of Austin Online Reservation System 73% Positive Online Reservation System 21% Positive Ability to Get A Reservation 76% Positive Ability to Get A Reservation 17% Positive More than 50% said a positive was that the system: creates a less crowded space for enjoyment during pandemic 57% Had Difficulty Getting a Reservation Largest Negative of Reservation System Was Advanced Planning Largest Negative of Reservation System Was Advanced Planning 6 TRASH SURVEY Poop Bags Alcohol Containers Plastic Bags Beverage Containers Tobacco Products Small Misc. 45 16 29 21 16 54 FY18 FY20 FY21* FY19 20 5 7 6 8 12 60 18 28 29 17 62 17 10 13 16 7 47 7 CONCLUSIONS • Opportunity exists for more visitor interactions within this large urban preserve. • Given the high percentage of individuals visiting for the first time or annually, there is an opportunity to improve visitor services with more programing. • Many visitors found the online reservation system a burden. 8 RECOMENDATIONS Discontinue Reservation System Park Ambassadors Program for the Barton Creek Greenbelt Lead volunteer activities Tour Guides Encourage Responsible Recreation Entry Career …
RESOLUTION NO. 20200312-041 WHEREAS, Austin is home to nearly 20,000 acres of parks and trails which play an essential role in the city's overall environmental health as well as in the physical and mental health of all Austinites; and WHEREAS, as the City's population continues to grow, these parks and trails are increasingly important to the environmental, health, and mobility needs of the citizens of Austin; and WHEREAS, on March 8, 2018, the City adopted a Strategic Direction, including several goals that specifically depend on having strong and sustainable including Economic Opportunity and Affordability, parks and trails systems, Mobility, Health and Environment, and Culture and Lifelong Learning; and WHEREAS, as areas of the City continue to redevelop with denser populations, the acreage of parks also grows due to the critical benefits provided by the City' s Parkland Dedication Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is currently these the vast majority of responsible for approximately 20,000 acres of parkland across the city; and the care and maintenance of WHEREAS, as the parks and trails, and the number of people who depend the need for innovative partnerships with local nonprofits increases, on them, becomes increasingly worth exploring; and WHEREAS, PARD is committed to partnerships that align with its overall mission, vision, and commitment to benefit the public through the Austin parks system; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department Long Range Plan specifically outlines partnerships as a sustainability strategy for developing, improving, maintaining and programming park spaces; and Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, PARD works with nonprofit organizations, conservancies, increase community groups, and businesses to enhance and improve parks, recreational and cultural opportunities, and preserve natural areas in Austin; and WHEREAS, the goals of these partnerships are to enhance and expand public use of PARD's grounds and facilities; encourage active recreation and healthy lifestyles; improve environmental stewardship through public participation and education; celebrate arts, culture, and history to build community; and maximize public benefit at minimum taxpayer cost; and WHEREAS, many peer cities such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York City, and others have negotiated partnerships with nonprofit organizations dedicated to the maintenance and stewardship of particular parks; and WHEREAS, nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving parks and open space for the benefit of the community often have the ability to fundraise and other opportunities that municipalities do not have; and WHEREAS, in Austin, some nonprofits have already begun partnering …
Parks and Recreation Department Partnerships Presented by Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP, Director January 26, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 1 Objectives • Historical Overview of Partnership Progression • Partnership Benefits • Partnership Portfolio and Pathways 2 History 2011 Public Private Partnership Key Advancement 2012-2014 Research and Development 2012-2014 Relationship Building with existing partners and cultivating new relationships 2015 Public Private Partnership Key Advancement 3 History 2017- 2019 Develop Sophistication and Partnership Continuum 2020 Council Resolution 2021 Partnership Formalization 4 Urban Land Institute Report • • • • Explored concepts for entering into partnerships Coalition of Partners participated Conducted an Advisory Services Panel August 25-30, 2019 Report recommended opportunities for the City to increase nonprofit partnerships 5 Resolution 20200312-041 • • • • • • • LRP outlines partnerships as a sustainable strategy PARD has established relationships with partners Goal to maximize public benefit at minimum taxpayer cost Expresses support for partnerships Directs Department to work with nonprofit partners to establish relationships Deliver status reports Bring partnership agreements to Council 6 Public-Private Partnership Benefits • • • • • • Share significant risks Provide funding resources to supplement or replace general fund/capital investment Enhance community engagement Provides non-monetary resources Capacity to seek out innovative projects and partnership opportunites Fundraising capacity/capabilities not available to government • More flexible procurement processes • Potential to give Department additional funding flexibility and meet more community needs • Advocacy 7 PARD Partnership Configurations i p h s r e n t r a P s n o i t a r u g i f n o C Partnership A| Public-Private Partnership Partnership B| Nonprofit Partner Partnership C | Friends Group, Adopt-A-Park Partnership D | Neighborhoods, National Organizations, Local Businesses, Art Organizations, etc. 8 All Partnership Pathways • Established base criteria for various levels • Consistency for like relationships • Ensure partnership stability and capacity • Ensure alignment with Department mission and goals • Organizational governance/constitution • Demonstrated/required inclusivity • Demonstrated/required transparency • Adherence to Established Community Driven Plans • Defined and Agreement upon Public Benefit 9 Maintenance and Operations Agreement 10 Maintenance and Operations Agreement Plus 11 Maintenance and Operations Agreement Plus 12 13 Project/Program Agreement 14 15 Project/Program Agreement 16 17 Project Agreement In Transition 18 Partnership Pathways PARD PARKners • Parkland Stewardship • Adopt-A-Park • Community Activated Park Projects (CAPP) • Cities Connecting Children to Nature 19 20 Questions? 21
