Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing in accordance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26 to consider a resolution authorizing a temporary change in use of approximately 20,800 square feet of dedicated parkland located in Jamestown Neighborhood Park so that the Watershed Protection Department can use the parkland as a temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 570 days during construction of the Little Walnut Creek - Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage project. Funding: $2,443 is available in the Capital Budget of Watershed Protection.
De
Lead Department
Parks and Recreation Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $2,443 is available in the Capital Budget of Watershed Protection.
For More Information:
Lead Department - Parks and Recreation Department, Ricardo Soliz, Division Manager, (512) 974-9452; Gregory Montes, Program Manager, (512) 974-9458.
Sponsoring Department - Watershed Protection Department, Janna Renfro P.E., Managing Engineer, (512) 974-3422.
Managing Department - Capital Delivery Services Department, Claudia Corsetti P.E., Project Manager, (512) 974-7205.
Council Committee, Board, and Commission Action:
July 28. 2025 - Recommended by the Parks and Recreation Board on a vote of 10-0 with Board Member Abou-Emara abstaining. Recommendation No. 20250728-4.
Additional Backup Information:
Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code provides that the use of parkland for non-park purposes may be approved upon findings that there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of the parkland and that all reasonable planning has been undertaken to minimize harm to such land.
The Jamestown Tributary is currently eroding at its creek banks, threatening property and structures located on the edge of the creek. Destruction of infrastructure, vegetation, and property has already occurred within the last few years, and if repairs are not made to stabilize the creek, loss of land and property will continue.
In coordination with water and wastewater line improvements, this project will protect residential properties, utilities, multifamily buildings, stormwater infrastructure, and structures including fences and parking lots, and will address local flooding along Jamestown Drive.
This project will:
§ Stabilize approximately 2,600 feet of streambank, from Thurmond Drive to Payton Gin Pocket Park, using natural limestone boulders, mechanically stabilized earth walls, and graded slopes.
§ Install over 1,900 linear feet of storm drain and curb inlet improvements.
§ Replace the existing culvert with a 46-foot-long bridge over the creek on Fairfield Drive to reduce flooding over the roadway.
§ Plant native vegetation along the streambanks and remove large concrete debris in order to restore the natural character of the creek and improve water quality.
The Watershed Protection Department requires the temporary use of 20,800 square feet of parkland for a storage and staging area during construction of the Little Walnut Creek - Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage project.
Upon Council approval of this item, the Parks and Recreation Department will receive $58,233 from the Watershed Protection Department as mitigation for its temporary permanent use of the parkland.
The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the request at the July 28, 2025, meeting and provided a recommendation to City Council. This item is brought forward because there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of the dedicated parkland and all reasonable planning has been and will be taken to minimize harm to such lands. The dates of public notification in the Austin American-Statesman are August 3, 10 and 17, 2025.