[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6590749,"mediaKeyId","5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659","parentId",5671848,"title","Parks staff propose \"legacy concession\" status for long‑running park vendors; policy would require 30 years of continuous operation","audioSeconds",1126,"startMs",4800000,"endMs",5926000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659&start=4800&end=5926","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659/thumbnail_4800000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590749/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Parks-staff-propose-legacy-concession-status-for-longrunning-park-vendors-policy-would-require-30-years-of-continuous-operation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590749-7971e48a171d2e28f4f410306b08fbe0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444888&Signature=OwT3hmogp9IDHAFn2GtKnZJUNGq4-HU00J1Tgle5NSOjxey2WHoFdzgn2UGLMJlOaNzRg8n58h-mKtRgO5KKTUmoOIfNCqGK-Gde15vP11ZOmsAkmbrihl-yaLLjuVYdxPONjRDFFCfWxXKBJnlEL32TMEZWsfw9UrRCqFQmfYevTU6meLbFqapWtO6UewwXZrC8373mSHB8Cw6HjR2OaB5xXF7ZSSPh2mWqHVd3mN33-JiWDH3F0xmYHWFzAEugD7RU-7HFZfwy7ukHgZdarRN1-Xq8IHJyK4bU-Yf3kMuHiRPQ~mBzobaiNiugGs9Ko5lraGz2hRJslz~xLhlfpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-08-25T00:00:00Z","article","Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff presented proposed updates to the department’s concessions policy on Aug. 25, 2025, including a new “legacy concession” classification that would recognize long‑running concessionaires and allow negotiated contract terms for qualifying vendors.

Denisha Cox, contract management supervisor, and Suzanne Piper, chief financial officer, described the proposed criteria for a legacy concession: continuous ownership and operation at the same park location by the same person or a defined family member for at least 30 years; operation under the same or similar name for the duration; demonstrable contribution to the city’s history and culture; and well‑maintained physical features. Staff said the director would evaluate legacy concession requests at their discretion.

Under the proposed approach, legacy concession contracts would be negotiated to current standard terms (staff cited a current template of a five‑year term with two five‑year extensions), would carry expectations and deliverables comparable to recent concessions and would be subject to periodic review. Staff said the department would require concessionaires to accept current revenue share terms and standard expectation updates when negotiating a legacy contract. Staff also said one existing concession currently meets the 30‑year criteria.

Other proposed updates include formalizing concession pilots, clarifying temporary concession rules, and codifying performing‑artist rules (no amplified sound, no blocking sidewalks, and limited to tips/donations). The department proposed moving its policy review frequency from every three years to every five years; changes to the policy and any contract terms would require council action.

Board members asked several clarifying questions. Some expressed concern that 30 years may be too long a threshold and encouraged staff and Council to consider shorter intervals used by other cities (staff said San Francisco uses 30 years in its program and other cities illustrate different approaches at 20 years). Staff said they would present the policy to the Environmental Commission on Sept. 17 and hope to take it to Council on Oct. 9, 2025.

No formal board action was taken; the item was a staff briefing and will return as part of the Council process if advanced.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Parks and Recreation Board","oneSentenceSummary","Parks financial staff presented proposed revisions to the department’s concessions policy Aug. 25, 2025, including a new “legacy concession” status for vendors continuously and familiarly owned and operated at the same park location for at least 30 years.","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},6590755,"Board working group offers draft plan to improve public access to baseball and soccer fields",912,3848000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659&start=3848&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659/thumbnail_3848000.jpg","/articles/6590755/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Board-working-group-offers-draft-plan-to-improve-public-access-to-baseball-and-soccer-fields","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590755-fd2458f45908eebf3f7f804011abdd4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444888&Signature=VE~z5Skt~ZRt~BdWmhDriLpSGbGtZuc-rEsYhLSk3xGrZseVlFHX59GORJdqV~93652KA8QVyA16zJ-Q98osCWqg~tyOeVzlK1WpruR7WApvgQ8i4GdA0krnIUu5jA5czRLC~JMsc6W5Q0Ryg7Fd36vU6TdjjDWe-22t9Dyj0g6uqTGQ2g0qL6Lit02D~EX0Ag9ufjZAbX53KMH~hUTYSpEVNrNGcJbLPqMxKcxi5Vhg5t2~fwG3Qw~LXBLBye0ctcrhAoNF6RCWFybVrrWP5SB~A7-zV-45nd5~nf8Z~LrsXX5abSU8PjVjPUWix1eU7fBpRBEJMmJn-9Gz9BX1cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Aug. 25, 2025, the Parks Board’s ball field working group presented a draft recommendation to address limited public access to baseball, softball and soccer fields citywide and to improve transparency for reservations and partner agreements.

Board Member Becker, who led the working group, said the draft is the product of roughly a year’s work and will be posted for public comment; the board plans to bring a final recommendation for a vote at the September meeting.

The group’s five core recommendations are: 1) create a centralized public information source listing public field locations, availability and contact procedures; 2) develop a robust online scheduling and reservation platform to display real‑time availability; 3) standardize contract language to clarify maintenance responsibilities, cost sharing, benefits and minimum public availability; 4) revise youth sports organization (YSO) agreements so non‑YSO groups have guaranteed minimum days and so periods currently granted as exclusive access are converted to priority access with reuse when unused; and 5) adopt consistent performance metrics and remedies if partners fail to meet access commitments. The working group said PARD is already working on standardized contract language and the City Auditor’s report informed the recommendations.

Board members discussed costs and phasing. The technology platform will require funding and the city is already evaluating a contracted reservation solution; the working group recommended advancing policy changes and then identifying implementation funding. Board Member Eubanks asked whether the draft would require a city code change; the group noted one relevant ordinance (city ordinance 20100204‑039) governs youth field use and may need amendment to align with the recommendations.

No formal board action was taken; the working group will revise the draft based on board and public feedback and return with a final recommendation in September.","A Parks Board working group presented a draft five‑point plan — centralized information, online scheduling, standardized contracts, revised youth sports agreements and performance metrics — to increase public access to city fields; the board will consider a final recommendation in September.",{"_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},6590760,"Parks board recommends City Council approve dual‑use detention basins at Adamson/Hemphill Park to cut flood risk",1569,2248000,3817000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659&start=2248&end=3817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659/thumbnail_2248000.jpg","/articles/6590760/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Parks-board-recommends-City-Council-approve-dualuse-detention-basins-at-AdamsonHemphill-Park-to-cut-flood-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590760-dd7c5fccaace66506a97f701fb32b79c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444888&Signature=M6dXoQV4fNvI4fRt73JyFoFTsOdf~zUC0kj6EnQVPCO-rHEnr0WAMQhEyRAV-RHiXyko05u3xix4RqOBLMkMCCgt9Ova8rHuc5bJep8qnMk1hD6NzAOJm0ztXJZCXwHkQ-mPHILhB5VVAfmXT~j-Sx-LWueGWWRyiyIkBgPWQtx1C-RxiNx9KYVHNNR~ThCRBoPnVODw9SfrpoD-6V3pT-GMldow6-7rNrrXiD4u4xHyJjqMmHpM3kEGtEUDtJYEB3EwOV-2QLX8g7pJHhy9pNRLv9ehQFsZQY2JjZDj39V8GqkDC8o2~FZj-ZlApBu8fkJ~U0d5FcVCQKvrwafiuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Aug. 25, 2025, the Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend City Council approve a permanent change of use for 138,136 square feet of Adamson/Hemphill Neighborhood Park and a temporary change of use for 11,997 square feet (not to exceed 120 calendar days) to construct two dry detention basins intended to reduce downtown flooding.

Board Member Villalobos moved the recommendation; Vice Chair Flowers seconded. The motion passed 8–1 with one abstention. Staff said the mitigation cash payment to the Parks department, after credits for on‑site park amenities and infrastructure work, is $2,980,911. Construction is contingent on Chapter 26 approval at Council and on external funding; construction is anticipated in 2028.

Watershed Protection project sponsor Christina McLaren presented the design and flood‑modeling results. The project proposes two dry detention basins: a smaller, fenced upper basin with plantings and a larger lower basin designed as an open, low‑slope grassy field available for recreation most days but able to hold stormwater for up to 24 hours after large storms. McLaren said the team evaluated alternatives, including channel upgrades and buyouts, and concluded parkland dual‑use basins were necessary to meet the city’s drainage criteria without moving flooding downstream.

McLaren showed model results for a 25‑year storm event and said the project removes roughly 80% of previously modeled localized flooding extents; the presentation cited 224 structures affected in the pre‑project 25‑year scenario and noted 43 structures removed from the 2‑year event and 170 removed from the 10‑year event. She also described related work: relocating a 30‑inch wastewater line to the street right‑of‑way and bank stabilization downstream of Thirtieth Street to address failing walls.

Watershed staff explained how the dual‑use area was calculated and categorized: areas that will be open grassy field most days were modeled as 50% disturbed, the upper basin as 80% disturbed, and some areas as 0% disturbed where no physical changes are proposed but a drainage easement is requested to allow maintenance of existing storm infrastructure. Staff showed examples of similar dual‑use basins in Austin (Quail Creek Neighborhood Park and Tillery Fields) and a non‑local example to illustrate slopes and multi‑use lawn areas.

A neighborhood speaker, Madeline Maxwell, thanked staff for outreach but urged more clarity about appearance and maintenance. “There’s a lot of risk here for an eyesore and just sort of an insect‑infested horror where we now have a pleasant place to walk,” Maxwell said, asking whether steep walls, fencing and planting maintenance would be defined and protected.

Board members pressed staff on historic park protections and long‑term maintenance responsibilities. Board Member Eubanks noted the park’s historic elements and compared the proposal to earlier dual‑use work at Pease Park; Watershed staff said maintenance is typically shared: regular mowing and day‑to‑day park upkeep is a parks responsibility while more substantial maintenance (sediment removal, pump or outlet repairs) typically falls to Watershed, with a joint agreement spelling out responsibilities in final design.

Staff characterized the requested area as a permanent drainage easement but emphasized the space will remain accessible to the public as a multi‑use field most days. Outreach included multiple public meetings and three consecutive council notifications required under Chapter 26; Watershed said the Council public hearing is scheduled during the Council meeting on Sept. 11, 2025.

The board’s recommendation will be transmitted to City Council with the meeting record. If Council approves Chapter 26 and funding is secured, Watershed expects to deliver new park amenities (play areas, pavilion, fitness equipment, concrete loop trail) as mitigation credits alongside the monetary mitigation payment.","After a multi‑part presentation and public comment, the Parks and Recreation Board voted 8–1 (1 abstention) to recommend City Council approve use of 138,136 sq ft of parkland (plus temporary work areas) for two dry detention basins; mitigation and park improvements are estimated at $2,980,911.",{"_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},6590764,"Parks board approves letter supporting therapeutic recreation services for people with disabilities",812,1086000,1898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659&start=1086&end=1898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659/thumbnail_1086000.jpg","/articles/6590764/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Parks-board-approves-letter-supporting-therapeutic-recreation-services-for-people-with-disabilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590764-e6c21f10bcf66f09c1758beb0528533f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444888&Signature=Fw6M0Hkc0VREr7skeC7IKxVn095UuWuQwiQ~ylkDclAgtVE-5Ctqa7mU9j9sf9~fHZ0jXkqeD3z470i7NwtSfZgPXhtJBAwxeqWlOaoFh8~vMEVWom8HAe5pel3OArKyOXHDh9u4K29e0HVuda73jL68ugWY0Md9aH8koGAH1tjWucF98~Snbl2z49dI0IuSQNqHlkoaEV0Ra6QtylPm6M0H6tN~eUdqTGVV~MgSm8Lnxr9we9liGdVMg9-~YW50RvUFyg~oPuOnH1pHpBF~rTzOkx5tJMWflE4Z04CPxqONjvJN2o9aRRI0Mw0UTGKjNNegscK~HZvQ3aLRvQ85Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Aug. 25, 2025, the Austin Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously to approve a letter of support for the department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services, which provides adaptive and inclusive programming for people with disabilities across four city facilities.

Board members said they wanted to publicly recognize the division’s work and encourage continued funding. Vice Chair Flowers moved to approve the letter and Board Member Eubanks seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The board’s letter thanks staff for programs at Macbeth, Alamo, Dottie Jordan and Parque Zaragoza recreation centers and for the department’s Modifications and Support Services unit. Krista McCarthy, division manager for Therapeutic Recreation Services, told the board the department fields a mix of year‑round adult programs, youth camps and Special Olympics offerings. “We do have four facilities that provide adaptive programming,” McCarthy said during the presentation.

