Austin's Parks and Recreation Board has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing safety and security across city parks, following a recent meeting on June 23, 2025. The board's key recommendations are organized into four main categories: guidance and standards compliance, strengthening partnerships, process improvements, and lighting enhancements.

The immediate focus is on implementing short-term recommendations that can be executed quickly to foster a culture of safety within the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). These include establishing dedicated safety roles, prioritizing security measures in capital projects, and enhancing collaboration with the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Homeless Strategy Office. The board emphasized the importance of developing citywide safety guidelines applicable to all PARD assets.

A significant aspect of the plan involves a citywide lighting assessment, which aims to create a comprehensive lighting strategy for parks. This will allow PARD to tailor lighting standards to meet specific needs, promoting safer nighttime use of park facilities.

In addition to these initiatives, the board discussed the necessity of improving communication with park users. Recommendations include updating signage to provide clear contact information for reporting maintenance issues and park rule violations. This is seen as a vital step in engaging the community and ensuring that residents can report problems effectively.

The board also acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to homelessness in parks, stressing the need for a compassionate approach that addresses the root causes of these issues. They highlighted the importance of working closely with community members and organizations to create a supportive environment for all park users.

Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation Department plans to review and finalize the report, focusing on high-priority needs that can yield substantial immediate impacts. The board is committed to annual evaluations of progress, ensuring that the safety and security measures evolve alongside community needs.

This proactive approach aims to create a safer, more welcoming environment in Austin's parks, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors.