In The Parks

As the weather starts to turn warm in Austin, The Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatics Division looks forward to offering pool services to our community. As COVID-19 cases moderate, emphasis will shift towards expanding pool access through training and hiring lifeguards while observing and implementing comprehensive safety procedures for both staff and visitors.    

Being a lifeguard means prioritizing safety above all else. With guidance from local offices such as Austin Public Health, Center For Disease Control (CDC), and top-tier nationally recognized training protocols from Star-Guard Elite (SGE), our goal is to keep staff safe while offering safe services and facilities to the public. 

Lifeguard Training in times of COVID-19

• In order to maintain 6 feet social distance, courses will be limited to 5 participants per instructor, with a maximum of 10 participants. Participants are kept in the same group throughout the training course.
• The courses will be held both indoors and outdoors. However, most of the instruction will be outdoors.
• All participants are required to wear a mask during training except when practicing in-water rescues or CPR scenarios.    
• Following guidelines set by the CDC and SGE, manikins and any other rescue equipment (rescue tubes, backboards, etc.) are sanitized between each usage using alcohol wipes or a bleach solution. Manikin lungs are also replaced between each usage.  
• There will be no instances where mouth to mouth contact is required. CPR requires the need for lifeguards to administer ventilation breaths as opposed to standard compression-only technique. In these cases, one-way breather masks are used between the unresponsive person and the lifeguard. Practice of this lifesaving technique will be done with medical-grade manikins.  

We are not beginning in-person training or hiring while the City of Austin is in Stage 4. We hope to begin training new and returning Lifeguards very soon for Spring/Summer 2021. We are currently accepting applications for 600+ lifegaurd positions so that we can be ready when the time comes. Training and certification must be completed in order to be hired for a position.

Want to learn more about becoming a lifeguard with the City of Austin? Visit LifeGuardAustin.com.

Looking for fun virtual activities for you and your family to do during Spring Break?

Austin Parks and Recreation has a ton of entertaining and educational videos for children of various ages.

Here are just a few examples to get you and your child started:

Ages 6 & Under

Mindfulness Monday - Feeling Faces

Mindfulness Monday - Strong Emotions

Mindfulness Monday - Listening to Your Body

TEKS Tuesday - Hot vs cold

Book: Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

Book: If the Dinosaurs Came Back by Bernard Most

Book: Walter's Web by Tim Hopgood

Book: Not A Stick by Antoinette Portis

Ages 8 & Under

TEKS Tuesday - Parts of Plants

TEKS Tuesday - Rocks and Soil

TEKS Tuesday - Our Planet's Water

TEKS Tuesday - Conservation

TEKS Tuesday - Natural v. Manmade

Five Senses Friday - Ivory Soap

Five Senses Friday - DIY Playdough

Five Senses Friday- What is Citric Acid?

Ages 10 & Under

Wild Wednesday - Vultures

Wild Wednesday - Jumping Spiders

Wild Wednesday - Great Apes

TEKS Tuesday - Soil

Ages 12 & Under

TEKS Tuesday - Climate v. Weather

TEKS Tuesday - Fossil Layers

Wild Wednesday - Tuatara

Mindful Moment - Buzzing

You can find more videos and subscribe at YouTube.com/AustinParksAndRec.

The spectacular Alliance Children’s Garden is located near Lady Bird Lake with a view of the Austin skyline. It’s one of the newest additions to the city’s parks and recreation system and is located at the Michael Butler Park at Town Lake Metro Park.

Unlike any Play Space in Austin

The Alliance Children's Garden is more than a new park, it represents the unique culture of Austin and recognizes the history of the parkland where it’s located.  Innovative play features invite kids to use their imaginations, explore, and play cooperatively. The space is visually striking and welcoming to generations of Austinites.

The type of play and the park amenities at Alliance Children’s Garden are unlike any other play space in Austin. Four areas reflect Austin’s culture and environment, including the hill country garden, the skyline garden, the art and culture garden, and the rock and slide valley garden. Though the garden rooms feature traditional play pieces, most play amenities are integrated into the landscape and unlike other play opportunities. 

