Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a grant in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for a Local Parks Rider Grant and authorizing and directing the Director of Austin Parks and Recreation to act on the City's behalf and work with the TPWD for purposes of the 2025 Local Parks Rider Grant. Funding: $1,000,000 is available from TPWD 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 TPWD through the Local Parks Rider Grant. No City match is required.
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 is requesting a grant award not to exceed $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 (APR) plans to issue an update memo in January 2026 regarding Council Resolution No. 20230831-083, which directed the City Manager to determine the necessary resources and costs associated with the completion of the Play for All Abilities Playground at Springwoods Neighborhood Park. Additionally, TPWD will accept a draft Council resolution to meet the grant submission requirement, given that it takes larger municipalities more time to pass a resolution
According to guidelines set forth by TPWD in its grant application process, APR must seek City Council authorization to apply for the 2025 Local Parks Rider Grant. 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.
The grant application requires the City to hold a public hearing that complies with the Texas Open Meeting Act. At this hearing, the governing body must pass a resolution authorizing application submission and authorizing and directing the Director of Austin Parks and Recreation to act for the City in working with TPWD for purposes of the Local Parks Rider Grant. There must be an opportunity for public comment. This Resolution is therefore posted on the Council’s non-consent agenda to ensure the hearing and the opportunity for public