Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing in accordance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Chapter 26 and consider a resolution authorizing a change in use of dedicated parkland, known as Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park, to permanently use approximately 9,852 square feet of parkland and temporarily use approximately 2,585 square feet of parkland in order to construct, operate, maintain, and repair Austin Water water and wastewater lines. Funding: This item includes a mitigation payment in the amount of $1,897,883 from Austin Water to Austin Parks and Recreation and, as a result, there is no impact to the General Fund.
De
Lead Department
Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Financial Services.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Water Capital Budget. This item is projected to result in additional revenue of $1,897,883 in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Austin Parks and Recreation’s Capital Budget. There is no net General Fund impact from the payment of the mitigation fee.
For More Information:
Randy Scott, Division Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation, 512-974-9484; Paul Books, Planner Principal, Austin Parks and Recreation, 512-978-1315; Michael Gates, Officer, Austin Financial Services 512-974-5639; Kevin Koeller, Austin Water, Project Sponsor, 512-636-2228.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
June 22, 2026 - Presented to the Parks and Recreation Board. The Board did not return a recommendation.
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 IH35 Capital Express Central Downtown Project requires relocation of water and wastewater lines impacted by the Project. Austin Water will utilize parkland at Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park for the construction of a wastewater line, waterlines, and water shaft.
Upon Council approval of this item, Austin Parks and Recreation will receive $1,897,883 from Austin Water as mitigation for the temporary and permanent use of parkland.
The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed the project at the March 23, 2026, meeting. 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 undertaken to minimize harm to such lands. The dates of public notification in the Austin American-Statesman were August 2, 9, and 16, 2026.