Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | February 2025

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 11 MARCH 1MARCH 29, 2025

2025 Camp Guide

After a decade of planning, the nearly 33-year-old Austin Convention Center will soon be torn down and rebuilt through a four-year project that will BY BEN THOMPSON New convention center revealed transform six square blocks of downtown.

Local leaders say the project will better position the center, which is much smaller than Houston, Dallas and San Antonio’s and already losing business due to its size. It’s also expected to help revitalize the area with new public features and a more inviting presence. “We will no longer be a barrier. We will be a gateway that transforms the southeast corner [of downtown] into what we hope will be a bustling community hub,” ACC Assistant Director Katy Zamesnik said. “We really want this to be a conven- tion center where our business opportunity meets our cultural enrichment.”

The $1.6 billion redevelopment kicks o with the center’s closure in April, soon after South by South- west Conference & Festivals, with reopening set in time for that event in 2029. It’ll eventually boost the local economy and Austin’s national prole, as well as impact the surrounding area, and city hotel and tourism operations in the years ahead, ocials said.

CONTINUED ON 36

Austin Convention Center site

The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will include new retail and public art, and reopen streets.

RENDERING COURTESY AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT & LMNPAGE

Also in this issue

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INSIDE

Community: Discover 40 summer camps in our annual guide (Page 19)

Government: Check out the latest data on Dripping Springs’ population (Page 26)

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For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org

Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher. BE READY for the next cold snap EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Minh Nguyen Chelsea Peters Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Travis Baker Austin Market President tbaker@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

Southwest Austin

2 Starbucks The Seattle-based coffee shop is now open across from Foot Locker in Barton Creek Square. Starbucks serves coffee, teas and pastries in the mall. • Opened January • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.starbucks.com 3 Pluckers Wing Bar Pluckers Wing Bar’s newest location is in Southpark Meadows, in a newly built restaurant where TGI Friday’s once stood. The location will mark the brand’s first Austin opening in eight years and the 32nd overall. • Opened Feb. 24 • 9600 S. I- 35 frontage road, Austin • www.pluckers.com PatchMaster The mobile dry-wall repair service owned by Melanie and Hamish Pellew offers services for work such as making walls and ceilings look new again after plumbing or electrical work, water and foundation damage repair, and getting rid of popcorn ceilings. • Opened Sept. 1 • www.patchmaster.com/south-austin 183

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9 4 8 2

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

MOPAC

290

S. LAMAR BLVD.

1826

MOPAC

RALPH ABLANEDO DR.

Coming soon

4 MINISO The variety store will offer household and consumer goods including cosmetics, stationery, toys and kitchenware, and will be located next to Abercrombie & Fitch in the Barton Creek Square mall. MINISO has multiple retail locations in the United States including in Houston. • Opening February • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.miniso.com 5 Pins Mechanical Co. A bowling alley and arcade from the Midwest-based company, will open in what was once promised to be the St. Elmo Public Market. Pins Austin will offer duckpin bowling, pinball, “old-school” entertainment, craft beers and classic cocktails.

NUCKOLS CROSSING RD.

ALICE MAE LN.

3 14

Southwest Austin

GOODNIGHT RANCH RD.

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and mixed cocktails next to Dogtopia in Oak Hill. The establishment is 21+ only. • Opened in December

Now open

1 Oak Hill Lounge The neighborhood bar is now open, and serving beer

• 6705 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • Instagram: oakhilllounge

Expansion is in flight

JOURNEY WITH AUS

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening this spring • 4323 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.pinsbar.com

Now open

Coming soon

6 Eggs Up Grill A new breakfast restaurant is coming soon to The Ramble. Eggs Up Grill is a national franchise, with locations in nine states, including two in Texas. This would be the franchise’s first Austin location and will be overseen by Omar Thompson and Megan Hood. • Opening this summer • 9021 Goodnight Ranch Road, Ste. 2100, Austin • www.eggsupgrill.com 7 Quik Trip The convenience store chain is slated to begin construction on a new 4,900-square-foot convenience store and gas station this summer. • Opening winter 2026 • 11112 S. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.quiktrip.com 8 Pastissimo This restaurant will offer custom-made pasta bowls next to AMC Theatres in the Barton Creek Square mall. Guests can choose from a variety of pasta, sauces and proteins to personalize their dish. • Opening in March • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.pastissimo.us 9 Claw & Fun The arcade will open next to Old Navy in Barton Creek Square, featuring a variety of claw machines with a

