1 00:00:03,785 --> 00:00:07,755 Four. Go ahead and start this month's regular meeting 2 00:00:08,215 --> 00:00:09,745 of the parks and recreation board. July 27th, 2026. 3 00:00:12,575 --> 00:00:16,195 and I will take role. Um, so stephanie bison chair. 4 00:00:16,735 --> 00:00:19,155 I'm present. Uh, board member becker. 5 00:00:23,095 --> 00:00:25,765 present. Board member orm. 6 00:00:27,815 --> 00:00:31,455 board member villalobos. Present board member merit 7 00:00:34,335 --> 00:00:38,085 board member kelly. Present board member 8 00:00:38,695 --> 00:00:42,665 abara. Present board member zoster. 9 00:00:43,235 --> 00:00:45,725 present board member taylor. 10 00:00:48,655 --> 00:00:52,325 board member franklin. Present. Board member 11 00:00:52,805 --> 00:00:56,805 eubanks. Present. Alright. Thank you. Everybody there being 12 00:00:57,045 --> 00:01:00,705 quorum. We'll go ahead and move to the next portion of our agenda. Um, 13 00:01:01,075 --> 00:01:04,925 this will be public communication general. This is for the first 10 speakers signed 14 00:01:05,305 --> 00:01:09,105 up prior to the meeting. Mr. Beck? Yes. 15 00:01:09,335 --> 00:01:13,185 chair. Our first speaker during general public comment will be katie robard, 16 00:01:14,365 --> 00:01:16,955 followed by aubrey rudder, and then patricia bobbeck. 17 00:01:28,965 --> 00:01:31,345 you'll have three minutes from the time you begin speaking. 18 00:01:37,965 --> 00:01:41,745 all right. Good evening and happy parks and recreation month. Um, we're thankful for your service 19 00:01:42,045 --> 00:01:46,005 and also, uh, to work with austin parks and recreation department. I'm 20 00:01:46,225 --> 00:01:50,185 katie robard with austin parks foundation. Um, and I'm here today to share 21 00:01:50,465 --> 00:01:54,225 a few updates on some of the work and programming that a pf is doing. 22 00:01:55,285 --> 00:01:59,165 uh, first off, I'll highlight rosewood neighborhood park. Um, we 23 00:01:59,625 --> 00:02:03,105 recently celebrated the completion of the playground renovation and the pavilion, 24 00:02:03,725 --> 00:02:06,905 new pavilion with the summer campers from dolores duffy rec center. 25 00:02:08,205 --> 00:02:12,155 the project included a new pavilion, uh, shaded, uh, playground, 26 00:02:13,285 --> 00:02:17,185 um, new native shade trees and irrigation. The project 27 00:02:17,375 --> 00:02:21,185 that was identified as a playground in need of replacement by the parks 28 00:02:21,425 --> 00:02:25,305 department. And so we took on the project. During the community engagement, 29 00:02:25,785 --> 00:02:29,785 the community expressed a desire for a pavilion in this area of the park, and we 30 00:02:29,945 --> 00:02:33,865 were able to help with that as well. Um, in close collaboration with the parks department, 31 00:02:34,265 --> 00:02:38,145 a pf was able to design, permit, manage the construction, and fully fund the 32 00:02:38,345 --> 00:02:41,255 improvements. Uh, the budget was just a little bit over $500,000 33 00:02:42,725 --> 00:02:46,525 and it was in, completed in late june, um, and is 34 00:02:46,745 --> 00:02:50,535 providing much needed shade and play for the community at rosewood. Next 35 00:02:50,825 --> 00:02:54,715 slide, please. Um, and then grand meadow is a park that a pf 36 00:02:54,995 --> 00:02:58,835 has been involved in for quite some time. In 2022, we began working with the, 37 00:02:59,165 --> 00:03:03,155 the friends of grand meadow park, um, to help them develop a vision plan 38 00:03:03,465 --> 00:03:07,025 for this 10 acre, uh, park in district two. 39 00:03:07,585 --> 00:03:11,465 um, by providing design services and community engagement, 40 00:03:12,485 --> 00:03:16,425 um, we were able to ensure the community voices were heard and a pf was able to provide 41 00:03:16,915 --> 00:03:20,825 plans and documentation necessary to, to get approval 42 00:03:21,205 --> 00:03:25,185 and official adoption of the plan. In 2024, our team worked 43 00:03:25,555 --> 00:03:29,445 close to about a year to get the full site development permit for 44 00:03:29,665 --> 00:03:32,505 this project. And, um, 45 00:03:34,445 --> 00:03:38,285 construction on phase one started last fall. Um, it's still under construction, but this 46 00:03:38,525 --> 00:03:42,285 phase includes improved access to the park, um, a pavilion lighting 47 00:03:42,915 --> 00:03:46,365 open play field, um, improved native grass and wildflower 48 00:03:46,925 --> 00:03:50,635 meadow, and the framework for the community garden and, and the, uh, much desired 49 00:03:51,155 --> 00:03:54,725 food forest. Um, like all projects, we work closely with the parks department 50 00:03:55,375 --> 00:03:59,205 every step of the way. This project is a great example of collaboration, not only 51 00:03:59,445 --> 00:04:03,165 between a pf and a pr, but with the neighbors and other partners, 52 00:04:03,605 --> 00:04:07,185 like friends of grand meadow park and fruitful commons. Um, 53 00:04:08,205 --> 00:04:12,065 a pr funding was, uh, close or is still ongoing, but, um, 54 00:04:12,795 --> 00:04:16,605 it's close to 600,000 of, um, parkland dedication 55 00:04:17,085 --> 00:04:20,465 funding and also a pf contributed $1.2 million. 56 00:04:22,185 --> 00:04:25,945 um, we are looking to schedule the official ribbon cutting in 57 00:04:26,365 --> 00:04:29,515 september, so be on the lookout for that, and we're excited that the park is opening soon. 58 00:04:30,545 --> 00:04:34,495 the next slide, lastly, I'll highlight yoga in the park every 59 00:04:34,845 --> 00:04:37,765 friday morning at 7:00 am in zilker park. This is free programming, 60 00:04:39,065 --> 00:04:42,565 um, that we're offering, and we've seen average attendance 61 00:04:43,145 --> 00:04:46,405 of two to 300 people per session. So it's been super popular 62 00:04:47,385 --> 00:04:51,205 and we just, it's free and open to the public and we invite you to join in. Thanks so much. 63 00:04:52,835 --> 00:04:56,685 thank you. Our next speaker will be 64 00:04:57,025 --> 00:05:00,905 aubrey rudder, followed by patricia bobbeck and then chris flores. 65 00:05:05,835 --> 00:05:09,245 good evening board members. My name is aubrey rudder. I serve as director of rental operations 66 00:05:09,865 --> 00:05:13,845 at the austin rowing club. Tonight, I debated what I wanted to speak about 67 00:05:14,045 --> 00:05:17,765 this evening because the summer has been filled with a lot of positives for a rc. 68 00:05:18,695 --> 00:05:22,685 we've expanded our community outreach, continued our partnership with a pr rec 69 00:05:22,885 --> 00:05:26,525 centers, and launched a new initiative over 4th of july to promote responsible 70 00:05:27,085 --> 00:05:30,285 recreation by encouraging visitors to help keep lady ladybird lake cleaned. 71 00:05:31,415 --> 00:05:35,285 while I'm proud of those accomplishments, I felt it was important to speak about the recent waterway 72 00:05:35,965 --> 00:05:39,535 ban and some of the challenges we experienced during its implementation. First, 73 00:05:40,005 --> 00:05:43,955 I wanna be clear that safety is always and will be our number one priority. When 74 00:05:44,245 --> 00:05:48,125 the waterway ban was issued, a rc immediately complied. We closed our rental 75 00:05:48,805 --> 00:05:52,085 business because we believe the conditions presented a legitimate safety concern. 76 00:05:53,105 --> 00:05:57,080 the other permitted concessionaires did the same. Although closing during one of the, the busiest 77 00:05:57,440 --> 00:06:01,045 times of the season had sin significant impact, financial impact, we didn't 78 00:06:01,525 --> 00:06:05,485 hesitate because protecting the public comes first. The concern I'd like 79 00:06:05,565 --> 00:06:09,125 to raise today is not about the water ban itself, it's about how it was implemented and enforced. 80 00:06:09,975 --> 00:06:13,325 while per the permitted concessionaires followed the rules and remain closed, 81 00:06:14,405 --> 00:06:17,965 numerous non non-permanent operators continued conducting business on ladybird 82 00:06:18,445 --> 00:06:22,175 lake. They were still sending out customers onto the water. While 83 00:06:22,525 --> 00:06:26,485 those of us who have contracts with the city are expected to follow its directives and remain closed, 84 00:06:27,755 --> 00:06:31,685 that raises an important question. Who is responsible for enforcing the ban? If a waterway 85 00:06:32,365 --> 00:06:36,145 closure is issued in the interest of public safety, it should apply equally to 86 00:06:36,565 --> 00:06:40,325 everyone. Otherwise, the businesses that comply with the city requirements are put at a competitive 87 00:06:40,805 --> 00:06:44,805 disadvantage. While operators who ignore the closure continue operating without a 88 00:06:44,925 --> 00:06:48,075 consequence, communication was another significant challenge. 89 00:06:49,405 --> 00:06:53,175 extensions to the waterway ban were often issued just 45 minutes before 90 00:06:53,615 --> 00:06:57,075 the previous order expired. And sometimes as little as 15 minutes beforehand, 91 00:06:58,305 --> 00:07:02,035 that simply isn't enough time to notify customers, adjust staffing, or make operational 92 00:07:02,875 --> 00:07:06,595 decisions. We had employees arri arriving for work and guests already on their way 93 00:07:06,895 --> 00:07:10,855 to the boathouse without knowing we would if we would be open. It 94 00:07:11,195 --> 00:07:14,595 created unnecessary confusion for our staff, our cu customers and our partners. 95 00:07:15,725 --> 00:07:19,715 there was also very little communication to the general public. There was no signage at the public 96 00:07:19,915 --> 00:07:23,355 boat ramps indicating a waterway, a waterway ban was in effect. 