A Park with a Long History

The land where the Alliance Children’s Garden is located has a long and important history in Austin. The area was a brick yard from 1876 to 1958, which was owned by Michael Butler. Prior to purchasing this land, Butler owned a plant just north of the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) that manufactured bricks. Most of Austin’s brick structures built between 1873 and 1900 contained Butler Bricks, including the Texas Capitol, which still contains three million Butler Bricks that support the interior of the building.

Butler died in 1909 and his family took over the business. In 1941, the Butler Family deeded land to the City of Austin for civic use, at a fraction of the land’s value. These 91 acres became part of the Austin parks and recreation system and the Alliance Children’s Garden sits on two of them. Throughout 1984, the Town Lake Park Alliance gathered 19,577 signatures forcing a charter referendum on the upcoming ballot to make the entire city-owned waterfront a public park.

Don’t miss the Alliance Children’s Garden. While you’re there, check out the markers commemorating the history and contributions of the Butler Family, and enjoy the unique play spaces.

Who doesn't love a walk around Lady Bird Lake with their furry friends? And many dogs enjoy a stop at one of the off-leash areas around Lady Bird Lake to cool off in the water. But, before you allow your dog in the water, be sure to read this post to learn about the type of algae that could harm or kill your pet.

Exposure to Algae Toxins Can be Deadly to Dogs

Harmful algae are a type of blue-green algae, also known aa cyanobacteria, that can produce toxins. These toxins can cause illness or death in dogs. The City of Austin is aware of five dogs that died in 2019 after they were exposed to the toxins while swimming in Lady Bird Lake.

Dogs can be exposed to the toxins by swallowing the algae while swimming or by licking their fur after contacting the algae.

Tips to Keep Dogs Safe

• Keep dogs away from floating mats of algae.
• Rinse dogs after contact with lake water.
• Don't let your dog swim in water that is warm and stagnant or where lots of algae is present.
• If your dog becomes ill after swimming, take it to a veterinarian immediately and report any algae related illness to 3-1-1.
• Regularly check www.austintexas.gov/algae.
• If you allow your dogs to swim, it is at your own risk.

Be Aware of Symptoms of Harmful Algae Toxin Exposure

• Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
• Foaming at the mouth
• Jaundice, hepatomegaly
• Blood in urine or dark urine 
• Stumbling
• Loss of appetite
• Photosensitization in recovering animals
• Abdominal tenderness
• Progression of muscle twitches 
• Respiratory paralysis

Where to Get More Information

As you walk along Lady Bird Lake, look for signs warning you about harmful algae.

Check www.austintexas.gov/algae and follow the Watershed Protection Department on Facebook to get updates on the level of risk of harmful algae.

There is the potential for harmful algae to form in locations other than Lady Bird Lake. Algae and bacteria are much less likely to be a concern where the water is cool and flowing.

The Risk to People Appears Low

People were still able to use boats and paddle boards on the lake during the harmful algae outbreak. The City of Austin recommends that people avoid areas with floating algae mats and rinse off after contact with the water. However, toxins were only found in algae samples, not in water samples, and risk was low for recreational boaters and paddlers.

Drinking Water Has Not Been Affected

Currently, Austin Water does not use Lady Bird Lake as a source for drinking water. 

Scientists Are Monitoring the Lake

The Watershed Protection Department first identified harmful algae on Lady Bird Lake in 2019. Scientists began testing and identified algae toxins in various samples taken between August and October. 

Algae is most likely to be a concern in the summer and fall. Scientists will again begin monitoring and testing for the presence of toxins in the summer of 2020.

Learn more at www.austintexas.gov/algae.

Did you know that Lady Bird Lake is considered internationally as “a good piece of water?” That’s according to Kevin Reinis, Executive Director of the Austin Rowing Club. Rowers come from all over the world to dip their oars in the lake.

The Austin Rowing Club is helping to grow Lady Bird Lake’s reputation in the worldwide rowing community. And the nonprofit organization is one of many vendors for the Parks and Recreation Department that are making our parks and recreation system an amazing asset to for residents and visitors.

