Parks

The Parks and Recreation Board will hold a meeting this evening, Tuesday, August 27th at 6 PM in the Boards and Commissions Room of City Hall. Here is the agenda. The first item on the non-consent portion of the agenda is a presentation by Jim D. Huddleston proposing the redevelopment of Hancock Golf Course. The board asked PARD staff to put the item on this month's agenda to ensure that the proposal is discussed in a public forum and so that the board can take an official position on the matter. Please attend to register your opposition to Mr. Huddleston's proposal. You can also write the Parks and Recreation Board members to provide input.

Parks and Recreation Board Member Email Addresses:

Jane Rivera <bc-Jane.Rivera@austintexas.gov> 
Jeff Francell <bc-Jeff.Francell@austintexas.gov> 
William Abell <bc-William.Abell@austintexas.gov>
Dale Glover <bc-Dale.Glover@austintexas.gov>
Lynn Osgood <bc-Lynn.Osgood@austintexas.gov>
Susana Almanza <poder.austin@gmail.com>
Susan Roth <susan@srothconsulting.com>

This update provides information regarding the three major action items set for accomplishment by the close of the year; historical designation, reclaimed water and concession options.

Historic Designation

In consultation with the Historic Preservation Office, the Parks and Recreation Department has reviewed options with regard to the historical designation of Hancock Golf Course and Recreation Center. The recommendation is as follows: pursuit of a local historic district for the golf course site, which includes the clubhouse and grounds, as well as individual City of Austin Landmark designation for the clubhouse. The different designations are summarized below.

Local Historic District for Hancock Golf Course

For the site as a whole, the Department recommends pursing a Local Historic District. For large parks and sites, a district designation is the appropriate tool. Local Historic District designation will provide protection for the character defining features of the site through the development of design guidelines. Features and buildings are defined as contributing or non-contributing. The clubhouse would be contributing to the property; however a modern playscape would be listed as non-contributing. Once the local Historic District is in place, the Department may choose to pursue National Register District to boost marking efforts. It is interesting to note more than 30 golf courses around the country are designated as National Register Districts. A local example of a park designation as a National Register Historic District is Zilker Park.

City of Austin Historic Landmark

While the 1934 Hancock Recreation Center would be protected by the Local Historic District designation, the Department also proposes that we also pursue a Historic Landmark designation. The combination of these planning tools is most appropriate for this beloved historic site.

Timeline