11 AGE of Central Texas The newest licensed day activity and health service center from the nonprofit will provide care for older adults with physical or cognitive needs. Since 1985, AGE of Central Texas has provided resource centers in the Austin area dedicated to supporting aging adults and their caregivers as they navigate the health care landscape. • Opened Jan. 2 • 9400 Alice Mae Lane, Austin • www.ageofcentraltx.org

13 Chuy’s The Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant chain plans to open on Ralph Ablanedo Drive this spring, according to a representative for the restaurant. This will be the 10th Chuy’s in the greater Austin metro. Chuy’s first opened on Barton Springs Road in 1982 and serves tacos, enchiladas, burritos, cocktails, beer, wine and more. • Opening this spring • 126 E. Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin • www.chuys.com

breakfast tacos, sandwiches, fine wine and craft beers. Owned by Zahir Prasla, the business can also be found off 11th Street. • Opening late 2025 • 4315 South Congress Ave., Austin • www.quickiepickieaustin.com

Closings

14 Office Depot The office supply chain’s Southpark Meadows location will close in February. • Closing Feb. 22 • 9600 I-35 frontage road, Ste. R, Austin • www.officedepot.com 15 Back Home After 43 years of business, the home furnishings store will close as owner Mari Johnson retires. • Closing Feb. 28 • 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 730, Austin • www.backhomeliving.com

variety of prizes to win. • Opening this summer • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.clawandfun.com

In the news

12 Crunch Fitness According to a permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the 24-hour gym chain will open a location in Southpark Meadows this year. • 9900 S. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.crunch.com

Relocations

10 Quickie Pickie The convenience cafe will open in a new mixed-use condominium development in the St. Elmo District, Congress Lofts. Quickie Pickie offers groceries,

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELLE BENT & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

• Opened Feb. 3 • 165 Hargraves Drive, Ste. T100, Dripping Springs • www.tc4.co

BELL SPRINGS RD.

OLD FITZHUGH RD.

185

290

MERCER ST.

Coming soon

1826

4 Winehouse Owned by Kristine Clark and former proprietors of Epicure, Jerry Gray and Julio Llop, Winehouse will be a full service wine merchant and lounge, offering domestic and imported wines, craft beers and mocktails. • Opening in March • 501 Old Fitzhugh Road, Austin • www.winehousetx.com

Dripping Springs

164

HARGRAVES DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 30. The pediatrics office from Dr. Christy Jenson, located in the Fuse Workspace off Hwy. 290, offers primary pediatric care to the community. Care includes newborn care, rapid testing, physicals and more.

150

Now open

1 BirthCo. Chiropractic + Wellness The wellness clinic from Katherine Melot offers chiropractic care—including prenatal, postnatal and pediatric chiropractic care—as well as massage therapy and a rehabilitation program for postnatal clients. The business has three other locations in Austin, including Bee Cave, Cedar Park and Southwest Austin. • Opened Jan. 16 • 28496 RR 12, Dripping Springs • www.birth-co.com 2 Sparrow Pediatrics Group Sparrow Pediatrics Group celebrated its grand opening

In the news

• Opened November 2024 • 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.sparrowpediatricsgroup.com

5 Chicken Express Chicken Express near downtown Dripping Springs permanently closed, the business announced in a Facebook post Jan. 10, but didn’t disclose a reason. In December 2023, local Eric Hamilton took over ownership of the restaurant. • Closed early January • 230 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.chickene.com

3 Cousin Louie’s The new Italian-American restaurant is now open in Belterra, replacing what was once Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries and Shakes. The concept is a new one from Tc4 and Co. Hospitality Group, the same owners behind Mighty Fine.

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Government

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Post-arrest legal assistance program ramps up this year

Austin revising rules for short- term rentals Spurred by recent court decisions and chal- lenges with regulation, Austin is updating some policies for short-term rental, or STR, operators and platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. What’s happening While STRs must be licensed by the city, staff believe a vast majority of the thousands of rental spaces operating today are doing so off the books. Austin has about 2,220 licensed rental properties, but the STR database Inside Airbnb currently reports more than 15,000 total active rental listings on that platform. Unlicensed rentals have remained a city target due to concerns over nuisances in neighborhoods, lost city tourism revenue and housing affordability. Changes up for adoption Feb. 27, after press time, include requiring platforms to display STR license numbers in online listings to ensure registration; delisting spaces without valid licenses at the city’s request; requiring 1,000-foot buffers between STR operators’ units as a “density cap;” and banning business entities from operating STRs on properties with three units or less.

