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Parks
As splash season nears, city begins to write future of Austin pools
As the temperature in Austin climbs, kids and adults flock to the city’s several dozen pools. But while the industry puts a pool’s lifespan at 30 years, many of Austin’s pools are 50 years or older. So in 2012, the…
Parks • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Mar 23, 2016
Parking meters? In Zilker Park?
Austinites who frequent Zilker Park are used to kites, lights and fences going up. But this week, a wholly unfamiliar sight within the park grounds caught some residents off guard. Last week, the Parks and Recreation Department sent out notice…
Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 19, 2016
Changes to park renaming rules advance
It may soon be harder to name a park or facility in Austin after a person. At the Tuesday meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, members voted 6-0 to recommend a draft ordinance that adds restrictions to rules regarding…
Parks • By Vicky Garza • Dec 14, 2015
Playground talk sparks district conflict
Parks advocates appear united in their belief that the city needs to spend more money to provide green spaces and playgrounds for kids, but precisely where it should invest limited resources is a source of contention. At a meeting of…
Parks • By Jack Craver • Dec 7, 2015
Debate continues over parkland dedication changes
Both sides of the debate over a new Parkland Dedication Ordinance stayed late into the night to state their cases Thursday. In the end, City Council voted to approve the ordinance 10-1 on first reading at 2:25 a.m. Council Member…
Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Nov 18, 2015
City mulls free swimming for some Austin seniors
Plans to waive pool fees for all Austinites ages 80 years or older at Barton Springs Pool and other city pools are moving forward. Previously, the “Lifetime Pass” program – which grants free entry to Barton Springs for seniors who…
Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Nov 9, 2015
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Special events ordinance re-emerges
With ACL in the rearview mirror, the Trail of Lights just ahead and the city’s South by Southwest Music Festival already on the horizon, Austinites may be wondering what has happened to the special events ordinance that was supposed to…
Music & Entertainment • By Margaret Nicklas • Oct 23, 2015
Zilker Cafe likely to change hands
The Parks and Recreation Board recommended a new contract for the Zilker Cafe on Tuesday after months of reviewing bids by several contractors. Rodriguez Concessions has held the existing contract since 1950. It was denied a five-year extension of that…
Parks • By Stephen Carlson • Oct 1, 2015
Council puts off vote on parkland fees
Last week, City Council postponed action on a staff proposal that would significantly increase parkland dedication fees for developers of most new residential developments, with fees dependent on density. Staff brought forth the proposal after more than a year of…
Parks • By Jo Clifton • Sep 22, 2015
Naming Parks: The struggle continues
A park’s namesake must be dead. Members of the Land, Facilities and Programs Committee discussed this and other new stipulations as part of a first look Wednesday at a naming ordinance for Austin parks and recreation buildings. After more than…
Parks • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Sep 21, 2015
Committee is unanimous: Caswell Center tennis players need parking spots
A vacant court isn’t all it takes to play tennis in Austin. It also takes a vacant parking spot. To that end, City Council’s Open Space, Environment and Sustainability Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that 28 parking spaces be…
Parks • By Jack Craver • Aug 28, 2015
Parks Department dives into future of Austin pools
Next week signals the close of many Austin municipal and neighborhood pools. Diving boards active throughout the summer months will be hushed as the kids who once tumbled from them head back to school. During these final days, volunteers with…