Emmanuel Turner, Modifications and Supports Coordinator, described the unit’s service levels: “This year we served over 104 participants in our various different programs that we support,” he said, and added that the unit provided more than 256 hours of inclusion staff trainings and coordinated American Sign Language interpreters for department programs.

Program counts presented to the board included: Good Neighbor Adventure Club at Macbeth (58 unique participants), Capital City Explorers at Dottie Jordan (25), a Healthy Aging program for ages 55+ at Alamo (17), a Hangout program at Alamo for higher‑need participants (13), an adult job skills class (40 participants) and a free social club at Parque Zaragoza (16). Therapeutic summer camps served about 30 participants per week, with participants rotating week to week. The department also lists nine Special Olympics sports offered citywide (volleyball, softball, swim team, basketball, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, golf and bocce) and said it hopes to add pickleball in the future.

During public comment and Q&A, Diane Curran asked about budget and service hours. Staff said no new program funding was added in the most recent budget cycle aside from a contract for ASL interpreters; expanding hours for adult day programs (for example, past 5 p.m.) would require additional full‑time staff and facility capacity. Staff said waitlist numbers and unduplicated annual enrollment could be provided to board members on follow up.

The board’s approved letter commends the division’s individualized assessments, support staff and interpreter services and expresses appreciation for inclusive programming citywide. The board asked staff to share further data on unduplicated participants and waitlists for future budget planning.","The Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved a letter of support for the department’s Therapeutic Recreation Services, commending year‑round adult and youth adaptive programs and endorsing continued funding and facility expansion.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":92,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590745,"Votes at a glance: Austin Parks and Recreation Board — Aug. 25, 2025",2797,1020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659&start=1020&end=3817","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671848-ea07317da0aefd4974c3a685fa78e659/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","/articles/6590745/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Austin-Parks-and-Recreation-Board-Aug-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590745-10dafc1e6e866507186f7f52af7232e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770444888&Signature=E6eRceJNv7v7UlPX4pZkrTvCPgpQeu1-xrRl8lw8UNL4E~Mk7UBNvn-y4MPgNNlqZvLbtUiuFnb0E35PX7eO5TYKUuwMkQpb63DNbmLFenwu330xzN3QR-ihxOnTjOoDTqoWCQw9PNCxBulUOdq6n4xBQ79YdpcTIW3uQaUXEckI97FeGuZycbxgCCwW4l3R1ozwsKG5rQa632P4fBuvvJQlhYzP9FvWJCZ1e5bRRV1Yae-4u53j1v9cEiuHPYE7kqmJvEIoFSDPmeg~pbG5uNODq4A2DjNGiIggFxIHl1xNUZnCdnTUCOyJySYTu~joNlg06H0VoVbKqJM14xXFZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Austin Parks and Recreation Board recorded the following formal actions on Aug. 25, 2025:

- Approve minutes of the regular meeting of July 28, 2025. Motion moved and seconded; vote recorded at the meeting as 9–0 in favor. (Agenda item 1.)

- Approve Parks and Recreation Board letter of support for Therapeutic Recreation Services (adaptive and inclusive programming). Motion by Vice Chair Flowers; second by Board Member Eubanks; unanimous approval (vote reported as unanimous). (Agenda item 2.)

- Recommend City Council approve a permanent change of use of 138,136 sq ft and a temporary change of use of 11,997 sq ft of parkland at Adamson/Hemphill Neighborhood Park (temporary use not to exceed 120 calendar days). Motion by Board Member Villalobos; second by Vice Chair Flowers; motion passed 8–1 with one abstention. Mitigation cash amount stated by staff: $2,980,911. (Agenda item 3.)

All three items were recorded in the meeting minutes and will appear in the board record transmitted to City Council where applicable.","Summary of formal votes taken during the Aug. 25, 2025 Parks and Recreation Board meeting: approval of minutes, approval of letter supporting therapeutic recreation services, and recommendation to Council on Adamson/Hemphill parkland change of use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks staff propose "legacy concession" status for long‑running park vendors; policy would require 30 years of continuous operation

Board working group offers draft plan to improve public access to baseball and soccer fields

Parks board recommends City Council approve dual‑use detention basins at Adamson/Hemphill Park to cut flood risk

Parks board approves letter supporting therapeutic recreation services for people with disabilities

Votes at a glance: Austin Parks and Recreation Board — Aug. 25, 2025