Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 8-1 (Parks Administration) to change the requirements that apply to Youth Sports Organizations (YSO) that use City-owned athletic fields and remove provisions regulating YSOs that use privately-owned athletic fields. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Austin Parks and Recreation.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
February 4, 2010 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20100204-039, which provided guidelines on use of athletic fields for youth sports organizations.
For More Information:
Jesús Aguirre, Austin Parks and Recreation, Director, 512-974-6717; Christa McCarthy, Austin Parks and Recreation, Division Manager, 512-974-3903.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
September 29, 2025 - The Parks and Recreation Board recommended improving public access to baseball, softball and soccer fields owned by the City, including specific recommendations for: a centralized information source; a robust online scheduling platform; standardized contract language; revised agreements for YSOs; clear and consistent performance metrics and accountability measures; and an amended City Ordinance regarding YSOs on a vote of 9-0. Recommendation No. 20250929-003.
Additional Backup Information:
If approved, this Ordinance will update the requirements City Council adopted in 2010 that regulate how Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs) use City-owned athletic fields. This Ordinance eliminates the private land subsidy and updates the agreement requirements to replace the administrative rules. Currently, the terms governing use are embedded in administrative rules, which can be only updated through an amendment process. By shifting these terms into agreements, the City gains the flexibility to make appropriate adjustments that better reflect evolving operational needs and community priorities when they arise. The changes in the Ordinance authorize the Aus...
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