Legal support expands Counsel for arrestees who can’t pay for their own lawyer is being made available more often, with expanded hours on additional days.

2024

April: CAFA pilot program begins October/November: One shift, three days a week December: One shift, four days a week January: One shift, five days a week February: One shift, seven days a week July: Two shifts, seven days a week

Expanded post-arrest legal services, a longtime priority for local civil rights advocates, received $8.2 million from Travis County and $7.19 million from Austin in January. The overview County officials earmarked $15.5 million last year for Counsel at First Appearance, or CAFA— support during the post-arrest evaluation and bail-setting, regardless of a person’s ability to pay for a lawyer. Together with Austin, the county began conducting “test” shifts last April. The first $5.8 million in county funding was then doled out in October, paying for 43 new positions that support CAFA, including defense attorneys, clerks, legal secretaries and translators. Since April, there have been a total of 1,132 arrested individuals that have received legal counsel under the CAFA program, according to county documents. Precinct 4 Commissioner Margaret Gomez noted local officials have been discussing representation for those unable to afford it for nearly 30 years, and that it’s taken an extreme amount of effort and coordination to make the CAFA initiative a reality. The details The CAFA program was rolled out in a phased approach as departments hired and trained staff. The first shift of CAFA was expected to be fully operational—2-11 p.m., seven days a week—this February. The funding approved by commissioners

2025

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

in January will support the implementation of the next shift of legal representation, which will operate from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. “With 86 [new hires], this is the largest commit- ment the county has ever made in the fastest time possible,” Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin said. What to watch As Austin gradually discontinues its magis- tration services and the county takes over, city officials have expressed growing concerns about potential delays, particularly for arrestees who may fall under the jurisdiction of the Downtown Austin Community Court, or DACC. DACC serves as an alternative approach to the criminal justice system for individuals experienc- ing very low income, mental illness or addiction. Council members directed staff to work with the county to address the 24-hour waiting period for transporting and processing DACC arrestees, which could be even longer on weekend arrests.

The number of unregistered rental properties in Austin is estimated to be several times higher than city-licensed STRs.

2,133 licensed properties (all operators)

15,500 total listings (Airbnb only)

NOTE: AS OF FEB. 21

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, INSIDE AIRBNB/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Electric bikes banned in Dripping Springs parks

Key:

Bikes

No Bikes

EVENT CENTER DR.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center

situations with e-bikes, especially those traveling at higher speeds, Director of Parks and Community Services Andrew Binz said. Charro Ranch Park is a nature park with pedestrian trails. The pedestrian identity of the park doesn’t allow any bicycles on the trails, he said. The Dripping Springs Sports & Recreation Park and Founders Memorial Park, both located off RR 12 with trails considered “multipurpose,” will still allow e-bikes.

City Council voted Feb. 4 to prohibit electric bikes in two city parks due to concerns over safety

Founders Memorial Park

and traffic. The details

FOUNDERS PARK RD.

290

Dripping Springs

The measure follows more frequent e-bikes sightings in the park system, according to city documents. Vehicular traffic and the presence of horses and other livestock at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center can present potentially dangerous

The Dripping Springs Sports & Recreation Park

150

Charro Ranch Park

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State

BY HANNAH NORTON

Gov. Greg Abbott outlines top priorities for 2025 legislative session

AI facilities that are coming here. I’ve talked to several, and ... they’ll be tapping into renewables whenever that’s available. They understand they need to provide power facilities to make sure that they’re going to be able to stay on without taking power from the grid [during periods of high demand]. What policies are you considering to help public schools hire and retain certified teachers? There’s three strategies here. One is to make certification easier but also more effective. Two is to attract more teachers to the profession. When this session ends, teacher pay is going to be at an all-time high. … That will hopefully attract and retain more teachers. But if you listen to teacher concerns, they go beyond just things like pay. Some involve school safety or dealing with discipline challenges. We have to empower edu- cators and empower administrators to have better control of discipline-based issues. It’s a safety issue [and] a classroom attention issue. What can Texas do to help communities prepare for and respond to future wildfires? We’re working with the Texas Division of Emer- gency Management as well as specialists at Texas A&M [University] to make sure that we’re clearing debris and removing things that would add to a potential expansion of a fire. One thing that we need, especially for vast areas like the [Texas] Panhandle, are air tanker planes to help us more quickly extinguish large-scale fires. Third is to help invest more in our local fire departments. In [rural communities], they have so many volunteer fire departments, and they need more resources to be able to fight fires.

