Austin, Texas - As the State continues to reopen, the City of Austin is developing and will begin a phased implementation to reintegrate employees back into their physical workplaces. The City is also working ensure the public has safe access to services that make Austin great, such as its spring-fed pools and libraries.  

The City’s Human Resources Department collaborated with Austin Public Health and the local health authority, as well as many city departments, to develop and guide the reintegration plan. Every 28-days, data and work environments will be assessed to determine the next steps for introducing additional employees back into the workplace. The plan, estimated to begin at the end of June, is subject to change as the situation continues to be evaluated. 

“Under the Stay Home - Work Safe orders, we have created new ways we work to ensure our residents are safe and our employees have what is needed to complete our work,” City Manager Spencer Cronk said. “I appreciate all of our public servants and what they have done and continue to do to provide our community with the high level of public service they have come to expect from City employees.” 

Four City departments will resume certain services with modified operations as early as June 1. 
 

Parks and Recreation Department (PARD)

• Park amenities and facilities will reopen where the public and staff can implement self-protective protocols associated with cleaning and disinfecting equipment park features where both staff and patrons can practice social distancing. 
• The goal is to open certain swimming pools in June, contingent upon lifeguard staffing (click here to see list of pools and hours). 
• Pools may be added or removed from the scheduled based on staffing levels.  
• Splash pads will remain closed for the immediate future, but PARD will evaluate the local conditions regularly.  
• Swim lessons are still being reviewed. 
• Summer program operations will be delayed until July 6. 
• PARD intends to offer a free, modified summer camp program at approximately 20 locations for City of Austin community members only. 

Austin Public Library (APL)

• Starting June 1, APL will open all book drops. All libraries will remain closed to the public. 
• Starting June 8, APL will begin offering physical materials to customers via curbside service at 10 locations.  

Animal Services Center (ASO)

• Starting June 1, if staffing levels allow, ASO will offer on-site adoptions by appointment only. There will be two appointments scheduled every hour with availability from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday. 

Austin Code Department 
The following in-person services will reopen: 

• June 1 - Finance Cashier Office: Normal operations resume and the Cashier’s Office will be open to the public for in-person services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• June 15 - Licensing and Registration Intake Office: All administrative hearings processes have been rescheduled to begin July 1, 2020. 

Detailed accounts of each departments’ plan to expand services over the next few months are available in PDF format here.

As these City services resume operations, the public is still encouraged to wear face coverings and practice proper hygiene to help protect them and the community from COVID-19.

For more information and updates, visit AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.