Parks department reworks summer camps

The Parks and Recreation Department is taking a look at summer programming, and in light of the pandemic, has canceled all paid summer camps. Beginning July 6, the city will instead offer about 20 free programs, prioritizing those in East Austin communities. According to a May 22 memo, the new programs will be limited to 16-24 campers per day, with the registration process to begin in June. The city is looking to secure meal options for the camps. In addition, the parks department will continue to provide day camps for essential city employees, a practice that has been ongoing throughout the pandemic response. More information about city pools, which remain closed at the moment, “will be announced in the coming weeks,” according to the city memo.