This legislative session, Texas needs to reign in property tax increases, attract home insurance providers and continue adding power to the state grid, Gov. Greg Abbott told Community Impact in an interview at the state capitol Feb. 7. What action should lawmakers take on property taxes this session? Home values are going to [continue to] go up, but a law that we passed in 2019 ... says that any property tax revenue for any jurisdiction is capped at 2.5%. If your property value goes up 10%, your property taxes cannot go up 10%. The real fix for this is to stop making it so easy for local taxing jurisdictions to increase property taxes. That’s why [I’m proposing] two-thirds approval by voters before property taxes can be increased. What can the Legislature do to address home insurance affordability? We want to make sure Texas is a state that attracts insurers, because the more providers there are, it will reduce the cost [of coverage]. There are other reforms we are taking a look at to make sure that we will … be able to contain any potential increase in the cost of insurance. Issues range from what’s going on in the [Texas] Panhan- dle versus what’s going on in coastal regions. Officials say Texas must nearly double its power capacity to 150,000 megawatts by 2030. What changes are needed to meet growing demand? Last session, Texas provided incentives to entice the addition of 10,000 more megawatts of power. That’s in the process of being added to the grid. We want to repeat that again this session. One reason for the power demand is because of

MARIE LEONARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

How much would this cost? [We don’t know yet], but what lawmakers agree on is the need to get it done. In some areas, it may be more personnel; in other areas, it may be certain tools ... [or] another fire truck. So, it’s more like inventory checking, where it’s not going to be one size fits all.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Nearly two dozen people experiencing homelessness are dying in an average month in Austin and Travis County. Their life expectancy is years shorter than the area population as a whole, according to new reporting from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, or ECHO. It’s the closest look yet at area homeless mortality given historically lacking data on that community, ECHO Healthcare Systems Manager Danica Fraher said. “If we continue to not include mortality data in our systems planning, people are going to continue to die preventable deaths,” she said. At least 1,010 homeless people died from 2018-23. That total is likely an undercount given limitations related to the data. Homeless deaths rising in Austin

Zooming in

Deaths in local homeless community Hundreds of homeless people recently died on the streets or in medical facilities. Death on the street Reported by medical examiner and hospital Death in the hospital

Overdoses were the leading cause of death, with a surge in drug-related fatalities beginning in 2021 with more fentanyl in the community, Fraher said. Transportation-related accidents and cardiovascular disease were the next-most common reasons. The ECHO report recommended new housing and shelter, improving community-based health care, new harm reduction spaces, and better tracking of mortality trends. Austin Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said the new information laid out the “unfortunate reality” faced by homeless clients and service providers, and the importance of available interventions. He said the city has made progress in some areas like housing construction and shelter access, and that policies and programs remain under review this year.

300 200 100 0

2018

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

NOTE: DEATHS CAN APPEAR IN BOTH MEDICAL EXAMINER AND HOSPITAL RECORDS IF SOMEONE IS BROUGHT TO A HEALTH CARE CENTER AND DIES WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Manner of deaths

Accident: 73.4%

Homicide: 1.1% Suicide: 6.7% Natural cause: 18.8%

NOTE: INCLUDES ONLY DEATHS REPORTED TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE.

SOURCE: ENDING COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS COALITION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

$402.3M bond on May ballot for DSISD voters Voters residing within Dripping Springs ISD will decide if a $402.3 million May 2025 bond package passes, including construction for the district’s second high school and renovations, among other bond items. The DSISD board of trustees voted unanimously to call for the school bond election during a special meeting Feb. 6. The details The bond package is divided into two proposi- tions. Proposition A includes $399.7 million for the construction of High School No. 2, which will have 2,500 student capacity. Other items on Prop A include the following: • Capital improvements and renovations for Drip- ping Springs High School and Rooster Springs Elementary, near Belterra