97 00:07:24,225 --> 00:07:28,175 many people launching their own boats had no idea that there was an active closure. If 98 00:07:28,395 --> 00:07:32,255 the purpose of the is public safety, then public notification should be just as 99 00:07:32,475 --> 00:07:36,395 much of a priority as concessions are. We support the measures that keep our 100 00:07:36,555 --> 00:07:40,435 waterway safe, and we appreciate the difficult decisions that sometimes have to be made. However, 101 00:07:41,255 --> 00:07:44,775 we also believe there is an opportunity to improve the process through a more timely 102 00:07:45,475 --> 00:07:49,415 communication, clear public signage and consistent enforcement for 103 00:07:49,795 --> 00:07:52,995 everyone that uses the lake, not just those who have contracts with the city. 104 00:07:53,805 --> 00:07:57,565 thank you for your time and everything you guys do for parks. Thank 105 00:07:57,915 --> 00:08:01,765 you. Our next speaker 106 00:08:02,075 --> 00:08:05,565 will be patricia bobbeck, followed by chris flores and then 107 00:08:06,095 --> 00:08:08,565 piper lemoine. 108 00:08:21,405 --> 00:08:23,745 you'll have three minutes from the time you begin speaking. 109 00:08:29,625 --> 00:08:33,435 good evening board members. As always, thank you for your service to the 110 00:08:33,755 --> 00:08:37,755 citizens of austin. First, I would like to compliment zilker park for getting 111 00:08:37,915 --> 00:08:41,455 the food trucks out of the barton springs pool parking lot, 112 00:08:42,215 --> 00:08:45,945 and for not allowing food vendors to set up stands tonight. 113 00:08:46,435 --> 00:08:50,345 we wanna bring your attention, bring to your attention evidence that fishermen 114 00:08:51,375 --> 00:08:55,365 invade barton springs pool at night last week while snorkeling, 115 00:08:56,365 --> 00:09:00,235 I saw a 12 inch bass with a fishing line and a lead weight hanging 116 00:09:00,825 --> 00:09:04,705 out of its mouth. It gradually got weaker for a few days before 117 00:09:05,125 --> 00:09:08,795 it disappeared. I imagine his carcass will eventually 118 00:09:09,585 --> 00:09:12,555 release the fish hook and lead weight into the pool. 119 00:09:14,275 --> 00:09:18,195 I also found a piece of plastic in the pool 120 00:09:18,585 --> 00:09:21,705 that a lifeguard identified as a fishing lure. 121 00:09:22,765 --> 00:09:25,995 lifeguards tell me that last week, a fish hook punctured a swimmer. 122 00:09:26,865 --> 00:09:30,755 imagine a child encountering a fish hook and imagined a fish hook 123 00:09:31,375 --> 00:09:35,315 in the eye. Other patrons have talked about an individual who gets 124 00:09:35,545 --> 00:09:39,315 fish outta the lake and throws them into the pool. Last friday 125 00:09:39,735 --> 00:09:43,535 for the first time in my 50 years of swimming in barton springs, I saw 126 00:09:43,755 --> 00:09:47,665 a two foot long asian carp, a big fat blue 127 00:09:47,955 --> 00:09:51,655 fish in the deep end of the pool. This species was 128 00:09:52,155 --> 00:09:55,405 supposedly introduced into texas water bodies to eat vegetation 129 00:09:56,615 --> 00:10:00,395 and has now started eating other fish. This activity seems incompatible 130 00:10:01,745 --> 00:10:04,315 with the presence of the federally protected salamander. 131 00:10:05,875 --> 00:10:09,055 in light of these activities, I would like to propose at barton springs, either 132 00:10:09,885 --> 00:10:13,575 hire security guards to control the pool perimeter from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am 133 00:10:14,955 --> 00:10:18,795 not in vehicles or install cameras to 134 00:10:19,015 --> 00:10:22,835 detect these individuals. In both cases, the perpetrators should be 135 00:10:23,185 --> 00:10:25,735 prosecuted. Second item of business. 136 00:10:27,395 --> 00:10:31,055 can the board provide information on when the bar spring snack bar will reopen 137 00:10:32,155 --> 00:10:35,895 to sell food? It was closed, it was demolished in 2016, 138 00:10:37,535 --> 00:10:41,125 reconstructed at a cost of almost a million of my tax dollars completed 139 00:10:41,735 --> 00:10:45,055 in 2020 and has been vacant since then. 140 00:10:46,275 --> 00:10:49,845 in the interest of swimmer safety and lifeguard sanity, alcohol 141 00:10:50,355 --> 00:10:54,275 should not be sold at the snack bar. Third item of 142 00:10:54,735 --> 00:10:58,395 business. I speak for a number of tax paying citizens who 143 00:10:58,985 --> 00:11:02,545 would like to be able to swim in bartlet springs year round. In recent years, 144 00:11:03,285 --> 00:11:06,875 semi-trailers have moved into zilker park area in 145 00:11:07,335 --> 00:11:11,295 september to set up for acl and obstruct traffic to the pool until the end 146 00:11:11,495 --> 00:11:15,415 of october. Heavy equipment, no doubt, adds unnecessary stress to 147 00:11:15,615 --> 00:11:19,575 the barton springs road bridge and probably adds to the sentiment to 148 00:11:20,085 --> 00:11:23,845 replace it with a concrete monstrosity. The austin 149 00:11:24,195 --> 00:11:28,085 city limits festival can be proud of its success and growth over the last 20 150 00:11:28,365 --> 00:11:32,085 years. Now it's time to recognize that the festival has outgrown 151 00:11:32,705 --> 00:11:36,515 its britches and needs to move to a modern facility that has toilets, 152 00:11:37,435 --> 00:11:41,085 astroturf, and parking. Thank you. I'll stop there. Thanks so much. 153 00:11:42,345 --> 00:11:46,135 our next speaker will be chris flores, followed by piper lemon. 154 00:11:50,155 --> 00:11:53,865 uh, good evening, um, parks board members. My name is chris flores. 155 00:11:54,485 --> 00:11:58,225 I am in district 10. I'm speaking to you tonight, uh, 156 00:11:58,965 --> 00:12:02,735 speaking to you tonight to ask for additional information to be added to the parks 157 00:12:03,085 --> 00:12:06,285 department's website. This item is not on your agenda. 158 00:12:07,425 --> 00:12:11,265 um, I brought pictures from a july 4th walk. I took around the 159 00:12:11,485 --> 00:12:15,305 lake trail. First, I was delighted to stumble on a fixed up 160 00:12:15,675 --> 00:12:19,645 walkway down to my favorite tree on the lake. In my marathoning 161 00:12:20,045 --> 00:12:23,985 years, I nicknamed it capitan. I can confess now in my old age, 162 00:12:24,325 --> 00:12:28,305 I pruned back the thorny brambles to be able to get down to that water and 163 00:12:28,585 --> 00:12:32,335 the tree and hug and hug it. Um, the new stone 164 00:12:32,705 --> 00:12:36,235 stairs are solid rock. The craftsmanship 165 00:12:37,265 --> 00:12:40,955 is superb. The custom minimal steel railing, amazingly 166 00:12:41,565 --> 00:12:45,125 perfect for that spot. The modernist corten steel sidewall, 167 00:12:45,775 --> 00:12:48,995 again, impeccably crafted zero plastic. 168 00:12:50,275 --> 00:12:54,125 it's fabulous. The walk down was safe. I could hold 169 00:12:54,365 --> 00:12:58,365 the rail and focus on hundreds of butterflies and flowers on the way down to the tree. 170 00:12:59,075 --> 00:13:02,885 this walkway garden is a destination. People could get married there. 171 00:13:03,355 --> 00:13:06,845 it's that beautiful. Um, compared to the before, 172 00:13:07,435 --> 00:13:11,195 sliding down on one's bottom in brambles and mud, it's 173 00:13:11,485 --> 00:13:15,385 a fantastic transformation. I tried to research how 174 00:13:15,605 --> 00:13:19,425 much did this cost, this project, who were the crafts people and 175 00:13:19,645 --> 00:13:23,435 the designers, what bond funded it, which government and nonprofit contributed 176 00:13:25,105 --> 00:13:28,665 the dollars? But the sign did not reach this level of detail. 177 00:13:29,685 --> 00:13:33,365 a search of the parks projects online via the parks department's website 178 00:13:33,945 --> 00:13:37,625 has great info. Eight pages of big projects, but no 179 00:13:38,035 --> 00:13:41,595 info on small trail amenities like the path to el capitan. 180 00:13:42,905 --> 00:13:46,445 can there be a section on the parks and recreation projects, 181 00:13:47,585 --> 00:13:51,285 uh, web webpage that features the things that are being 182 00:13:51,615 --> 00:13:55,365 added to the lake trail? Um, uh, here's 183 00:13:55,765 --> 00:13:59,725 another trail garden I want to speak about. But before I move on 184 00:13:59,925 --> 00:14:03,845 to that, let me show the slides. So I want you guys to see what I saw. 185 00:14:04,075 --> 00:14:07,865 this is from the top looking down. This was never clear and open. You 186 00:14:08,085 --> 00:14:11,645 just have to get on your butt and slide on the mud down. Next slide. 187 00:14:12,555 --> 00:14:16,525 this is the cor 10 wall, uh, steel wall, uh, along the 188 00:14:16,725 --> 00:14:20,385 stairs. It's just beautiful. Look at that railing. You can see the plants. You barely see 189 00:14:20,885 --> 00:14:22,165 the railing. Next slide. 190 00:14:28,705 --> 00:14:30,455 next slide. Oh, 191 00:14:34,905 --> 00:14:38,015 it's the tree. No, no, that's, that's a different topic. Um, 192 00:14:38,945 --> 00:14:41,435 well, I guess the tree didn't make it. Anyways. It's the largest 193 00:14:43,905 --> 00:14:47,555 tree on the lake. A tall cypress that's probably, I don't know, 194 00:14:47,975 --> 00:14:51,825 two, 300 years old. Anyways, um, there's another trail 195 00:14:52,175 --> 00:14:55,935 garden on the pfluger, uh, pedestrian bridge. It's overgrown 196 00:14:56,535 --> 00:15:00,335 with vines. It used to look like pruned, like a japanese garden. 