The Austin Rowing Club provides opportunities for community members to improve their health and connect with nature—two things that are central to PARD’s mission. But they’re not just offering a good workout on “a good piece of water.” They’ve also got an incredible heart for giving back to the community.

A Heart for Giving Back

The Austin Rowing Club helps underserved community members and individuals that have been traditionally left out of rowing get out on the water. They offer programs for veterans, breast cancer survivors, at-risk youth, economically disadvantaged youth, senior citizens, Paralympic athletes, and adults with differing abilities, to name just a few.

Throughout the year, you can find kids on the water in boats and kayaks, visiting the Austin Rowing Club from PARD’s recreation and activity centers. Plus, the club hosts adaptive recreation programs for adults from PARD’s Danny G. McBeth Recreation Center and Annex.

Austin Rowing Club is also a steward of Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, providing financial and volunteer support to keep these gems safe and clean.

The Heart of Texas Regatta

At the end of this month, you may notice some exciting activity on the east end of Lady Bird Lake—the Heart of Texas Regatta. The regatta is two days of racing, with local and visiting teams of all ages—from teenagers to seniors—and all skill levels. Since 1983, the organization has hosted this event on Lady Bird Lake. Over 1,500 competitors gather annually at Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach to row the 1,000-meter course. This year, the Heart of Texas Regatta will be held February 29 through March 1.

You can join in the fun of this 37-year tradition by volunteering, watching, and, of course, racing.

• The Austin Rowing Club enlists the help of over 100 volunteers to help make this race possible for the community. You can sign up on their website.
• Check out the races from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail along the east frontage road of Interstate 35 or from the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake.
   

One of Austin’s popular trails is getting some TLC this spring. The Barton Creek Greenbelt was recently named as one of 14 “Hot Spots” around the nation by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. A Hot Spot is a popular and beautiful outdoor area that is heavily used, resulting in unintended impacts such as such as litter, damaged vegetation, and trail erosion, to name a few examples.

The Parks and Recreation Department, Leave No Trace, local organizations, and the community are partnering to raise awareness among park visitors about outdoor recreation ethics on the Barton Creek Greenbelt and other natural areas and to bring solutions to the community. 

March 6-9, 2020 Leave No Trace

Join the Parks and Recreation Department and the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers for a series of fun, family-friendly workshops to learn about Leave No Trace Principles. You can also help the Barton Creek Greenbelt by volunteering for It’s My Park Day. Attendance at each event is limited. Registration is required.

Leave No Trace Rock-Climbing - An entry-level rock-climbing opportunity that will also teach about ways to protect natural climbing spaces. March 6 and March 9

Salamander Walk - A tour of springs in the Barton Springs Pool area and an opportunity to learn about the endangered Barton Springs Salamander. Attendees may get to see a salamander in its natural habitat. March 6

It's My Park Day - An opportunity for hundreds of volunteers to improve the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There will be six locations where the community can participate. It's My Park Day is hosted each spring and fall by Austin Parks Foundation. March 7

Leave No Trace Birdwalk - This program is designed to introduce participants to the basics of birdwatching, as well as Leave No Trace principles as they relate to birding. March 8

Citizen Science, BioBlitz - A BioBlitz involves making as many observations as possible of species within a certain amount of time. This BioBlitz will inspire stewardship, show participants how to contribute to their scientific community, and teach about the organisms present in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. March 8

PARD’s Parkland Dedication Team is committed to making the Austin parks and recreation system even better by planning new parks, building connections to existing parks, and working towards an interconnected network of parks.

On a bright, cool morning, PARD employees engaged in some community research as they explored Davis Spring Special Park, the department’s newest park and disc golf course. Justin Stewart, a Planner Senior with the Parkland Dedication Team at PARD, worked closely with a developer who deeded this land to the city to satisfy the Parkland Dedication requirements for the apartments that were built nearby.

Justin and the developer worked closely with John Houck, a renowned disc golf course designer, to plan and develop this course. The result is a nine-hole course that is challenging for seasoned pros, but still accessible for amateurs.

