In November 2012, Austin voters approved $13 million in bonds for the redevelopment of Waller Creek. Over the years, the project – now called the Waterloo Greenway project – has grown to encompass a long series of parks, construction of the Waller Creek Tunnel project, planning for preservation of the Palm School and park area, […]
Parks
Posted inParks
Commissioners seek parking study, Polo Field restoration
Two parking items cleared the Environmental Commission last week, a notable achievement considering that certain parking issues tend to devolve into prolonged debates. At its Feb. 7 meeting, commissioners considered two proposals within the framework of City Council’s elimination of minimum parking requirements. First, Commissioner Hanna Cofer introduced a proposal requesting that the city of […]
Posted inParks
Money for city parks, facilities dwindling
James Snow, director of Capital Delivery Services for the city, on Wednesday gave the City Council Audit and Finance Committee a detailed view of how money has been spent from bonds approved by voters in 2006, 2012 and 2018, with an emphasis on parks, libraries, museums and cultural facilities. The city is more dependent on […]
Posted inParks
Parks board delays request for traffic study, shuttle service for Zilker Park
The Parks and Recreation Board has further delayed a transportation impact analysis of Zilker Park that was originally suggested by City Council two years ago because of concerns the study could draw money away from other parks programs and budget items. At this week’s meeting, the board voted down a recommendation from the analysis working […]
Posted inParks
Commission discusses spike in animals leaving shelter without being spayed or neutered
The Animal Advisory Commission at its regular meeting Jan. 8 pondered an unexpected rise in the number of animals leaving the shelter without being spayed or neutered. In an overview of monthly reports, Jason Garza of the Animal Services Department told commissioners that the Austin Animal Center took in 681 animals in December, and the […]
Posted inParks
Parks and Recreation Board backs calls for expanded senior center facility in North Austin
The Parks and Recreation Board on Monday recommended the city find funding to create a senior activity center to serve District 4 and areas north of Highway 183 – and consider the Gus Garcia Recreation Center as a possible location. Austin’s senior population is on the rise, and many seniors are economically and socially vulnerable. […]
Posted inParks
Bathhouse working group suggests city start process to rename Barton Springs
At its regular meeting on Nov. 27, the Parks and Recreation Board heard from the Barton Springs Bathhouse Working Group about its report, which includes a list of potential names for an updated bathhouse in addition to calling for the city to also reexamine the name of Barton Springs. The working group was established to […]
Posted inParks
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 Vargas, whose car was broken into in October while she was hiking with her friend […]
Posted inParks
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 PARD is working on changes to the city ordinance as required by a new state […]
Posted inParks
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 and community space until last year, when Council action redirected staff to explore redevelopment as […]
Posted inParks
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 cost for aerating the soil and other restorative measures will be paid for by concert […]
Posted inParks
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 Jarrell in northern Williamson County. It sits within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and features […]