197 00:15:01,225 --> 00:15:05,165 there are remnants of a plastic outdoor art installation that looked dystopian 198 00:15:05,785 --> 00:15:09,125 today. Um, I would like to learn about who owns 199 00:15:09,845 --> 00:15:13,455 that maintenance and when was it billed? How much did it cost? 200 00:15:13,925 --> 00:15:16,775 same things. Thank you very much. 201 00:15:18,385 --> 00:15:19,495 thank you very much for your time. 202 00:15:24,295 --> 00:15:27,185 our next speaker will be piper lemoine. 203 00:15:28,815 --> 00:15:31,525 very good. Yeah, just about. 204 00:15:36,555 --> 00:15:36,775 all right. 205 00:15:51,055 --> 00:15:54,935 can everybody hear me? Oh, there it is. Okay. Got it all. Good evening everyone. My 206 00:15:55,155 --> 00:15:58,025 name is piper lemoyne. I am from rancho leray, a homegrown 5 5 0 1 207 00:15:59,195 --> 00:16:02,835 c3 grassroots nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting junto music. 208 00:16:03,495 --> 00:16:07,315 we finally recovered from our three day whirlwind celebration of junto music at the iconic 209 00:16:07,765 --> 00:16:11,515 doris miller auditorium. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, to anybody with an earshot. 210 00:16:12,165 --> 00:16:15,925 being able to present junto music on the same stage that hosted little richard chuck 211 00:16:16,435 --> 00:16:20,315 berry, uh, count basey, edit james. And so many more is a dream come true for us 212 00:16:21,365 --> 00:16:24,875 every day. I'm thankful that the city owns that building because its history is unmatched 213 00:16:25,475 --> 00:16:29,435 in a town that is regularly tearing down privately owned music venues. But I 214 00:16:29,555 --> 00:16:33,395 come to you tonight with a proposal since acme was formed last year and includes several 215 00:16:33,805 --> 00:16:37,675 parks and rec staff and departments. I have a suggestion that we'll take advantage of this 216 00:16:38,115 --> 00:16:42,075 consolidation of city functions. Increase the reservation time period for city 217 00:16:42,275 --> 00:16:45,585 grant funded projects like ours. We were funded through elevate, through acme, 218 00:16:46,375 --> 00:16:50,195 um, from six months to one year. I suggested during the listening 219 00:16:50,595 --> 00:16:54,205 sessions while acme was being formed, but I completely understand 220 00:16:54,745 --> 00:16:58,685 if it was deprioritized or put in a parking lot as the department found its footing 221 00:16:58,965 --> 00:17:02,925 and rolled out new grant programs. As a software developer myself, I un I 222 00:17:03,045 --> 00:17:06,805 also understand that there's a reservation system that may need some kind of code change to accommodate 223 00:17:07,325 --> 00:17:11,325 this. But this simple change can really help the stability 224 00:17:11,505 --> 00:17:15,045 of annual events presented by grassroots groups like ours, in particular, 225 00:17:15,875 --> 00:17:19,765 with a longer reservation period and a date much further down the road. It gives us time 226 00:17:20,005 --> 00:17:23,995 to find sponsors and other funding to supplement the city of austin award. Most 227 00:17:24,285 --> 00:17:27,245 corporate sponsors want at least six months notice, for example, for sponsorships. 228 00:17:28,745 --> 00:17:32,325 um, it, it gives ticketed events even more time to sell advanced tickets. 229 00:17:33,105 --> 00:17:36,905 uh, promotion can begin much sooner allowing tourists to make their travel plans and 230 00:17:37,365 --> 00:17:41,085 specifically book hotel rooms. Uh, it gives events that book nationally. Touring 231 00:17:41,485 --> 00:17:45,485 artists even more of a selection six months ahead of time is usually too short of a time 232 00:17:45,705 --> 00:17:49,265 for artists of that caliber whose calendars are already booked up. 233 00:17:50,025 --> 00:17:54,005 it gives smaller organizations with, with annual events like ours. We've done 11 of these 234 00:17:54,195 --> 00:17:58,015 over the last 15 years, and we're the only large scale tejano junto 235 00:17:58,365 --> 00:18:02,205 event, exclusively tejano junto event. Uh, a chance to be 236 00:18:02,445 --> 00:18:06,045 included alongside the big events in city pr and other touristy communications 237 00:18:06,595 --> 00:18:09,965 like the free events in austin calendar, for example, and perhaps 238 00:18:10,645 --> 00:18:14,325 actually grow in whatever way makes sense for each organization. It also includes 239 00:18:14,905 --> 00:18:18,805 en encourage. It also encourages grant funded organizations 240 00:18:19,585 --> 00:18:23,485 and projects to use city facilities for their events. And while this suggestion may 241 00:18:23,645 --> 00:18:27,465 seem modest on the surface, it could really have a major impact 242 00:18:27,945 --> 00:18:31,865 for a lot of grantees who get their funding through thrive elevate or 243 00:18:32,085 --> 00:18:35,355 other city, uh, funded, uh, grant programs through acme. 244 00:18:36,185 --> 00:18:40,125 so, I appreciate your time and consideration, and I also wanna give a shout out to the dolores duffy 245 00:18:40,405 --> 00:18:44,285 recreation staff, lewis and julie and the whole crew over 246 00:18:44,485 --> 00:18:48,375 there. Fantastic facility and we love the doris miller auditorium. Thank 247 00:18:48,725 --> 00:18:50,805 you. Thank you. 248 00:18:55,995 --> 00:18:59,705 is there anyone else present that would like to address the parks and recreation board 249 00:19:00,055 --> 00:19:03,875 during general public comment? That 250 00:19:04,165 --> 00:19:08,125 is the end of general public comment. Okay. Thank you so much. That being our last 251 00:19:08,405 --> 00:19:12,045 public communication. We'll move to agenda item number one, which is approve 252 00:19:12,465 --> 00:19:15,565 the minutes of the parks and recreation board. Regular meeting of june 22nd, 2026. 253 00:19:18,435 --> 00:19:20,685 take a moment to review the minutes if you haven't already. 254 00:19:22,905 --> 00:19:26,695 and I've already shared with mr. Beck that I was here was a ghost to close 255 00:19:27,305 --> 00:19:30,485 out the, uh, the meeting. So we're making that adjustment. 256 00:19:59,885 --> 00:20:02,815 okay. Board members, any changes that need to be made to the meeting minutes, 257 00:20:08,355 --> 00:20:12,185 it doesn't appear so, so I'll move that we approve the minutes of the parks and recreation board. 258 00:20:13,155 --> 00:20:17,055 um, meeting of june 22nd, 2026. Is there 259 00:20:17,255 --> 00:20:21,175 a second? Second. I have a second from board member abu amara. 260 00:20:22,355 --> 00:20:25,505 all those in favor, please raise your hand. 3, 5, 8. 261 00:20:28,835 --> 00:20:32,135 all right. Motion passes. Eight zero. Thank you so much. Board members. 262 00:20:33,155 --> 00:20:36,855 all right. We'll now move to agenda item number two, which is the presentation, 263 00:20:37,495 --> 00:20:41,355 discussion and approval letters of support for golf staff who 264 00:20:41,575 --> 00:20:45,015 completed the restoration of ponds at roy kaiser and jimmy clay golf courses. 265 00:20:50,235 --> 00:20:53,805 good evening. Uh, parks board. Um, lucas massey, assistant director. 266 00:20:54,545 --> 00:20:58,365 uh, excited to be able to come and talk a little bit about, uh, our golf 267 00:20:58,565 --> 00:21:02,565 courses. And one of the restorations we've been able to do, um, on, on our 268 00:21:02,935 --> 00:21:06,725 ponds. Um, we're in a budget season and, and oftentimes 269 00:21:07,455 --> 00:21:10,875 we're, we're golf is an enterprise fund and we're making fund 270 00:21:11,525 --> 00:21:15,405 transfers from, from golf over to cip to to do this type of work. 271 00:21:16,305 --> 00:21:20,285 um, and it, it, you know, so all the, all the money used for this project comes from the 272 00:21:20,445 --> 00:21:24,105 golf fund. Um, just excited to talk about it a little. And 273 00:21:24,455 --> 00:21:28,155 steve hammond's here to kind of run through the presentation. Uh, 274 00:21:28,645 --> 00:21:32,365 good evening parks board members. My name's steve hammond. I'm the operations manager for, uh, golf 275 00:21:32,815 --> 00:21:35,295 a tx in the city of austin parks, uh, golf department. 276 00:21:42,865 --> 00:21:46,855 okay, so what we're gonna do is we're gonna talk about our roy kaiser pond reestablishment project. Uh, 277 00:21:47,315 --> 00:21:51,115 roy kaiser is in district two, um, in southeast austin. It was built in 278 00:21:51,515 --> 00:21:55,475 1994. It was built off of a, out of a, uh, decommissioned water treatment 279 00:21:55,915 --> 00:21:59,795 plant. Um, this was a great use for that piece of 280 00:22:00,155 --> 00:22:04,075 property 'cause it did not have a great deal of vegetation at the time. It was a lot of concrete and steel. 281 00:22:05,135 --> 00:22:08,795 um, and it, we turned it into the first link style golf course, 282 00:22:09,215 --> 00:22:13,155 uh, in the greater austin area. Um, link style, meaning it did 283 00:22:13,315 --> 00:22:17,005 not have a great deal of trees. It had a lot of, a lot of bunkering and rolling hills. 284 00:22:17,375 --> 00:22:21,195 so it's a, it's a beautiful piece of property, and we'll see that in some of the pictures that we show today. 