"In 2009, Austin City Council adopted the urban parks initiative, setting a goal to provide parks within a five- to 10-minute walk of all residents. As of 2025, only about 70 percent of Austin residents live within walking distance of a park. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) wants to get that number to 100 percent through the city's 2026 comprehensive bond package."
"The 2026 bond package would be Austin's first since 2018. But the city will not be able to fund everything it wants to, with a $3.87 billion wishlist from city departments being well over five times the recommended limit. As each city department's wishlist continues to be whittled down, PARD told Council's Parks Committee on Wednesday morning that its top priority is funding for parkland acquisition."
"PARD is requesting $100 million - a relatively small chunk of the proposed package. Transportation and Public Works is seeking more than $925 million, and Watershed Protection is seeking nearly $600 million for proposed drainage and stormwater infrastructure. Climate initiatives are leading the package as well, with $300 million requested for flood and wildfire mitigation, water quality protection and other conservation uses."
In 2009 Austin City Council adopted the urban parks initiative to provide parks within a five- to 10-minute walk of all residents. As of 2025 about 70 percent of residents live within walking distance of a park. PARD seeks to reach 100 percent through the city's 2026 comprehensive bond package and lists parkland acquisition as its top priority, requesting $100 million. The city's combined departmental wishlist totals $3.87 billion, far exceeding recommended bond limits and necessitating cuts. Major other requests include Transportation and Public Works, Watershed Protection, and $300 million for climate and conservation efforts. A 2023 state law, House Bill 1526, limited development fees for parks and reduced local funding options.
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