Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Parks and Recreation Department Capital Budget (Ordinance No. 20250813-005) to accept and appropriate $1,000,000 in grant funds from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Local Parks Rider grant program to provide funding for the Springwoods Neighborhood Park Accessible Playground and ADA Enhancements project. Funding: $1,000,000 is available from Austin Transportation and Public Works through the Local Parks Rider Grant. No City match is required.
De
Lead Department
Austin Parks and Recreation.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $1,000,000 is available from Austin Transportation and Public Works through the Local Parks Rider Grant. No City match is required.
Prior Council Action:
January 22, 2026 - Council conducted a public hearing and approved Resolution No. 20260122-065 authorizing and directing the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to act on the City's behalf with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in connection with the Local Parks Rider grant program and to apply for a Local Parks Rider Grant for $1,000,000, no City match is required, to partially fund the cost of the Springwoods Neighborhood Park Accessible Playground and ADA Enhancements project. A motion to approve Resolution No. 20260122-065 was approved on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
Suzanne Piper, Chief Administrative Officer, (512) 974-6753; Liana Kallivoka, Assistant Director, (512) 974-9455; Rachel Morris, Capital Improvement Program Manager.
Additional Backup Information:
The 2025 Local Parks Rider grant is a directed, non-competitive grant. Only recipients listed in HB500 and/or SB1 from the 89th Texas Legislative Session are eligible applicants. The Local Parks Rider Grant Program assists local units of government with the acquisition and/or development of public recreation areas and facilities throughout the state of Texas. Directed grants do not require a match, and funds will be distributed through a reimbursement process. The City requested a grant award of $1,000,000 that will provide the majority of the funding needed to address accessibility issues and expand accessible and inclusive play opportunities at Springwoods Neighborhood Park.
Austin Parks and Recreation issued an update memo on January 20, 2026, regarding Council Resolution No. 20230831-083, which directed the City Manager to determine the necessary resources and costs associated with the completion of an all-abilities play site at Springwoods Neighborhood Park.
The project will expand inclusive play options for children and adults of all abilities, remove key accessibility barriers, and deliver improvements to make Springwoods Neighborhood Park a more accessible and welcoming space for all community members.