285 00:22:21,695 --> 00:22:25,635 um, one of the things that made it so popular amongst locals 286 00:22:26,035 --> 00:22:29,765 is, is the water features on the gulf course covering approximately 60 acres 287 00:22:30,115 --> 00:22:34,015 throughout the property. Um, it has become a fan 288 00:22:34,555 --> 00:22:38,555 favorite of the, uh, local audubon enthusiast, where it's home 289 00:22:38,815 --> 00:22:42,515 to 120 migratory and non migratory 290 00:22:42,955 --> 00:22:46,795 bird species. Now that right there is a count that was 291 00:22:47,025 --> 00:22:50,835 done, um, during the christmas bird count, but we have over 292 00:22:51,055 --> 00:22:54,855 225 documented species of, uh, waterfowl or, 293 00:22:55,295 --> 00:22:58,045 or birds in general that have been on that property, and 769 294 00:22:59,435 --> 00:23:03,415 different, uh, documented life forms on the property. So, um, our 295 00:23:03,635 --> 00:23:07,495 responsibility to the environment and to the, to those that share the space is, 296 00:23:07,735 --> 00:23:11,695 is something that we take seriously. Um, but at the same time, we currently, uh, 297 00:23:11,915 --> 00:23:15,835 service over 65,000 rounds of golf. So we take those folks pretty serious as well. 298 00:23:17,765 --> 00:23:21,655 um, so we talked about the 60 acres 299 00:23:22,065 --> 00:23:25,885 of ponds. We had very significant noticeable leaking of those ponds in 2016. 300 00:23:27,265 --> 00:23:30,815 and essentially we were flushing water, um, down the drain, um, which 301 00:23:31,355 --> 00:23:35,285 also, uh, cost us money. Um, our cbc bird count 302 00:23:35,585 --> 00:23:39,585 in 2022, uh, excuse me. And, and the, it was unreasonable to, to, to, 303 00:23:40,065 --> 00:23:43,725 to continue to flush that water and try and fill those ponds and 304 00:23:44,125 --> 00:23:48,125 maintain them at an acceptable level. So they, they started to drain and, and 305 00:23:48,325 --> 00:23:52,085 leak water. And of course, everybody knows our drought situation. Uh, our 306 00:23:52,485 --> 00:23:54,925 christmas bird count was down to 45 species in 2022. 307 00:23:56,745 --> 00:24:00,685 and because the golf fund was, uh, in a, in a healthy situation, we started to formulate 308 00:24:01,405 --> 00:24:05,345 a plan to, uh, reestablish these ponds. And we started on 309 00:24:05,565 --> 00:24:09,465 that in 2024 and work started. Um, we funded it, 310 00:24:09,745 --> 00:24:12,885 uh, in 2025, and then work started, uh, here in 2026, 311 00:24:14,425 --> 00:24:18,405 um, sometime around march 1st, I believe. Our solutions that 312 00:24:18,565 --> 00:24:22,275 we investigated. We talked with austin water, we also discussed poly 313 00:24:22,805 --> 00:24:26,505 lining, all of that, um, everything, uh, 314 00:24:27,385 --> 00:24:30,795 in the construction industry right now is being sold, sold by the square foot 315 00:24:31,545 --> 00:24:34,885 and poly lining the, uh, acreage that we needed to do. It became incredibly, 316 00:24:35,585 --> 00:24:39,425 it, it was, it was cost prohibitive. So the parks department has 317 00:24:39,645 --> 00:24:43,445 done a great job, uh, over the last, uh, seven or eight years 318 00:24:43,905 --> 00:24:47,385 in, in having a construction contractor, um, on 319 00:24:47,965 --> 00:24:51,805 contract. And they do a lot of our playground work and construction work throughout the parks department. And, 320 00:24:52,025 --> 00:24:55,005 and paradigm construction was introduced to the project in 2025. 321 00:24:56,195 --> 00:24:59,985 through discussions with them and other general golf course contractors. We 322 00:25:00,445 --> 00:25:04,445 determined that be night was gonna be to be night. These lakes, which is a, 323 00:25:05,025 --> 00:25:09,005 um, powder substance, uh, used to bond soil together, that was going 324 00:25:09,205 --> 00:25:13,185 to be what was the most cost effective and, uh, the 325 00:25:13,405 --> 00:25:17,205 best solution that we could come up with and we can afford to, um, seal these 326 00:25:17,695 --> 00:25:20,885 lakes out. So that work was started in march of 2026. 327 00:25:21,905 --> 00:25:24,925 it began with the removal of a significant amount of vegetation 328 00:25:25,915 --> 00:25:29,725 that had grown in these pond floors, um, over the last 329 00:25:29,945 --> 00:25:33,805 few years where they were dry. Um, we rep, we repaired all 330 00:25:34,005 --> 00:25:37,985 of our compromised weirs, and we'll show you a map in just a second on, um, 331 00:25:38,265 --> 00:25:42,205 the lake structure, the lake's structure, and how they work out and weave throughout the golf 332 00:25:42,445 --> 00:25:46,385 course. Um, so we repaired all of these weirs. Um, we have done an 333 00:25:46,605 --> 00:25:50,195 application of bed night. We have a recirculating pump, 334 00:25:50,745 --> 00:25:54,545 uh, that we can, we can show you where that, uh, goes from and 335 00:25:54,785 --> 00:25:58,495 to, to, uh, uh, continue to aerate the ponds. 336 00:25:58,845 --> 00:26:02,725 and we also, uh, provided some, we put some fountains in the ponding as 337 00:26:02,885 --> 00:26:06,505 well to, you know, provide oxygen to the water, keep us from having bad 338 00:26:07,005 --> 00:26:10,775 algae blooms, and, uh, and create a great environment in there. Right 339 00:26:11,125 --> 00:26:15,025 now, we're, we're north of 70% complete. We're actually closer to 340 00:26:15,245 --> 00:26:19,085 80% complete. Um, on this project. It has been 341 00:26:19,285 --> 00:26:23,265 a very large undertaking. We have been impacted significantly by rains, um, 342 00:26:23,485 --> 00:26:27,365 weather delays. But overall, uh, it's just been a, 343 00:26:27,725 --> 00:26:31,665 a, a, a great project to watch it take shape. Um, up 344 00:26:31,885 --> 00:26:35,725 on your screen, you'll see what it, what the design of this golf course in the pond system 345 00:26:36,055 --> 00:26:39,685 looks like. We don't, we don't really talk about pond number e, 346 00:26:40,305 --> 00:26:44,125 uh, pond, uh, e because that is one of our irrigation ponds, and it holds water. 347 00:26:45,105 --> 00:26:49,045 but we started work on pond number a. And if you see where pond a 348 00:26:49,185 --> 00:26:53,165 drains into b, um, there's an elevation change right there in which there 349 00:26:53,405 --> 00:26:57,045 is a weir going from a to b. And then if you'll see 350 00:26:57,665 --> 00:27:01,555 at the north side of b and the south side of b, you'll see another weir 351 00:27:02,235 --> 00:27:05,995 that drains into c. And uh, c also 352 00:27:06,425 --> 00:27:10,305 shares, uh, uh, elevation with pond d. Um, 353 00:27:11,575 --> 00:27:15,435 if you'll also notice inside of pond d, you'll, you'll see a white area that 354 00:27:15,715 --> 00:27:19,215 is not shaded in blue, that is an island. Uh, this spring 355 00:27:19,855 --> 00:27:23,675 we put in a two and a half acre butterfly garden, um, on that 356 00:27:23,875 --> 00:27:27,015 island, or a pollinator garden, essentially is what it was. Um, 357 00:27:27,935 --> 00:27:31,775 and it took off just very, very well. So, to 358 00:27:31,995 --> 00:27:35,875 date on this project, we have a, b, and c completed, and we are currently 359 00:27:36,425 --> 00:27:39,705 filling, uh, pond number d 360 00:27:40,685 --> 00:27:44,675 and pond g, which is at the top of the screen. That will be done with a soil flocculent. 361 00:27:45,345 --> 00:27:49,305 it won't be, it won't be the full be night process. Uh, the banks are too 362 00:27:49,505 --> 00:27:53,305 steep on the walls, and so we'll have to do a soil flocculent in there, in which, 363 00:27:53,645 --> 00:27:57,505 uh, it's a two part, uh, application, which will bond with the, uh, 364 00:27:57,665 --> 00:28:01,435 soil and help seal those off. We talked about the weirs. 365 00:28:01,785 --> 00:28:05,705 if you look on the left, this is a picture taken. I'm gonna go ahead and 366 00:28:05,825 --> 00:28:09,125 assume, uh, early march. It was nice and chilly outside. Um, 367 00:28:10,165 --> 00:28:14,065 and those were being under the, the, all of our weirs were undermined, and 368 00:28:14,185 --> 00:28:17,925 the, uh, uh, mortar work was cracked on that. So you'll 369 00:28:18,345 --> 00:28:22,185 see a completed version there on the right, uh, where those, those gentlemen are working on the left 370 00:28:22,385 --> 00:28:26,215 and a completed version and filled version on the right. Um, when 371 00:28:26,505 --> 00:28:30,295 we talk about vegetation removal, if you'll see on the left, that 372 00:28:30,605 --> 00:28:33,685 is an, that should be an, uh, a pond. Um, 373 00:28:34,925 --> 00:28:38,885 but with the lack of water, we, we had to remove all of that vegetation so 374 00:28:39,105 --> 00:28:43,105 we could begin work. And that's what it looks like after the vegetation has been removed. 375 00:28:44,445 --> 00:28:48,305 um, when we talked about the application of bags, the bed night comes in one 376 00:28:48,665 --> 00:28:51,545 ton ba bags and is ferried out onto the golf course by tractor. 