[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6657870,"mediaKeyId","5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331","parentId",5065384,"title","APF-funded security audit recommends dedicated PARD security role, lighting and CPTED measures; staff to prioritize short-term fixes","audioSeconds",1420,"startMs",7936000,"endMs",9356000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331&start=7936&end=9356","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331/thumbnail_7936000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6657870/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/APF-funded-security-audit-recommends-dedicated-PARD-security-role-lighting-and-CPTED-measures-staff-to-prioritize-short-term-fixes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657870-abf46529c6ee1c6b3f61bf4b8dcf0561/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432693&Signature=U23SETcCUw~M5003x9yo33iLYF6ygxStQLV2SVb343AYQn5lB6kLApB8yojhSylgNVgLSMVcsyVeYKzNPA6d3nhsI36xs1E1AxHC33WBEDbnXmVSgZIAIBJy~NxLIEzpX2AZsPkQ3Slu5jG8SiRGbGUpl3Nc4MwqGUbmuj5bsUbM4nuoiTiACL5DklLizV~EYcGd-LwMhKXz0Jofn5X4BWIhrcp6A8udrPmuVP49I~Ihdy2LXDeqUX1U20w8gU4jU6u2guZJEWu8hhNKyomcZ8E8D4-wYx1MBvQmbxsVGLOUR0dxcIbdTOx9Mh4qbvHSwlh70f2siXFxZOMhgkIEdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-06-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Austin Parks and Recreation Department presented findings from a citywide safety and security audit conducted by Arup and funded by the Austin Parks Foundation. The report, based on stakeholder interviews, APD crime data, park-ranger reports and 30 site visits, recommended near-term and longer-term changes spanning governance, lighting, signage, staffing and operational procedures.

Amanda Ross, division manager for Natural Resources at PARD, said the department worked with APF to commission the audit to document existing physical and operational security measures, identify vulnerabilities and produce actionable recommendations. Joy Kosnowski of the Austin Parks Foundation described APF's role as funder and administrative partner on the contract and said the foundation intended the audit to produce a practical dashboard and priorities list PARD could implement.

Arup presented key findings: property crimes near parks were dominated by larceny/theft and motor-vehicle theft; crimes against society (disorderly conduct and drug offenses) were the second largest category; and park-ranger incident logs most often recorded dog off-leash, park closure violations, alcohol-related incidents and fires. Arup noted that many parks were designed before current safety expectations and that uneven application of security measures (lighting, vegetation management, access control and monitoring) created 'patchwork' vulnerabilities across sites.

Recommendations were organized into guidance and standards compliance, strengthened interagency partnerships, process improvements and lighting upgrades. Phase 1, near-term actions that Arup and staff identified as priorities, include:

- Create a dedicated PARD safety-and-security role or team to coordinate standards and projects across all PARD assets.
- Develop and publish tailored operating procedures and training for staff on when/how to contact APD and the Homeless Strategy Office; create training decks in partnership with APD.
- Improve signage, including unique site identifiers and 311 contact information, to help the public report issues by location.
- Implement lighting improvements using warm color temperature fixtures, correct controls for daylight savings and prioritized maintenance.
- Adopt an annual security-audit cadence and a decision dashboard to prioritize measures by cost, effectiveness and equity.

Arup's presentation included estimated costs and a dashboard tool for filtering recommendations by effectiveness and cost. Multiple board members stressed community engagement, and Arup and PARD staff said many recommendations will need neighborhood input (for example, vegetation management that affects tree canopy and sight lines).

Board members asked about signage, reporting mechanisms and coordinating responses to people experiencing homelessness; staff acknowledged those are complex, cross-departmental issues and highlighted the need to partner with APD, the Homeless Strategy Office and community groups. PARD said it will review and finalize the audit report with Arup, prioritize phase 1 items that can be implemented quickly and return to the board with an implementation plan and proposed resourcing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Parks and Recreation Board - Jun 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","An audit of parks safety and security funded by the Austin Parks Foundation and conducted by Arup recommended a mix of immediate and long-term actions including a dedicated safety and security role within Parks and Recreation, standardized lighting and signage, stronger APD coordination and short-term process and training fixes.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657875,"Trust for Public Land ranking prompts board, public calls for funding equity and transparency",2279,4863000,7142000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331&start=4863&end=7142","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331/thumbnail_4863000.jpg","/articles/6657875/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Trust-for-Public-Land-ranking-prompts-board-public-calls-for-funding-equity-and-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657875-b1642e8394cfa2fcc93fc5d057b17f38/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432693&Signature=cvZGmTgOOmPVqewnLCHlAsXSKxbR1MN2CJ8Fl66WVxfwCt7X37Nnx~7MWB2zoE5FVEWY5uLzvegK9OIqrSUQFpOB2Gq3IahxBrK6n4AYJaD7y-e7h30K4zX9EwXQdDn0tewrm2UfE9bU3OZz9mYUj9KFq2mbCXEmTF06rFNMNL5L72C5BAn49A8wDNLBVGE-J6RVlXbLeeFShFldU0699SPbXBHeGvtkabnfo8hdwb3rlkvf-UgaZMuDbGfxfgnjlqcbzllWpeFLnE~bP5rWEcsrTDXbkjQEnsV09pPlAKbIhScGTCOvuGqzMKNjmWGfnOCZXMzs0D3INS~Dh8kmlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board Member Eubanks opened a board discussion on the Trust for Public Land's latest ParkScore, which placed Austin 54th among the 100 most populous U.S. cities. The report measures acres per resident, access (10-minute walk), amenities, equity and investment; the board reviewed component scores and an observed 10-place decline.

