Concession operations at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, which includes recreational spots along Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, provided about $750,000 in revenue to the city’s General Fund in 2021. That’s due in large part to Austin’s population surge as well as more people in general enjoying outdoor activities this year. “We know anecdotally that […]
Parks
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Parks board supports Pease Park Conservancy’s programming plan
Eeyore’s annual birthday party and park closures for private events were among the top concerns from some Parks and Recreation Board members Tuesday when the Pease Park Conservancy presented its 2022 programming plan for Kingsbury Commons at the park. The good news is that the long-held Eeyore’s birthday tradition will continue at Pease – although […]
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Planning Commission denies alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe
The Planning Commission Tuesday rejected the latest request to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe amidst concerns about safety and unruly behavior at nearby Barton Springs Pool. The decision throws into doubt beer and wine sales at the recently renovated concession stand. While the Parks and Recreation Department – the applicant for the conditional use permit […]
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Council puts Trail Foundation in charge of hike-and-bike trail
On Thursday, Austin City Council gave the Trail Foundation authority over the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Town Lake Metropolitan Park. Specifically, Council authorized the Trail Foundation to “negotiate and execute” both the operations and the maintenance of the hike-and-bike trail, a centerpiece of recreation in the city. The eventual passage of the […]
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Environmental, neighborhood groups call for ‘rewilding’ Zilker Park
One of the city’s main environmental groups hopes to increase biodiversity and reduce the impact of visitors to Zilker Park by pushing for more natural growth of trees and other plant life in the popular central city park. The Save Our Springs Alliance recently released a report from restoration ecologist and park planner Elizabeth McGreevy that […]
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Waterloo Park gets permission to sell alcohol
Vendors will now be able to serve alcohol at Waterloo Park on a day-to-day basis following a decision Tuesday by the Planning Commission to approve a conditional use alcohol sales permit. “Waterloo Greenway looks forward to hosting many Austin community events and concerts that will offer food and beverage concessions,” said Melissa Ayala with Waterloo […]
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Parks board again rejects proposal to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe
The issue of alcohol sales at Zilker Cafe made its third and final appearance before the Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday, with board members delivering a decisive 8-1 vote against recommending the proposal, given the cafe’s proximity – about 30 steps – to the entrance to Barton Springs Pool. The sale of beer and […]
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PARD needs more funding, audit update shows
Since audits in 2016 and 2017, the Parks and Recreation Department has taken actions to address the management of its resources as well as cash handling problems. However, according to a follow-up report by the Office of the City Auditor, the city’s “funding priorities may continue to constrain the department’s ability to effectively offer its […]
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The future of Hancock Golf Course remains unknown
The Parks and Recreation Board revisited the discussion about the fate of the Hancock Golf Course Tuesday while reviewing an extensive survey of public opinion on the matter. Anthony Segura, a parks department assistant director, and Kevin Gomillion, who manages Golf Operations, presented the results of the two-week survey, which was conducted by the city […]
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Williamson Creek vision plan moves froward with OK from parks board
A rough-and-tumble segment of Williamson Creek in South Austin is on the road to restoration, cleanup and becoming a proper trail with amenities. With the Parks and Recreation Board’s unanimous recommendation last week, the Central Williamson Creek Greenway Vision Plan can begin moving forward under the charge of the parks and the watershed departments. Consultants […]
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Parks board to reconsider Zilker alcohol sales
The Parks and Recreation Board revisited its decision regarding the controversial permit to sell alcohol at Zilker Cafe this past Tuesday, following concerns over the legitimacy of its original vote on the issue back in June. After a convoluted discussion between board members, PARD Director Kimberly McNeeley and Assistant City Attorney Chad Shaw, Chair Dawn […]
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Proposed code amendments could be the path to more trails
Urban trails provide multiple benefits, but getting those trails built isn’t always a walk in the park. With so many residents relying on Austin’s network of trails for recreation and multi-use transportation, city officials are hoping to respond to the demand more quickly by creating a more efficient administrative process for design and permitting. Enter […]