377 00:28:52,805 --> 00:28:56,745 um, it is dumped, leveled out, and then tilled back 378 00:28:57,085 --> 00:29:00,665 in. Um, I wish I had the, uh, geometry 379 00:29:01,245 --> 00:29:05,045 on how much one bag covers, but I, I, I really don't they, but they, um, 380 00:29:05,525 --> 00:29:09,325 the contractor, uh, basically did a grid on 381 00:29:09,545 --> 00:29:13,285 everything, um, and applied one bag per grid square to 382 00:29:13,625 --> 00:29:17,595 a, a guarantee even treatment. Um, and then this 383 00:29:17,835 --> 00:29:21,695 is, you know, this is early on in the refilling process. You can see on 384 00:29:21,915 --> 00:29:25,845 the right hand side, um, that, uh, you know, those banks 385 00:29:26,285 --> 00:29:29,895 still have be night exposed, uh, as, as that pond is, 386 00:29:30,335 --> 00:29:34,275 is filling up. We're gonna show you some of the benefits of what we have. Of course, we have 387 00:29:34,395 --> 00:29:37,955 a spoon bill on the left, and those are always fun to look at. But on the top and the bottom pictures 388 00:29:38,475 --> 00:29:42,425 on the right, um, it, it, it looks like 389 00:29:42,705 --> 00:29:46,215 a similar picture, but basically that picture is taken from the exact same spot, 390 00:29:46,925 --> 00:29:50,225 and you can see the surface area in which we increased, 391 00:29:51,325 --> 00:29:55,225 um, the ability to maintain water. And, uh, what really got gathered 392 00:29:55,405 --> 00:29:59,005 my attention is, as you're looking at that, you're looking at 393 00:29:59,415 --> 00:30:03,185 pond, uh, a I believe, yes, 394 00:30:03,435 --> 00:30:07,305 pond a, um, on the bottom picture, and in the top picture, you 395 00:30:07,525 --> 00:30:11,525 can actually see pond c in which you cannot see pond c in the, uh, 396 00:30:11,945 --> 00:30:15,785 in, in the, uh, top picture. So that's, that's, that just shows you the 397 00:30:16,005 --> 00:30:18,365 kind of surface area that, uh, we were trying to cover here. 398 00:30:20,385 --> 00:30:23,745 um, you can look the steepness of the banks, uh, 399 00:30:24,745 --> 00:30:28,715 up there on the top right hand picture of the, the work was slow. 400 00:30:29,505 --> 00:30:33,475 uh, it took, it has taken longer than what we anticipated, but, uh, overall, 401 00:30:34,305 --> 00:30:37,985 um, it's, it's turned out to be a very, just a wonderful project. And, 402 00:30:38,785 --> 00:30:42,725 uh, tho those, the egrets there and the coutts, those are, those are 403 00:30:42,885 --> 00:30:46,815 things that are very common to, uh, the, those golf courses. Uh, we've 404 00:30:47,165 --> 00:30:50,765 got a couple of, uh, uh, juvenile 405 00:30:51,205 --> 00:30:55,035 hawks on the left, uh, on our number three teen ground. Um, 406 00:30:55,405 --> 00:30:59,255 another picture of us refilling, you can see that blue tarp where we 407 00:30:59,415 --> 00:31:03,055 have the water coming from, uh, pond b into pond 408 00:31:03,495 --> 00:31:07,115 c, that blue tarp's just to keep erosion from coming. Um, as the water rushes 409 00:31:07,535 --> 00:31:11,535 in, we're just gonna have a series of pictures of what we see out here. I, I, 410 00:31:11,975 --> 00:31:15,895 I, it doesn't matter what the presentation was about, you got a picture of a bald eagle. I'm gonna go ahead 411 00:31:16,015 --> 00:31:19,935 and show it to you. Um, so that was really cool, um, that, that showed up, uh, 412 00:31:20,135 --> 00:31:23,975 one rainy day in march. But this project is not 413 00:31:24,175 --> 00:31:28,135 just about waterfowl, it's about everything that, uh, shares that space with 414 00:31:28,375 --> 00:31:31,655 us. This is a more detailed picture of the before and after that we had earlier 415 00:31:37,675 --> 00:31:41,365 take any questions that y'all have regarding this, but we, we really appreciate the, uh, opportunity 416 00:31:41,945 --> 00:31:45,725 to feature, uh, this golf course, to feature, uh, the work of our golf 417 00:31:46,165 --> 00:31:50,125 division and, uh, our men and women, what they're, what they're putting in. I, I can't 418 00:31:50,365 --> 00:31:51,965 tell you, I've been at this property since 1996. 419 00:31:54,545 --> 00:31:58,545 um, 1995 is when I started working at this piece of property. Uh, 420 00:31:58,885 --> 00:32:02,675 I can't tell you how great it is for me to actually see this project come, 421 00:32:03,115 --> 00:32:07,045 come all the way around, um, and get these things filled back up and return the 422 00:32:07,205 --> 00:32:10,795 golf course to what it, uh, what it used to be way back when. Thank y'all. 423 00:32:11,505 --> 00:32:15,395 yeah. Quick question for me. Um, I know that often projects go a little 424 00:32:15,515 --> 00:32:19,475 bit longer than, than expected to take a little bit longer, but you did mention that this was slower 425 00:32:19,905 --> 00:32:23,435 than anticipated. What added to that being a slower process 426 00:32:24,025 --> 00:32:27,315 than, oh, we, the rain that started 427 00:32:28,055 --> 00:32:31,995 in march really set us back. Everything that we 428 00:32:32,155 --> 00:32:36,035 were doing is we were trying to dry out areas, make the applications, 429 00:32:37,015 --> 00:32:40,925 and then refill back up. And that, that largest pond that we 430 00:32:41,185 --> 00:32:44,645 had, we were very close to being ready to fill it. That was pond 431 00:32:45,205 --> 00:32:49,025 c. We were very close to being ready to fill it. And then, uh, 432 00:32:49,325 --> 00:32:53,275 a rain came that put us back three weeks, and then 433 00:32:54,545 --> 00:32:58,505 we were one workday away from filling it. Um, and 434 00:32:58,765 --> 00:33:02,565 I can't remember what the date was on this, but we got a call from the contractor. They 435 00:33:02,845 --> 00:33:06,805 said we were going to work all day saturday and all day sunday. And if 436 00:33:07,005 --> 00:33:10,925 we would not have worked on sunday, we wouldn't be done with pond sea yet. But that's when that 437 00:33:11,125 --> 00:33:15,065 very large rain came. And it wasn't the july rains, but it was sometime in 438 00:33:15,285 --> 00:33:19,285 june that if they wouldn't have worked that saturday and sunday, that would've set us back another two or 439 00:33:19,485 --> 00:33:23,325 three weeks right there. So all of our, all of our problems have been weather 440 00:33:23,665 --> 00:33:27,565 delays. This hasn't been equipment or anything like that. I appreciate that. Thank 441 00:33:27,805 --> 00:33:31,735 you. Thank you. Board members, thank you so much for the crash 442 00:33:32,105 --> 00:33:35,925 course on ceiling ponds. I, uh, started building a little bit 443 00:33:36,345 --> 00:33:39,665 and, uh, um, definitely, uh, 444 00:33:41,905 --> 00:33:45,725 ai is in agreement with you about, uh, bento not being, um, more cost efficient 445 00:33:46,025 --> 00:33:49,805 for such, uh, uh, uh, huge volume. Uh, so, 446 00:33:50,625 --> 00:33:53,665 uh, but one, one thing I I saw is, um, 447 00:33:54,745 --> 00:33:58,185 uh, bentonite can be challenging on, on 448 00:33:58,985 --> 00:34:02,805 larger slopes and, um, and it might, 449 00:34:03,475 --> 00:34:07,065 like pulley liners can, are the ultimate in, in 450 00:34:07,715 --> 00:34:11,605 ceiling a hundred percent, although they can be prone to punctures and stuff like 451 00:34:11,765 --> 00:34:15,385 that. But bentonite still, you can have some seepage, uh, 452 00:34:15,915 --> 00:34:19,325 when you use it. Is, is that, is there like risk assessment 453 00:34:20,105 --> 00:34:23,945 on, um, um, if, if that can fail at 454 00:34:24,165 --> 00:34:27,725 some point or, yes. Um, it's, it's a, it's a very legitimate concern. 455 00:34:28,345 --> 00:34:32,285 and so because we haven't had grass growing down into the 456 00:34:32,445 --> 00:34:36,225 waterline this entire time there, there was a very large concern about our 457 00:34:36,635 --> 00:34:40,625 more severe slopes. So what we did is once we 458 00:34:40,845 --> 00:34:44,045 got the bed night established into those sloped off areas, 459 00:34:45,025 --> 00:34:48,925 um, it was critical to get those ponds filled as soon as possible. But at the same time, 460 00:34:49,665 --> 00:34:53,355 we ran a 36 inch, uh, strip of sod that we stapled 461 00:34:53,865 --> 00:34:57,545 to the banks all the way around to minimize irrigation, water runoff, 462 00:34:58,075 --> 00:35:01,725 rain runoff, and, uh, try and keep the erosion 463 00:35:02,115 --> 00:35:05,605 from happening at a, at a very large scale. Okay. Thank you so much. You bet. 464 00:35:09,025 --> 00:35:10,505 all right. Anything from our board members online? 465 00:35:13,585 --> 00:35:17,485 oh, that was a, uh, great presentation and thanks for all the hard work. I do want to 466 00:35:17,605 --> 00:35:21,605 come back in and, and thank uh, uh, golf course superintendent scott young, for 467 00:35:21,805 --> 00:35:25,305 all of the documentation that he has done on, and 468 00:35:26,075 --> 00:35:29,705 like real documentation, not like, oh, I saw this the other day. He's has 469 00:35:30,115 --> 00:35:32,965 real documentation on all the species that we have out there. It's really impressive. 470 00:35:34,215 --> 00:35:38,045 alright, we'll go board member kelly, and then board member eubanks, 471 00:35:38,405 --> 00:35:42,365 and then we'll come back here. Okay, go ahead. That was my question. How will you all are 472 00:35:42,805 --> 00:35:46,335 documenting these species? And so is that just at the golf course or is this individual 473 00:35:47,245 --> 00:35:50,985 tracking? No, this, um, scott has a, an inaturalist account. Um, 474 00:35:51,595 --> 00:35:54,775 he's pretty much the smart, smartest person I've ever met, but, uh, he, scott young 475 00:35:55,625 --> 00:35:59,225 has an inaturalist account, and that's where he has all of his 476 00:35:59,805 --> 00:36:03,245 documentation on the different sightings, the rare stuff, the number of sightings. 477 00:36:04,425 --> 00:36:08,125 um, and by, by hobby, he is an incredible bird enthusiast, 478 00:36:08,545 --> 00:36:11,825 uh, to begin with. And that has morphed into all nature. Dragon flies, plants, 479 00:36:14,165 --> 00:36:18,005 larvae. Well, when you all have an updated count, we'd love to hear it an updated 480 00:36:18,335 --> 00:36:22,325 count from, I I saw the decline in birds in 2024, so oh, oh, you bet. 481 00:36:22,485 --> 00:36:26,325 we're, look, we are very much looking forward to having the christmas bird count come in 482 00:36:26,595 --> 00:36:30,445 this year. 'cause they are, they were a little bit upset last year, uh, a couple years ago. 483 00:36:30,785 --> 00:36:34,325 we are very excited about having the cbc come in this year and, and give us a new count. 