Public speakers raised concerns that private philanthropy and nonprofit partners have concentrated capital improvements downtown and in affluent districts, leaving some neighborhoods ' particularly in East Austin and other lower-income areas ' without comparable investment. Robin Rather of Rewild ATX and Gail Rody of Free Wild Austin each called for the board to examine the partnership model, ensure funding for maintenance and restoration, and pursue equitable distribution of capital and operating resources. Bertha Rendon Delgado and other East Austin residents criticized perceived underinvestment in District 3 parks and said neighborhood master-plan priorities have gone unfulfilled.

Board members said the ParkScore is one metric among many but that the decline merited a policy-focused review. Eubanks noted the city's partnership model dates to a 2020 resolution and asked staff to look at trends since that date; he and others requested a future agenda item that would present a clear accounting of public and private investment, the role of park foundations and conservancies, and options for funding that could address equity gaps.

Several board members stressed the need to compare Austin to similarly sized cities with different governance models (for example, metro or regional park systems funded by dedicated levies) to identify structural options. The board asked staff to assemble prior briefings and reports on partnerships to inform a deeper review; some members suggested inviting academic or external research partners for independent analysis.

No formal action was taken; board members asked staff to return with materials and recommended next steps.

Speakers who appeared during the public comment portion included community advocates and neighborhood leaders calling for stronger maintenance funding, transparent partnership accounting and neighborhood engagement in master-plan implementation.","The Trust for Public Land's latest ParkScore placed Austin 54th among the 100 largest U.S. cities and a drop of 10 places from the prior report. Board members and multiple public commenters urged deeper review of partnership spending, equity, and how investments are distributed across council districts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657879,"Parks board recommends Legacy Hospitality for Zilker Cafe concession after contested RFP; vote 6-1",2050,2775000,4825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331&start=2775&end=4825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331/thumbnail_2775000.jpg","/articles/6657879/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Parks-board-recommends-Legacy-Hospitality-for-Zilker-Cafe-concession-after-contested-RFP-vote-6-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657879-34032efa43f1c57b7366ff13d810f199/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432693&Signature=O211PewvwsBvuP8vfJ9kL1K~EGSawHgLydvqI5UEjQZBT03nJybEeHFaHF1sCO5B57jThJmn72fB2KTo5HveOOGokC0xdXIfN8BiFUise~6Hzs-Ygk0~xd8ZEccgRQVZ~yV48Gw48cIERNTq3KsVRiJPfr1OiaZxSbZLqq7iVV~fxvXTqI9kC6hogsVBGMmbOpKqPYZ~xr89Y-uXbKKq7Yjwwy8ZiFQrWG2n9OB8j2IF76EdJmxw3d-6xZv-Heqwb1oxQZutNy4Su8eCC2f83qRFQRrRSci72y0jnZ2Gzfimi9ZHhi8GlDPRuzULveWlYHMOpu7x0MpMlkaH-L4XlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted 6-1 to recommend the city negotiate and execute a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC to operate the long-vacant Zilker Cafe concession at Zilker Park.

The council recommendation follows a procurement process that closed with a single respondent. Paul Trimble of Central Procurement told the board the RFP opened Feb. 24 and closed with one proposal; Legacy Hospitality scored 70 out of 100 in the evaluation (management plan, operating plan, cost/financial plan and qualifications were scored; Legacy did not qualify for local or small-business preference points). The solicitation required the concessionaire to operate during preferred park hours, provide healthy and affordable menu options, maintain equipment and building systems and prohibited alcohol sales at the site.

Public commenters raised environmental and site-specific concerns before the vote. Chris Flores, a regular Barton Springs swimmer, asked the board to ensure any contract required the vendor to be aware of environmentally sensitive habitat behind the cafe near Eliza Spring and to manage grease and other risks so salamander habitat would not be harmed. Ty Schauffman, a founder of Legacy Hospitality who called in during public comment, introduced his company and said Legacy had experience operating public-facing hospitality in parks and similar settings and that the company would work with city staff on environmental protections.

