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Parks
Hiking in Austin? What to know about car break-ins before you go.
Lee esta historia en español Mount Bonnell, Pennybacker Bridge and nearby greenbelts have grown in popularity for hikers, tourists and, more recently, car burglars. “I never thought I would be the next victim while enjoying that beautiful area,” said Tina…
Parks • By Talisa Treviño, KUT • Nov 27, 2023
New law means parkland funds will drop drastically
The amount of parkland dedication fees City Council can collect starting on Jan. 1 will be severely limited, two principal planners for the Parks and Recreation Department told Council at Tuesday’s work session. Robynne Heymans and Scott Grantham explained that…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • Nov 9, 2023
Council, parks department and East Austin residents continue clash over city-owned Nash Hernandez building
City Council, Austin’s parks department and East Austin residents are still at odds over plans for a vacant facility at Festival Beach. The Nash Hernandez building, which has sat idle since 2009, was earmarked for Parks and Recreation Department offices…
Parks • By Kali Bramble • Oct 31, 2023
Following ACL Fest, parks board calls for close look at Zilker Park health
Amid concerns over the impact on Zilker Park from this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, city parks staff said they have conducted the annual review of the festival and are beginning the work needed to replenish the park. The…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 26, 2023
There’s a new, 1,200-acre nature preserve north of Austin. Here’s how to visit.
Salado salamanders, golden-cheeked warblers and tricolored bats: These are just a few of the endangered species you will find at the Hill Country Conservancy’s new Pecan Springs Karst Preserve. The 1,205-acre nature preserve is located about 5 miles west of…
Parks • By Kailey Hunt, KUT • Oct 5, 2023
City plans to remove Barton Springs tree ‘Flo’ this week
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced on Monday morning that they would be removing Flo, the nearly 100-year-old pecan tree that leans over Barton Springs Pool, before the pool opens on Thursday. In addition, the department invited members of…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • Oct 3, 2023
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New state law limits Austin’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance
The city’s Parks and Recreation Board on Monday learned about the impacts of Texas House Bill 1526 on Austin’s existing Parkland Dedication Ordinance and the future of Austin’s park system. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance, first established in 1985, orders new…
Parks • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 28, 2023
Austin delays removal of Flo, Barton Springs' century-old tree
Flo, Barton Springs’ iconic leaning pecan tree, will live to see at least a few more days. Just last week, Austin Parks and Recreation announced they would cut down the tree this Thursday because of Flo’s deteriorating condition – but today…
Parks • By Chelsey Zhu, KUT • Sep 12, 2023
Parks board to take an (ever-so-brief) pause on Zilker Park plan
Given the sudden collapse of the Zilker Park Vision Plan earlier this month, it’s little surprise that the city’s Parks and Recreation Board has disbanded its working group for the plan. However, the board did so this week with a…
Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 30, 2023
City Council puts controversial Zilker Park Vision Plan on hold
City Council will not move forward this month with a controversial plan to revamp Zilker Park, Mayor Kirk Watson said Monday. The announcement comes after Council members Paige Ellis, Ryan Alter and Zo Qadri released a joint statement saying that…
City Council • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Aug 8, 2023
Environmental Commission can't agree on Polo Fields parking solution
After a lengthy discussion, the Environmental Commission this week tabled an item that would recommend the Parks and Recreation Department end vehicle parking on the Zilker Park Polo Fields. The discussion happened at the commission’s Aug. 2 regular meeting, and…
Parks • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 4, 2023
Downtown Commission hears plans to address Rainey Street safety
The Downtown Commission last week gave an unofficial thumbs-up to the city’s efforts to improve safety in the Rainey Street nightlife district, in an effort to prevent more drownings in the area. On July 19, representatives from the Parks and…