484 00:36:36,175 --> 00:36:40,025 thank you. Okay. Board member eubank, um, 485 00:36:40,315 --> 00:36:44,095 have you all looked at, um, what sort of wetland vegetation 486 00:36:44,905 --> 00:36:48,875 you might put along the orders of at least some 487 00:36:49,165 --> 00:36:52,965 of those ponds? Have you talked with du people like that 488 00:36:53,215 --> 00:36:57,185 about what might be appropriate and still would, uh, fit 489 00:36:57,465 --> 00:37:01,235 in with, um, golfing? Well, 490 00:37:01,545 --> 00:37:05,485 the, so whenever the, whenever the golf course was built in 95, and then 491 00:37:05,665 --> 00:37:09,445 in, in, in about 97, we did put in some recommended 492 00:37:10,005 --> 00:37:13,885 wetland vegetation, and I am not very well versed on this. We put in some wetland vegetation 493 00:37:15,185 --> 00:37:19,175 and it basically overtook the circumference of every 494 00:37:19,675 --> 00:37:23,585 pond, um, out there because it is so aggressive and because, uh, 495 00:37:23,865 --> 00:37:27,705 it really enjoys wet feet. And we were keeping our pond levels high. Um, 496 00:37:28,865 --> 00:37:32,685 we have had discussions, and this can always be done later, we have had discussions on 497 00:37:32,885 --> 00:37:36,685 what we are going to do down the road, um, regarding putting 498 00:37:36,945 --> 00:37:40,325 in, uh, wetland vegetation. We want to be very cautious on what we introduce 499 00:37:40,955 --> 00:37:44,805 into this, um, to this new construction. But at the 500 00:37:44,965 --> 00:37:48,785 same time, there's a reasonable concern of the stuff that we have had there, the, the, 501 00:37:49,065 --> 00:37:52,925 the species of plants that we have had there, um, returning and coming 502 00:37:53,155 --> 00:37:56,945 back. We still have a significant amount of cattail reed, um, and, 503 00:37:57,225 --> 00:38:01,165 uh, lily pad inside of pond b because pond b did not get 504 00:38:01,285 --> 00:38:04,245 treated all the way, uh, around or all the way down to the bottom. 505 00:38:05,705 --> 00:38:09,325 so the, what we are going to do is yet to be determined. 506 00:38:10,145 --> 00:38:14,055 um, I'm gonna probably go out on a limb and say that the natural vegetation 507 00:38:14,725 --> 00:38:17,485 is gonna come back, uh, more aggressive than we want it to anyway. 508 00:38:19,275 --> 00:38:23,205 well, certainly the tfa will, I promise you. Yeah. Unless you've got 509 00:38:23,325 --> 00:38:26,815 it dug out, . Um, but I'm talking about 510 00:38:27,435 --> 00:38:31,165 appropriate wetland, not aggressive wetland plants 511 00:38:31,635 --> 00:38:35,575 like tfa, like the various li water 512 00:38:35,985 --> 00:38:39,445 lilies, et cetera. We have not, we have not had a discussion on reestablishing 513 00:38:40,005 --> 00:38:41,635 vegetation in there. Okay. 514 00:38:44,125 --> 00:38:48,035 okay. Board member of omar, uh, piggybacking off 515 00:38:48,325 --> 00:38:52,255 what commissioner kelly was talking about that reminded me in the presentation, you said that 516 00:38:52,415 --> 00:38:56,105 earlier there were like, uh, am I understanding that correctly, that there 517 00:38:56,525 --> 00:38:59,975 used to be 125 species of birds and that went down to 45? 518 00:39:01,435 --> 00:39:04,715 is that, uh, yes. On the, on the christmas bird count, um, uh, 519 00:39:05,605 --> 00:39:09,285 area audubon society comes in and does a christmas bird count one day in december because 520 00:39:09,835 --> 00:39:13,725 we are a large migratory waterfowl destination. Um, that, 521 00:39:14,015 --> 00:39:16,975 that christmas bird count had been down to as low as 45 in 2022. 522 00:39:19,015 --> 00:39:22,995 do they come with reasoning for why that might be happening? 523 00:39:23,315 --> 00:39:27,115 surface area of water was surface, area of water was down to about probably 20%. 524 00:39:28,055 --> 00:39:31,595 um, I see because the, of the picture that I showed you of all the blue, 525 00:39:32,135 --> 00:39:36,115 um, out there, that, that equals 60 acres and we were down 526 00:39:36,415 --> 00:39:40,355 to approximately like 18 acres of water. I 527 00:39:40,475 --> 00:39:44,315 see, I see. Okay. Emphasizing the importance of this project. 528 00:39:44,555 --> 00:39:48,265 yeah. Okay. Thank you so much. Okay. 529 00:39:49,045 --> 00:39:52,865 thank you. Board members. We really appreciate, um, the presentation. I'll 530 00:39:53,425 --> 00:39:57,365 read our letter and then ask for a motion from the board. Um, so our letter dated 531 00:39:58,025 --> 00:40:01,465 july 27th, 2026, read steer golf a tx team. 532 00:40:02,095 --> 00:40:05,905 on behalf of the austin parks and recreation board, we would like to recognize and thank golf 533 00:40:06,435 --> 00:40:10,075 a tx and its team for its leadership, its dedication and restoring 534 00:40:10,775 --> 00:40:14,435 the roy kaiser pond. This project addressed a longstanding 535 00:40:14,955 --> 00:40:18,795 infrastructure challenge while improving habitat for migratory and resident wildlife 536 00:40:19,255 --> 00:40:23,035 and enhancing one of boston's most well used public golf courses. Roy kaiser 537 00:40:23,385 --> 00:40:26,955 golf course serves more than 65,000 rounds of golf annually, 538 00:40:27,495 --> 00:40:31,345 as we heard in your presentation. And so the improvements benefit a large number of park 539 00:40:31,765 --> 00:40:35,715 users and the pond restoration also supports, uh, environmental stewardship 540 00:40:36,275 --> 00:40:40,235 by restoring habitat for waterfowl. We got to see that bald eagle today, um, and 541 00:40:40,395 --> 00:40:44,335 many other species as you shared as well, which we are very grateful for. The 542 00:40:44,555 --> 00:40:48,355 board appreciates the thoughtful planning, collaboration, and your commitment to finding 543 00:40:48,755 --> 00:40:52,435 a practical cost-effective solution that will benefit both citizens 544 00:40:52,855 --> 00:40:56,755 and the natural environment for years to come. Your work reflects the parks and 545 00:40:56,875 --> 00:41:00,355 recreations department, uh, their commitment to responsible stewardship of public 546 00:41:00,915 --> 00:41:04,795 resources and to providing high quality recreational spaces for the 547 00:41:04,955 --> 00:41:08,385 austin community. Thank you so much to the golf a tx team, 548 00:41:09,055 --> 00:41:13,035 the project partners, the parks and recreation department staff for your continued dedication 549 00:41:13,495 --> 00:41:17,355 to austin parks and our public golf facilities. Very grateful at 550 00:41:17,515 --> 00:41:20,555 your parks board. Thank you so much. Thank y'all for having us. 551 00:41:21,725 --> 00:41:25,435 thank you. Yeah. Nice fancy paper too. Thank you. We have a lot of, 552 00:41:26,015 --> 00:41:29,435 um, exciting questions. So, um, more to come on that board members, 553 00:41:30,295 --> 00:41:34,125 um, is there a motion to approve our letter? I make a motion. 554 00:41:35,605 --> 00:41:39,565 I make a motion. I make a motion to approve letters of support for golf 555 00:41:39,725 --> 00:41:43,685 staff who completed the restoration of ponds at roy kaiser and jimmy clay golf courses, 556 00:41:43,935 --> 00:41:47,745 which both added challenge to course play and created habitat for 557 00:41:48,075 --> 00:41:51,975 waterfowl. Alright, we've got a motion on the floor from board member villalobos. 558 00:41:52,645 --> 00:41:56,435 do we have a second? I second. We have a second from 559 00:41:56,725 --> 00:42:00,645 board member abbu amara. Um, any additional comments or questions, 560 00:42:00,805 --> 00:42:04,805 board members? All right. Hearing none will go 561 00:42:04,965 --> 00:42:08,005 ahead and take a vote. So all those in favor of approving the letter, please raise your hands. 562 00:42:09,155 --> 00:42:13,045 alright. And it passes unanimously eight to zero. Thank you so 563 00:42:13,205 --> 00:42:17,025 much. Thank you again for that presentation. Alright, moving 564 00:42:17,535 --> 00:42:21,525 right along. We are moving to item number three, which 565 00:42:21,805 --> 00:42:25,345 is approved the parks and recreation board, annual internal review and report. 566 00:42:26,385 --> 00:42:29,835 do we have any speakers on this item, mr. Beck? Okay. Alright, 567 00:42:30,455 --> 00:42:34,325 we'll, um, go give you a moment, uh, to review this as it came 568 00:42:34,525 --> 00:42:38,165 in late. Um, I do wanna note that I'm going to strike something, 569 00:42:39,345 --> 00:42:43,225 um, from section b. It's on page six. Um, 570 00:42:43,505 --> 00:42:47,485 so it'd be page six under june, 2026. That's 571 00:42:47,885 --> 00:42:51,565 the I 35 cap x that was not approved by the board. 572 00:42:52,225 --> 00:42:55,385 um, that was a, um, mistakenly put on the 573 00:42:56,305 --> 00:42:59,925 report. And so we'll strike that and I'll give you 574 00:43:00,645 --> 00:43:01,285 a moment to review 575 00:43:05,415 --> 00:43:09,365 everything underneath that. Yeah, I'll, I'll clarify 576 00:43:09,595 --> 00:43:13,365 that. So, um, so it's just the, let me go back to 577 00:43:13,635 --> 00:43:17,205 page six. It's just the ih 35 578 00:43:17,985 --> 00:43:21,975 all the way to the, the total mitigation to be paid out. So that one paragraph below 579 00:43:22,325 --> 00:43:25,045 it, and then we start with c and that's all correct. 580 00:43:26,985 --> 00:43:27,205 no problem. 581 00:44:33,765 --> 00:44:37,325 board members keep, um, feel free to keep reviewing. Um, we've, 582 00:44:37,775 --> 00:44:40,935 we lived all of this in the last year and so you'll, 583 00:44:41,815 --> 00:44:45,615 um, recognize quite a bit of this as as you're reviewing. But, um, if 584 00:44:45,835 --> 00:44:49,595 there are any questions, I can take those questions now. Sure. Board member 585 00:44:50,215 --> 00:44:54,155 avo. Uh, yeah, question on starts at the bottom 586 00:44:54,535 --> 00:44:58,275 of page eight. Um, board has prioritized the following goals. 