More than just a disc golf course, Davis Spring Special Park represents the flexibility of the 2016 Parkland Dedication Ordinance to meet recreation needs as Austin’s population continues to grow. This park symbolizes a successful partnership between the City of Austin, community members, a private developer, and Austin’s disc golfers.

The City of Austin passed its first Parkland Dedication Ordinance in 1985 and it was later updated in 2007 and 2016. Currently, all subdivision and site plan applications are required to dedicate parkland to the city or pay a fee. Revenues from fees can be used to buy land and develop new park facilities.

When developers dedicate land, PARD works with them to design new parks on the sites of residential, hotel, and mixed-use developments. This provides plazas, pocket parks, bark parks, trail connections, and more in areas of rapid growth and increasing density. For cases that involve fees-in-lieu, the department looks for opportunities to acquire and develop new parkland in underserved areas of Austin. 

We invite you to throw a few discs at the new course and check out all six of PARD’s courses!

Davis Spring Special Park
9819 Neenah Ave.
Austin, TX 78717
Opened December 2019
Nine Holes

Following the festivities of the holiday season, Austinites gave their Christmas trees a second life by recycling them. After taking off the ornaments and decorations, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) customers put their trees out for curbside pickup. Residents who were not curbside customers dropped off their trees at Zilker Metropolitan Park.

ARR then turned the recycled trees into free mulch for residents. Annually, Christmas tree recycling keeps nearly 20,000 trees out of area landfills, which contributes to the city’s goal of reaching zero waste by 2040. 

This was the 33rd year that the City of Austin offered Christmas tree recycling and plans are already underway for 2020. ARR and the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) partner to provide this opportunity. Are you interested in volunteering this year? Follow ARR and PARD on Facebook to stay tuned in to events like this. 

33rd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling

Notes for Notes National Newsletter

Post By Ray_Price_N4N October 4, 2018

One of the best notifications I get as a program director, are calls or emails from various Rec Centers and organizations inquiring about Notes for Notes due to them hearing about the awesome stuff that takes place in the studio. Recently, N4N Austin was contacted by a senior staff member from the Zaragoza Recreation Center with high hopes of having some of their youth come and visit the studio. Outreach and expansion being 2 key elements of our programming, it was equally exciting to give them a welcoming invitation into the space.

On a Tuesday evening, a handful of youth walked through the doors of the studio with widespread smiles on their faces and stars in their eyes. It was almost as if they had walked into a playground that was built out of candy and video games. While on their tour, the youth were able to learn about all of the different things our studios have to offer and they soaked up every bit of it. They really enjoyed learning about the role of a producer/engineer and got an opportunity to play that role amongst each other, each taking turns sitting in the producer’s chair and getting a hands on experience operating the mixing board.

They were just as anxious to learn about the different keyboards and synthesizers and a couple of them grabbed some headphones and lost themselves in the sound of their own unique creations.

However, the element that garnered the most attention were the almighty drums. I began by having them play a drumming game called “Complete The Beat” and they grasped that concept instantaneously. So, we took it a step further and attempted to teach each of them some basic drum patterns. Let’s just say, I thought the joke was on me because within 30 minutes or so, every one of the youth that participated was able to nail the patterns! Their staff members and I looked at each other, all in amazement, and hurried to the computer to schedule their next visit.

Saturday, October 6 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is holding its 5^th Birthday Celebration on Saturday, October 6 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The AARC is located at 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78754. Admission is free and open to the public.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and family friendly activities and entertainment including button and pom-pom flower making, washi paper wish crafting, mandala making and a live performance from Sho Ukelele. In addition, visitors will learn more about the future of the AARC as well as share their input. Sona Shah, the AARC’s new Facility Manager, will also provide a brief presentation about her vision for the facility.

Since opening its doors in 2013, the AARC has brought in more than 200,000 visitors, collaborated with over 100 artists and local organizations, and served over 20,000 senior meals. The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community continues to be the fastest growing demographic in Austin, making up a total of 8% of the population.

Community partners for this event include the Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American Quality of Life Commission, and the Network of Asian American Organizations.

Please visit the AARC website at austintexas.gov/aarc or on Facebook at facebook.com/events/2209554382654737/ for additional updates about the event.