Latest News from Austin News

Lifeguard Training Starts Now

By Austin News Report | Jan 29, 2024

The Aquatic Division of the Parks and Recreation Department is getting ready for swim season. It takes about 850 lifeguards to fully staff City pools during the summer months. There are currently 235 lifeguards on staff, so hundreds of positions are still open, for now. Hurry because, at $20.80 per hour for entry level positions, these jobs will go fast!

Groundbreaking for Seabrook Square Multi-Family Development in East Austin

By Austin News Report | Jan 28, 2024

The City of Austin Housing Department celebrates the groundbreaking of the Seabrook Square multi-family development in partnership with the NHP Foundation, Capital A Housing, and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Seabrook Square I will be 204 units located on approximately three acres at 3511 and 3515 Manor Road, now addressed as 2210 Pershing Drive. It will include a 5-story and a 4-story building that will offer a diversity of affordable housing options. All 204 units in the first phase will be affordable for households earning at or below 60% Median Family Income (MFI) and will include 10 "live-work-residence-studios" dedicated to East Austin artists.

156 Affordable Units Now Underway with Norman Commons Development

By Austin News Report | Jan 27, 2024

The City of Austin Housing Department celebrates the closing of $58 million in construction financing in District 1 for the development of land owned by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). AHFC’s first partnership with Foundation Communities, Norman Commons is a 156-unit multifamily development located at 3811 Tannehill Lane (currently addressed as 5712 Jackie Robinson Street). The family-friendly community features 156 rental units and 32 for-sale units to be built by Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation through its community land trust program (some of which are shown on the right of the site rendering).

Thomas Dambo Troll Coming to Pease Park

By Austin News Report | Jan 27, 2024

Installation of a Thomas Dambo Troll will soon be underway in Pease Park! Following an extensive community engagement and review process with the City of Austin, the project is approved and the Thomas Dambo team will arrive in Austin in late February of 2024 to initiate the build.

Boat Ramps at Lake Walter E. Long Reopen January 25

By Austin News Report | Jan 25, 2024

Public access to the boat ramps at Lake Walter E. Long will reopen at noon on Thursday, January 25 as the lake level is now high enough to safely allow boat launching. Operational decisions about lake access are made in collaboration with Austin Energy, Austin Water and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor available water elevation levels. Updates will be posted to the Lake Walter E. Long Boat Ramp webpage.

Watershed Protection Launches Annual Flood Safety Video Contest for Austin Students

By Austin News Report | Jan 24, 2024

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department is excited to kick off its annual Flood Safety Video Contest! Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to create their very own short public service announcement (PSA) teaching drivers how to stay safe when water is covering the road and to “Turn Around - Don't Drown®.”

View the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department’s 2023 Annual Report

By Austin News Report | Jan 22, 2024

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department announces the release of its 2023 Annual Report, available online now. The report emphasizes the department’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment of the Austin community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Highlights include:  Flooding: Crews cleaned 76,748 feet of storm drain pipeline (that’s like driving from the Broken Spoke to the Domain) and installed or replaced 10,131 feet of storm drain infrastructure (that’s the length of 33 UT Towers). 

Summary of City's Response to Winter Storm Heather

By Austin News Report | Jan 21, 2024

On Sunday, January 13, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center in partnership with Travis County Office of Emergency Management.

Update on Winter Weather Moving Through Central Texas

By Austin News Report | Jan 19, 2024

While the worst of the weather from this most recent winter event has passed, the danger of below freezing temperatures continues to affect Austinites. Please continue to protect the four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants while also checking on your neighbors.

24/7 Cold Weather Shelter Operations Demobilized

By Austin News Report | Jan 18, 2024

With Winter Storm Heather, which brought frigid temperatures to Austin and Central Texas, moving out of our area, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center is supporting the demobilization of 24/7 shelter operations. The weather forecast is expected to warm above thresholds during the day, and Cold Weather Shelters (CWS) will reopen tonight, Thursday, January 18.

EOC Update: City Shifts to Winter Weather Recovery

By Austin News Report | Jan 17, 2024

While the worst weather from Winter Storm Heather seems to have passed, the danger of below-freezing temperatures continues to affect Austinites. Please continue to protect the four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants and remembering to check on your neighbors. The National Weather Service’s Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory expired at 10 a.m. today with another cold front forecasted to hit Friday night. Please continue to take precautions by limiting time outdoors and dressing in layers or staying covered as much as possible.

Summer Camp Registration is Nearly Here

By Austin News Report | Jan 15, 2024

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department provides accessible, diverse, and inclusive summer camps for ages 5 through 15 at select locations. Austin residents with approved financial aid and those seeking adaptive and inclusion support programs can register early in person and by phone beginning at 10 a.m. from February 10 until close of business on February 17. Registration times vary based on location. Evening and weekend times are available.

City Hosts Small Business Fundamentals Week to Empower Entrepreneurs

By Austin News Report | Jan 13, 2024

The City of Austin Economic Development Department is thrilled to host the 2024 Small Business Fundamentals Week taking place from January 22-26. This week-long initiative offers business owners an invaluable opportunity to participate in no-cost classes, providing specialized training in essential areas such as marketing, bookkeeping, and other foundational topics. Elevate your skills and kickstart the new year with our comprehensive fundamentals week classes.

2024 MLK Community March and Festival Happening Jan. 15

By Austin News Report | Jan 13, 2024

Date/Time: Monday, January 15, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.March Start/End Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. statue at the University of Texas at Austin proceeding to south steps of the Texas State Capitol and ending at Houston-Tillotson UniversityEntry: The march and festival are free to the public.Event Website: mlkcelebration.com

In The Parks With Aleu Aleu

By Austin News Report | Jan 9, 2024

Aleu Aleu talks about coming to Austin with his family, Sudanese refugees who had fled to Kenya where he was born and lived until the age of 12.

Reinvent and Reconnect at the Dougherty Arts Center

By Austin News Report | Jan 8, 2024

Join the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department for Art Jam: Reinvent & Reconnect at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd., on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. Unleash your inner artist at this celebration of art, community, and innovation. Provide valuable feedback to the Dougherty Arts Center while enjoying hands-on art activities such as weaving, collage, and prototyping. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a first-time doodler, Art Jam welcomes all skill levels. Snacks and photo ops provided. This event is free and open to the public.

In The Parks With Pete Rivera

By Austin News Report | Jan 7, 2024

Pete Rivera tells the story of how he and his brother advocated for the City of Austin to designate Red Bluff as a nature preserve so that future generations can benefit from the natural area.

Fraudulent website impersonating Austin’s Park ATX app

By Austin News Report | Jan 6, 2024

The City of Austin has received reports from at least three users in the past 24 hours that a website claiming to be the City’s paid parking application requested their credit card information but would not allow them to initiate a parking session.

Holiday Tree Recycling Interviews and B-roll Opportunity

By Austin News Report | Jan 4, 2024

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), a department of the City of Austin, invites media to record b-roll during the 37th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling event at Zilker Park on Saturday, January 6, 2024, starting at 10 a.m. Interviews can be scheduled by calling ARR’s media contact.

Fantastical Flora Art Exhibition and Opening Reception

By Austin News Report | Dec 31, 2023

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Old Bakery and Emporium presents Fantastical Flora, an art exhibit and opening reception on Saturday, January 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Old Bakery and Emporium at 1006 Congress Ave. It is free and open to the public. RSVP online.

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