587 00:44:59,175 --> 00:45:02,995 do we have an opportunity to revise or add some language in here? 588 00:45:04,625 --> 00:45:06,395 sure. Which one, sorry, we're on. 589 00:45:08,975 --> 00:45:12,915 so the bullet points that are on page nine, we can make 590 00:45:13,115 --> 00:45:17,065 some revisions to that. These are, they're more general in kind of areas that 591 00:45:17,355 --> 00:45:21,175 we've looked at, um, previously, but I'm happy to entertain a revision. So 592 00:45:21,475 --> 00:45:24,895 I, I, I feel like the parks department has done, um, 593 00:45:25,515 --> 00:45:29,035 a great job since I've been on the board and I've been more in tune and recognize 594 00:45:29,535 --> 00:45:33,515 to improve accessibility. Great. Um, and I would like if we 595 00:45:33,635 --> 00:45:37,635 could add at least something about equal, uh, we do have, 596 00:45:38,415 --> 00:45:42,255 uh, equitable access, but if we can put something, maybe use 597 00:45:42,475 --> 00:45:46,455 the word accessibility, um, or equal access 598 00:45:47,215 --> 00:45:50,855 or something like that in maybe bullet two. 599 00:45:53,525 --> 00:45:57,475 would it let, let me read bullet one where I think it might work and 600 00:45:57,635 --> 00:46:01,575 if not we can look at bullet two. Okay. Um, expand equitable access 601 00:46:02,015 --> 00:46:05,835 and accessibility to yeah, that works. Parks recreation program. 602 00:46:06,455 --> 00:46:10,435 is that alright? Okay. Yes. Thank you. I'll accept 603 00:46:10,715 --> 00:46:14,695 that as a friendly revision. Thank you. And 604 00:46:14,915 --> 00:46:18,835 I got really excited on my bullets. I don't know. They came 605 00:46:18,995 --> 00:46:22,815 out large in this print. Anything else? Board members? Any 606 00:46:23,035 --> 00:46:26,815 other questions? Alright, we'll have time for discussion, but, 607 00:46:27,175 --> 00:46:31,035 um, we'll go ahead and ask for a motion at this 608 00:46:31,195 --> 00:46:35,195 time. I 609 00:46:35,425 --> 00:46:39,315 move to approve the parks and recreation board, annual internal 610 00:46:39,475 --> 00:46:43,335 review and report with the amendments. All right. We 611 00:46:43,555 --> 00:46:47,045 have a motion, uh, on the floor from board member villalobos 612 00:46:47,715 --> 00:46:51,715 with the amendment. Do I have a second? Second. We have a second from board member 613 00:46:52,005 --> 00:46:54,675 kerns. Oal. All right. Any discussion board members? 614 00:46:58,215 --> 00:47:01,955 all right. Oh, board member franklin, was that 615 00:47:02,235 --> 00:47:06,025 a raised hand? Okay, just making sure. Alright. 616 00:47:06,775 --> 00:47:10,715 um, seeing none, we will go ahead and call for 617 00:47:10,995 --> 00:47:14,555 a vote. All those in favor? Um, please raise your hand. 618 00:47:17,655 --> 00:47:21,515 all right, we've got eight hands raised, so that passes unanimously. Thank you so 619 00:47:21,675 --> 00:47:25,615 much board members, I appreciate your time. Okay, we 620 00:47:25,865 --> 00:47:29,605 will move right along to our staff briefing, staff briefing on parks 621 00:47:29,885 --> 00:47:33,765 and recreation department, community engagement events, planning updates, development updates, 622 00:47:34,085 --> 00:47:37,245 maintenance updates, program updates, and administrative updates. 623 00:47:44,555 --> 00:47:48,405 good evening. Um, it's not seven o'clock yet. I'm not sure 624 00:47:48,565 --> 00:47:51,055 what to do. It's a little early today. 625 00:47:52,855 --> 00:47:56,685 don't say it. I know, I know. Well, good evening. Thanks for thanks 626 00:47:57,065 --> 00:48:01,005 for the opportunity here. I'll go through. So the regular report, I, I will apologize 627 00:48:01,285 --> 00:48:05,245 ahead of time. I don't believe that this, uh, presentation has any spoon bills 628 00:48:05,785 --> 00:48:09,765 or, uh, bald eagles, but it's got a lot of great pictures of people and some great projects. So, 629 00:48:10,625 --> 00:48:14,425 um, this is our july, 2026 update. Um, and, 630 00:48:14,825 --> 00:48:18,745 uh, in our recreation services, we continue investing in meaningful experiences for 631 00:48:18,965 --> 00:48:22,685 our youth and families. Watershed protection partnered with us to to do a 632 00:48:23,085 --> 00:48:26,955 backpack giveaway at doughty jordan summer playgrounds providing, uh, some 633 00:48:27,305 --> 00:48:31,005 school supplies as well as some education about water. Uh, we also wrapped up the totally 634 00:48:31,355 --> 00:48:34,925 cool totally art summer program, uh, showcase, uh, celebrating 635 00:48:35,485 --> 00:48:39,245 teen creativity throughout the theater, film and visual art. And I believe one of those projects 636 00:48:39,565 --> 00:48:43,245 made it into one of the photos we'll see later. Uh, and importantly, dody jordan hosted 637 00:48:43,705 --> 00:48:47,245 its first inclusive kids night out, giving children a welcoming evening of activities 638 00:48:47,725 --> 00:48:51,685 and providing parents with much needed respite, uh, on the community 639 00:48:51,965 --> 00:48:55,845 recreation side of things. Uh, summer program continues in full swing, even 640 00:48:56,045 --> 00:48:59,985 though we're getting towards the end here. Um, menez recreation center held its 641 00:49:00,205 --> 00:49:03,885 annual teen fishing derby, which is a fun way for teens to enjoy the 642 00:49:04,245 --> 00:49:08,045 outdoors. Uh, our partnership with heb continued a couple of our centers with 643 00:49:08,325 --> 00:49:12,325 the banana block party at virginia brown and the banana blitz at the austin rec center. 644 00:49:12,565 --> 00:49:16,405 and these events really support families with fresh food, uh, activities and community connection, 645 00:49:16,805 --> 00:49:20,405 helping address, uh, childhood food insecurity. During the summer break, 646 00:49:22,535 --> 00:49:25,885 our natural resources, uh, division worked on continuing 647 00:49:26,555 --> 00:49:30,355 the really small museum traveling exhibition, uh, this time 648 00:49:30,605 --> 00:49:34,555 showcasing ceramic art that was created with clay from the blunt creek nature preserve. And 649 00:49:34,715 --> 00:49:37,995 you can see that in the photo. We also welcome, as we've talked at the last meeting, 650 00:49:38,735 --> 00:49:42,315 uh, greater greener, um, and, and several attendees, uh, participate 651 00:49:42,955 --> 00:49:46,835 in nature tours, including kayaking on lady bird lake birding walks with our park rangers, 652 00:49:47,695 --> 00:49:51,355 uh, and it was just an opportunity for these tourists to highlight our commitment, equity education and stewardship 653 00:49:51,955 --> 00:49:55,755 across, uh, austin's natural spaces. On the aquatic 654 00:49:56,235 --> 00:49:59,875 side of things, uh, sare, several major facilities improvements were completed 655 00:50:00,275 --> 00:50:04,235 at colony park, bartholomew, barton springs, and deep betty. Uh, as we 656 00:50:04,555 --> 00:50:08,115 continue to ensure a more safe and reliable operations at all of our facilities, 657 00:50:09,095 --> 00:50:13,035 uh, we're proud to report, uh, that our lifeguard staffing surpassed 1000 lifeguards 658 00:50:13,675 --> 00:50:17,635 for the summer, which is a significant operational milestone. It ensured that all of 659 00:50:17,755 --> 00:50:21,675 our pools could remain open and safe. Uh, our youth programs remained strong with high 660 00:50:22,195 --> 00:50:26,015 participation in the junior, junior lifeguard program and regional swim meets, uh, 661 00:50:26,595 --> 00:50:28,605 exceeded our, uh, turnout from last year. 662 00:50:31,225 --> 00:50:35,045 our architectural development group, uh, hit a major milestone this month with the start of 663 00:50:35,445 --> 00:50:39,285 construction of the historic zilker boat, excuse me, clubhouse. Uh, this full 664 00:50:39,485 --> 00:50:43,485 restoration project, uh, which was funded through the historic preservation funding includes upgraded 665 00:50:44,045 --> 00:50:47,835 utilities, a da compliant restrooms, new gathering areas restored main masonry, 666 00:50:48,385 --> 00:50:52,105 and improved signage. Uh, and we're also fully restoring the lookout point nearby, 667 00:50:52,745 --> 00:50:56,635 uh, construction for that began in july 13th. And, uh, over the next year, this 668 00:50:57,325 --> 00:51:00,845 1934 facility will be re renewed and restored for generations to come. 669 00:51:02,905 --> 00:51:06,765 our park development group, uh, is nearing completion of the new synthetic turf fields at 670 00:51:06,965 --> 00:51:10,685 craig field. Uh, this upgraded multi-purpose field will support year-round programming 671 00:51:11,125 --> 00:51:14,925 with two soccer fields, a da accessible pathways and parking and secure 672 00:51:15,275 --> 00:51:19,085 fencing. Uh, so we're in the punch list phase here and looking forward to opening, 673 00:51:19,745 --> 00:51:23,645 uh, with the ribbon cutting soon. Um, and we've 674 00:51:23,925 --> 00:51:27,725 talked a little bit about how july is parks and recreation month and just last week, on july 23rd, 675 00:51:28,795 --> 00:51:32,725 city council issued an official proclamation celebrating the vital role of parks and 676 00:51:32,805 --> 00:51:36,805 recreation, uh, by declaring national, uh, parks and recreation month here 677 00:51:37,045 --> 00:51:40,705 in austin. Uh, recognizing the role that we play in community health and 678 00:51:41,125 --> 00:51:45,125 quality of life. And this was just a great reminder of all of the work that's done 679 00:51:45,285 --> 00:51:49,285 by our staff, our volunteers, our partners, including all of you, all as well on our boards and commissions 680 00:51:50,025 --> 00:51:53,045 to help create strong, vibrant and welcoming spaces across austin. 