Monetizing PARD Partner Support • Key Performance Indicators review 5-year average KPI 8997:8997 • Monetization Includes Volunteer Hours (Independent Sector) Funding Supports • Funding Supports Differ Annually (Big Swings) Capital improvement Schedules Volunteer Opportunity Record Keeping/Opportunity Value of Private Resources (Non-City Funds)Invested in Parks System Private Investment CIP Expenses per year Annual Percent of Non City Funding per year (Private Investment/CIP Total) Value of Volunteer Hours Non City Funding Sources* Total Private Investment Value of Volunteer Hours Non City Funding Sources* Total Private Investment Value of Volunteer Hours Non City Funding Sources* Total Private Investment Value of Volunteer Hours Non City Funding Sources* Total Private Investment FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Value of Volunteer Hours Non City Funding Sources * Total Private Investment Total over 5 years $2,507,796 $12,981,086.70 19.31% $3,250,935 $13,825,889.00 23.5% $9,910,220 $16,051,044.34 61.74% $1,380,498 $1,127,298 $1,259,593 $1,991,342 $1,346,172 $8,564,048 $3,834,666 $13,337,191 $17,171,857 $33,518,710.37 51.23% $1,536,503 * COVID Restrictions $23,966,851 $25,503,354 $46,978,613.00 58,344,162.00 $123,355,343.41 54% 47.29%
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: February 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Govalle Neighborhood Park Improvements: The third virtual public meeting is planned for February 24 at 5:30pm. At the meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) will share the selected playground that was identified through the online survey results and will discuss improvements to the basketball court and new multipurpose field. The meeting will be held via Zoom and Facebook, and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Citizens are encouraged to register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMldeqopjIoHNRs6BQmJ56fpSXVQ3vNo66g. District 3 1 PLANNING UPDATES: Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan: The draft vision plan was open for community feedback via Social Pinpoint through February 22. The partner team led by Community Powered Workshop and Asakura Robinson will present the draft vision plan to the Environmental Commission on March 3. Following the Environmental Commission review, the team will seek approval from the Parks and Recreation Board in April. The draft vision plan is at: https://www.centralwilliamsoncreek.net/. District 3 George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan: PARD and the consultant team, Smith & Company with Perkins & Will, continue to refine the cost estimate and draft facility expansion report. The expansion plan is anticipated to begin the approval process in late March and is on the agenda for review by the Design Commission on March 22 and the Parks and Recreation Board on March 23. The draft facility expansion plan is at: https://www.austintexas.gov/CarverATXplanning. District 1 Zilker Metro Park Vision Plan: On February 3, the Capital Contracting Office finalized the contract for the Zilker Park Vision Plan with the consulting firm, Design Workshop. The Department and the consulting team will host the first Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting on March 3. The team also expects to start the community engagement process in April and May. The link to the project can be found at: https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision. District 8 Wilder (4802 S. Congress) Site Plan, appeal by the applicant to staff recommendation of the Parkland Dedication Ordinance: This item was presented to the Parks and Recreation Board on January 26. The Board voted 9 – 1 to recommend to the Planning Commission to deny the applicant's request to pay fee in lieu of land dedication, and upheld staff’s recommendation for the dedication of parkland. The item came before Planning Commission on February 9, and it was postponed to March 9 at the …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT REVISED DATE: February 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Govalle Neighborhood Park Improvements: The third virtual public meeting has been rescheduled to March 10 at 5:30pm from February 24 due to the weather emergency and its aftermath. At the meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) will share the selected playground that was identified through the online survey results and will discuss improvements to the basketball court and new multipurpose field. The meeting will be held via Zoom and Facebook, and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Citizens are encouraged to register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMldeqopjIoHNRs6BQmJ56fpSXVQ3vNo66g. District 3 1 PLANNING UPDATES: Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan: The draft vision plan was open for community feedback via Social Pinpoint through February 22. The partner team led by Community Powered Workshop and Asakura Robinson will present the draft vision plan to the Environmental Commission on March 3. Following the Environmental Commission review, the team will seek approval from the Parks and Recreation Board in April. The draft vision plan is at: https://www.centralwilliamsoncreek.net/. District 3 George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Facility Expansion Plan: PARD and the consultant team, Smith & Company with Perkins & Will, continue to refine the cost estimate and draft facility expansion report. The expansion plan is anticipated to begin the approval process in late March and is on the agenda for review by the Design Commission on March 22 and the Parks and Recreation Board on March 23. The draft facility expansion plan is at: https://www.austintexas.gov/CarverATXplanning. District 1 Zilker Metro Park Vision Plan: On February 3, the Capital Contracting Office finalized the contract for the Zilker Park Vision Plan with the consulting firm, Design Workshop. The Department and the consulting team will host the first Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting on March 3. The team also expects to start the community engagement process in April and May. The link to the project can be found at: https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision. District 8 Wilder (4802 S. Congress) Site Plan, appeal by the applicant to staff recommendation of the Parkland Dedication Ordinance: This item was presented to the Parks and Recreation Board on January 26. The Board voted 9 – 1 to recommend to the Planning Commission to deny the applicant's request to pay fee in lieu of land dedication, and upheld staff’s recommendation for the dedication of parkland. The item came before Planning …