Board members questioned why the solicitation drew only one proposal. Procurement staff said outreach had reached hundreds of registered vendors and that the city advertised in the Austin American-Statesman. Trimble said two vendors who discussed the opportunity cited the prohibition on alcohol sales as a primary reason for not proposing; several others cited cost and revenue-share concerns tied to food-cost inflation. Staff said the minimum financial terms included a base monthly payment and a 10% gross sales revenue share; the RFP specified a $7,000 monthly minimum as the baseline.

During discussion, board members voiced competing priorities: some urged getting the cafe reopened as soon as possible to provide visitor services and revenue, while others warned the revenue model may be challenging without alcohol sales and pressed for guardrails to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

Vice Chair Flowers made the motion to recommend negotiation and execution of the contract; Board Member Villalobos seconded. The motion passed 6-1, with Board Member Eubanks recorded in opposition.

Next steps: city staff will begin negotiations with Legacy Hospitality; any final contract will require city council authorization and further review under the city's procurement and contract rules.

No final contract was executed at the board meeting; the board authorized a recommendation to council to begin negotiations.","The Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted 6-1 to recommend negotiating a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC to operate the Zilker Cafe. The item followed public comment raising environmental concerns and a procurement process that produced a single proposal.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6657883,"Parks board unanimously backs letter supporting senior centers, cites meal and transportation services",2027,823000,2850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331&start=823&end=2850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065384-bb522ba4d152dad1cd863364b00b2331/thumbnail_823000.jpg","/articles/6657883/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Parks-board-unanimously-backs-letter-supporting-senior-centers-cites-meal-and-transportation-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6657883-75cbaf71c4ee272ca1bee1b40f1e4d10/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432693&Signature=Jub41B59STKmUmNStFo7WNdmzIbOj7zd837Veirxs9VLDEnf59Qg3JTaFrA~5dmQ5QPKyRWazIsQS~xqQXT6cyMCUhYCs4JQhV81GUfvJlCm6MhlL4laefPyDw3gcDwnMjtYXUHJVZfk62qdk~enzKwBwwgOVwjWwTymV3C2c4T2Xo1b9hoJOxiJgEadApIF-U9ycP4~XlHztq7ZToROhC6MgKXkgU7Tyt0iOZcrL6BPWAAZToY-fJ10etj~uz7v~9kG~P8UyqJc~jXZDRM4ltuDRsF0b-G1KjjmuLMLXmSY9fQADwgmaAWhAQIMULIdZu-sXaUnvaQZY8Med89m8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously to approve a board letter of support for the department's senior programming, endorsing services provided at three senior activity centers and related outreach programs.

Program staff described the scope of services to the board before the vote. Kelly Maltzberger, program manager for the Community Recreation Adult 50+ Services unit, told the board the three senior activity centers ' Conley Guerrero (central), Lamar (north) and South Austin ' offer creative arts, fitness, congregate meals, a senior transportation program and 'Varsity Generation' outreach at multiple recreation sites. Maltzberger said the congregate meal program served 62,627 meals in 2024 and that the department was awarded an upcoming Federal Transit Administration grant of $753,000 for the 2026'27 cycle to support senior transportation.

The letter read into the record praises the centers and the staff's work delivering hundreds of programs and tens of thousands of participant visits annually and notes the role of volunteers and community partners. Board members raised budget concerns during questions, asking whether current programs face cuts under the city's fiscal tightening. Maltzberger said the senior unit was reviewing all programs and that nothing in the presentation was currently reduced, but the department was 'looking at everything' to prioritize services if reductions are required.

Board Member Eubanks moved to approve the letter of support; Board Member Franklin seconded. The motion passed unanimously with all present members voting in favor.

Board members and staff emphasized the programs' role in reducing isolation, supporting aging-in-place and providing transportation and congregate meals that many older residents rely on. The board asked for ongoing updates about budget risk to the programs and for staff to return with clarifying information if reductions become likely.

The board also thanked staff and volunteers for the work described in the presentation and encouraged continued outreach to make the centers accessible across neighborhoods.

Maltzberger and her on-stage team included supervisors Jason Miller (South Austin Senior Activity Center), Johnny Saldana (Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center) and John Haros (Lamar Senior Activity Center); Barbara Garcia oversees outreach programming.

The board's letter of support and the staff presentation will be included in the department's public records for council and budget review.","The Austin Parks and Recreation Board approved a letter of support for the department's senior programming after a presentation outlining center usage, congregate meals, transportation and outreach. The board urged preservation of services amid possible budget reductions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

APF-funded security audit recommends dedicated PARD security role, lighting and CPTED measures; staff to prioritize short-term fixes

Trust for Public Land ranking prompts board, public calls for funding equity and transparency

Parks board recommends Legacy Hospitality for Zilker Cafe concession after contested RFP; vote 6-1

Parks board unanimously backs letter supporting senior centers, cites meal and transportation services