681 00:51:54,305 --> 00:51:57,845 and not just during july, but every month we encourage everyone to get out to enjoy a trail, 682 00:51:58,665 --> 00:52:02,325 uh, visit a pool, or spend some time in one of our many centers and really celebrate 683 00:52:02,845 --> 00:52:06,665 the power of parks and recreation. So that is the 684 00:52:06,885 --> 00:52:08,965 report. I'm happy to entertain. Any questions? 685 00:52:11,945 --> 00:52:15,845 any questions, board members? I 686 00:52:15,965 --> 00:52:19,965 have a couple of questions for staff and follow up to the public comment period. Is now a good 687 00:52:20,085 --> 00:52:23,905 time or I can follow up? We, we'll have to follow up 688 00:52:24,185 --> 00:52:27,385 at a different time. Okay. Thank you. Um, 689 00:52:28,345 --> 00:52:30,685 any other questions related to the director's report? 690 00:52:33,835 --> 00:52:36,645 okay. Alright. Oh, yes. Board member, 691 00:52:37,865 --> 00:52:41,765 uh, you mentioned a junior lifeguard program. What is that lucas? 692 00:52:41,925 --> 00:52:45,445 you wanna talk about it? And congratulations 693 00:52:46,385 --> 00:52:50,285 by the way, on, on reaching a thousand lifeguards for the summer. 694 00:52:50,405 --> 00:52:53,275 that is awesome news. Good. 695 00:52:54,935 --> 00:52:58,485 thank you so much. Uh, junior lifeguard program. It, it is just a, a 696 00:52:58,985 --> 00:53:02,465 as as stated kind of a program to get lifeguard, uh, students in 697 00:53:03,305 --> 00:53:07,125 up in speed ready to lifeguard. It's a, a program we often run during 698 00:53:07,365 --> 00:53:11,265 the school year in conjunction with, um, a isd. It's a little muffled 699 00:53:11,695 --> 00:53:12,175 your speaker. 700 00:53:16,915 --> 00:53:20,335 um, so it, it's a, just just as a sense it's a, a program 701 00:53:20,935 --> 00:53:24,835 intended to get some of our, our junior students and swim team up, up and go 702 00:53:25,165 --> 00:53:28,875 in and, and ready to move on to the next stage of, of swimming careers 703 00:53:29,385 --> 00:53:33,265 if they're so, so choose. Do you have data on, 704 00:53:33,705 --> 00:53:37,475 uh, is this the first year that we've done junior lifeguard, um, that, 705 00:53:37,765 --> 00:53:41,595 that it's an ongoing program and then I can certainly get you guys some more data 706 00:53:41,985 --> 00:53:45,925 on the program if you're interested. Yeah, I, I'd be interested to know how many kids 707 00:53:46,205 --> 00:53:49,925 that participate as, as junior in the junior lifeguard program actually 708 00:53:50,415 --> 00:53:53,645 transition when they're age 15, right? Yes. And become 709 00:53:54,855 --> 00:53:58,545 lifeguards. Oh, okay. For the city, it, yeah. I, I have, uh, 710 00:53:58,865 --> 00:54:02,765 two lifeguards, two of my children were lifeguards. And so yeah, I, 711 00:54:03,045 --> 00:54:07,045 I know in the past it's been difficult, um, but I think you guys have done a 712 00:54:07,165 --> 00:54:11,025 great job recruiting, increasing their pay, um, you 713 00:54:11,245 --> 00:54:14,485 know, making the lifeguard red cross training available. 714 00:54:15,665 --> 00:54:19,565 um, so I think, I think it's great. Thank you. Sm we've, we've put a lot of work into, 715 00:54:19,995 --> 00:54:23,875 into navigating a, a bunch of different avenues and that's just one of them. Okay, very 716 00:54:24,165 --> 00:54:28,105 good. Thank you. And such a great first job for 717 00:54:28,325 --> 00:54:29,995 kids. Um, it really is. Yeah. 718 00:54:32,835 --> 00:54:36,525 okay. Um, thank you. Any other questions? 719 00:54:37,335 --> 00:54:41,135 board members online line? Okay. Thank 720 00:54:41,485 --> 00:54:45,475 you very much, director. We very much appreciate it. Bald eagle next time. Alright, 721 00:54:45,965 --> 00:54:49,315 we'll work on it. , were there other questions? Uh, not from the report that 722 00:54:50,065 --> 00:54:52,985 are you gonna entertain any of those questions? I'm happy to try to respond to any of them, but 723 00:54:55,305 --> 00:54:58,865 I was just curious about, um, uh, 724 00:54:59,835 --> 00:55:03,685 what are you all, let's see, so we heard about, um, unauthorized 725 00:55:05,285 --> 00:55:08,845 activity at barton springs overnight. What have you all heard about that? 726 00:55:10,635 --> 00:55:14,545 yeah, um, there is a lot of activity that happens in, in 727 00:55:14,765 --> 00:55:18,645 and around that pool and in the park. Uh, obviously when the pool is not open, 728 00:55:19,425 --> 00:55:23,405 uh, we really are not able to control who tried to, who jumps in the over the fence or 729 00:55:23,605 --> 00:55:27,035 who tries to, to restock the water with, with rogue fish. 730 00:55:27,985 --> 00:55:31,905 um, uh, you know, certainly it is a concern in terms of making sure the folks don't jump in 731 00:55:32,145 --> 00:55:36,125 and, and end up hurting themselves. And unfortunately, uh, it tends to be folks 732 00:55:36,345 --> 00:55:40,105 who often is, uh, who are under the influence of some sort. So, um, 733 00:55:40,665 --> 00:55:44,265 it is, it is a concern. I know there's, there's been questions around security guards 734 00:55:44,745 --> 00:55:48,685 and cameras, et cetera. We do have, as part of the renovation of the bathhouse, some 735 00:55:48,925 --> 00:55:52,635 cameras that are installed in the building itself, but not throughout the whole pool. Yeah. 736 00:55:54,625 --> 00:55:58,055 and, and those cameras face outwards not. Yeah. Yeah. Understood. 737 00:55:58,725 --> 00:56:02,445 yeah. And then on the, the non permitted 738 00:56:03,405 --> 00:56:07,265 operators entering the waterway, what, what recourse, if any, do 739 00:56:07,485 --> 00:56:11,305 we have for yeah. Um, you know, there there's not much that we can do. We don't patrol 740 00:56:11,745 --> 00:56:15,535 the lake per se. Uh, obviously a pd and, and certainly during the water we've 741 00:56:15,885 --> 00:56:19,845 been, our partners at the fire department will keep an eye on things in watershed protection. We're, we're 742 00:56:20,085 --> 00:56:23,605 trying to encourage folks to get off the water. Um, it's, it's a perennial problem. 743 00:56:24,105 --> 00:56:27,225 uh, we appreciate the compliance that our, that our permitted concessionaires, 744 00:56:28,425 --> 00:56:32,325 um, continue to, to adhere to, but it's just really difficult for 745 00:56:32,445 --> 00:56:36,325 us to keep an eye on those. We do have park rangers that when we get reports, we send them out to 746 00:56:36,485 --> 00:56:39,805 try to engage with folks. Um, but it's a pretty, pretty tough thing to do. 747 00:56:41,255 --> 00:56:45,165 thank you. Yep. Board member , um, follow 748 00:56:45,585 --> 00:56:49,485 up question. The comment about signage. Yep. Like people that had 749 00:56:49,645 --> 00:56:53,605 their own, you know, paddle boards, whatever went out, didn't realize that, that there 750 00:56:53,845 --> 00:56:57,755 was a closure. Is there anything that you guys can do to improve that 751 00:56:58,405 --> 00:57:02,285 communication to the general public through signs, through, I don't know, social 752 00:57:02,525 --> 00:57:06,445 media text messaging? Yeah, absolutely. And, and you know, I, I, I think, I think we, 753 00:57:06,645 --> 00:57:10,345 we learned a lot from this ban and, and part of it was trying to just, uh, 754 00:57:10,785 --> 00:57:14,765 set a, a consistent criteria. So obviously this is, this is a coordinated 755 00:57:15,165 --> 00:57:19,055 effort between us emergency management, watershed protection, austin water, 756 00:57:19,465 --> 00:57:23,425 and lcra. So there's a lot of, you know, alphabet agencies involved trying 757 00:57:23,845 --> 00:57:27,765 to understand the standard when austin water opens the floodgates. I think we're trying 758 00:57:27,885 --> 00:57:31,525 to land on whenever the floodgates open, we're gonna stop that to, to help with that messaging. 759 00:57:31,925 --> 00:57:35,845 but, you know, we pushed that out in our social media. Um, but, but I think we could 760 00:57:36,045 --> 00:57:39,835 do better about communicating and certainly signage where possible. Um, it's, 761 00:57:40,125 --> 00:57:43,925 it's really difficult for us to put signs all over the place, but certainly getting the word out on social media 762 00:57:44,305 --> 00:57:48,245 and, and then we certainly send out press releases, et cetera. So, but it's, 763 00:57:48,485 --> 00:57:52,285 it's definitely something we need to continue to work on. I'm not, 764 00:57:52,665 --> 00:57:56,605 I'm not trying to be a stickler, but we, um, I 765 00:57:56,725 --> 00:58:00,725 feel like we're deviating and I don't want our board to get in trouble. We're deviating from the posted agenda item. 766 00:58:03,395 --> 00:58:06,985 yeah. Um, okay. We are going to move on, 767 00:58:07,425 --> 00:58:11,265 uh, to future agenda items. This is for, and thank you. Thank you director. Uh, 768 00:58:11,555 --> 00:58:15,445 this is generally for items that are ready to be presented. So if you'd like to 769 00:58:15,605 --> 00:58:19,565 request a memo, if you have follow up questions about different things, those can be sent 770 00:58:19,805 --> 00:58:23,785 to staff, um, for you to get additional details. So this is future 771 00:58:24,205 --> 00:58:26,605 agenda items that are ready to move forward and be presented. 772 00:58:29,675 --> 00:58:33,435 I'll take a moment looking like none. Um, okay. 773 00:58:34,065 --> 00:58:37,925 um, thank you so much. We, um, are now at 7 0 3 774 00:58:39,065 --> 00:58:42,125 and without any objection, I'll adjourn the meeting of the parks and recreation board. 775 00:58:43,495 --> 00:58:46,805 we're done. I.