Sections

About Us

 
Make a Donation
Local • Independent • Essential News
 

The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Parks

Bathhouse working group suggests city start process to rename Barton Springs

At its regular meeting on Nov. 27, the Parks and Recreation Board heard from the Barton Springs Bathhouse Working Group about its report, which includes a list of potential names for an updated bathhouse in addition to calling for the…

Hiking in Austin? What to know about car break-ins before you go.

Lee esta historia en español Mount Bonnell, Pennybacker Bridge and nearby greenbelts have grown in popularity for hikers, tourists and, more recently, car burglars. “I never thought I would be the next victim while enjoying that beautiful area,” said Tina…

New law means parkland funds will drop drastically

The amount of parkland dedication fees City Council can collect starting on Jan. 1 will be severely limited, two principal planners for the Parks and Recreation Department told Council at Tuesday’s work session. Robynne Heymans and Scott Grantham explained that…

Council, parks department and East Austin residents continue clash over city-owned Nash Hernandez building

City Council, Austin’s parks department and East Austin residents are still at odds over plans for a vacant facility at Festival Beach. The Nash Hernandez building, which has sat idle since 2009, was earmarked for Parks and Recreation Department offices…

Following ACL Fest, parks board calls for close look at Zilker Park health

Amid concerns over the impact on Zilker Park from this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, city parks staff said they have conducted the annual review of the festival and are beginning the work needed to replenish the park. The…

There’s a new, 1,200-acre nature preserve north of Austin. Here’s how to visit.

Salado salamanders, golden-cheeked warblers and tricolored bats: These are just a few of the endangered species you will find at the Hill Country Conservancy’s new Pecan Springs Karst Preserve. The 1,205-acre nature preserve is located about 5 miles west of…

Subscribe to our newsletter

City plans to remove Barton Springs tree ‘Flo’ this week

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced on Monday morning that they would be removing Flo, the nearly 100-year-old pecan tree that leans over Barton Springs Pool, before the pool opens on Thursday. In addition, the department invited members of…

New state law limits Austin’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance

The city’s Parks and Recreation Board on Monday learned about the impacts of Texas House Bill 1526 on Austin’s existing Parkland Dedication Ordinance and the future of Austin’s park system. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance, first established in 1985, orders new…

Austin delays removal of Flo, Barton Springs' century-old tree

Flo, Barton Springs’ iconic leaning pecan tree, will live to see at least a few more days. Just last week, Austin Parks and Recreation announced they would cut down the tree this Thursday because of Flo’s deteriorating condition – but today…

Parks board to take an (ever-so-brief) pause on Zilker Park plan

Given the sudden collapse of the Zilker Park Vision Plan earlier this month, it’s little surprise that the city’s Parks and Recreation Board has disbanded its working group for the plan. However, the board did so this week with a…

City Council puts controversial Zilker Park Vision Plan on hold

City Council will not move forward this month with a controversial plan to revamp Zilker Park, Mayor Kirk Watson said Monday. The announcement comes after Council members Paige Ellis, Ryan Alter and Zo Qadri released a joint statement saying that…

Environmental Commission can't agree on Polo Fields parking solution

After a lengthy discussion, the Environmental Commission this week tabled an item that would recommend the Parks and Recreation Department end vehicle parking on the Zilker Park Polo Fields. The discussion happened at the commission’s Aug. 2 regular meeting, and…

Back to Top