Elementary No. 6 to be Wildwood Springs The newest elementary school in Dripping Springs ISD will be named Wildwood Springs, following a 5-1 vote by the board of trustees at a Jan. 27 board meeting. The details Options came from the Name Recom- mendation Committee, which considered the community survey results and other feedback. The board of trustees voted for

Dripping Springs High School No. 2

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• Capital maintenance across district facilities • Transportation projects, such as seat belts for buses and purchase of new buses to account for district growth • Technology infrastructure and equipment • Portable classrooms Proposition B includes $2.6 million for tech- nology device upgrades for teachers, sta and students, and interactive panels to be set up in classrooms. The two propositions together total a $402.3 million bond package.

the name due to a potential middle school nearby that would be named the same. Construction is ongoing and the school is set to open August 2025.

HAZY HILLS LOOP

HEADWATERS BLVD.

290

Austin ISD gets cameras to prevent illegal bus passing Video cameras will be installed on the outside of Austin ISD school buses to record vehicles passing when the stop-sign arm is being used, as part of an initiative to prevent illegal passing of school buses. What you need to know Only 294 out of 555 AISD school buses had cameras installed, as of Jan. 30. The board of trustees voted unanimously during a board meeting Jan. 30 to approve a new contract with BusPatrol America for installation of the video cameras on all AISD school buses. In the 2024-25 academic year so far, there have been over 3,100 violations, AISD ocials said. Those with on-camera oenses are ned $300. If caught by an ocer, a person can be ned $500 to $1,250. Repeat oenders may have their driver’s licenses suspended for up to six months.

“Our children have enough to worry about. We train them for shooters, we train them for tornados—do we have to train them on the bus to be safe from our

community members? I don’t think so. I know we can do better.” CANDACE HUNTER, AISD TRUSTEE

new arrivals daily FASHION & GIFT BOUTIQUE PARKSIDE VILLAGE CIRCLE C @ SLAUGHTER & MOPAC

A FULL TIME ELEMENTARY MICRO SCHOOL ON 8 RURAL ACRES • Experienced teachers • Small Classes • Low Stress • Waldorf inspired • Time in Nature

refresh

SCAN FOR MORE INFO OR TO SCHEDULE A VISIT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Texas Children’s Pediatrics brings top pediatric care to your neighborhood. From milestone check-ins to unexpected sick visits, our pediatric experts are here to be your partners in nurturing happy, healthy little Texans. Schedule your visit today at a location near you. The nation’s largest pediatric healthcare network is in Southwest Austin. Texas Children’s Pediatrics Exceptional care, exceptionally close

Texas Children’s Pediatrics Beansprout - Belterra 164 Belterra Village Way, Suite Y600 Austin, TX 78737 737-229-9840

Texas Children’s Urgent Care - Westgate 4477 South Lamar Blvd., Suite 400 Austin, TX 78745 512-892-9231 We also offer monthly appointments for the following specialties: Pediatric surgery, orthopedics/sports medicine, plastic surgery, urology, cardiology and more!

Texas Children’s Pediatrics Beansprout - Dripping Springs 2440 E. Hwy 290 Building C, Suite A Dripping Springs, TX 78620 737-229-9830

For more information Scan the QR code or visit texaschildrenspediatrics.org to find a location near you.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Camp Guide

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual Community Impact Summer Camp Guide! Growing up we had church camp or grandma’s house. Today there are thousands of camps for kids in Austin. To help you navigate them, this issue includes 40 camps right outside your door in the Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs area. Thanks to a wise mom friend of mine, I am the proud owner of a spreadsheet of camp bookings for my kids. It’s a good way to remember what you booked and what you paid since we secure them so many months in advance. Another mom told me to make tabs for each year so you can compare how hours and prices have changed, and of course you can quiz your kid on which camps they enjoyed the most. I’m all for sharing pro tips among friends. School will be out before we know it!

Premium sponsor:

Deeda Lovett General Manager dlovett@ communityimpact.com

Texas Children's Pediatrics texaschildrenspediatrics.org

Texas Children’s Pediatrics connects you with extraordinary pediatricians backed by a top ranked children’s hospital

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

ATX Ballers Fun Summer Basketball Camps! Type: sports

This list is not comprehensive.

Austin

All-Star Sports Camp Type: sports Ages: 5-14 years old Dates: May 26-Aug. 18 Cost: $245 per week for half days; $395 per week for full days • 9501 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.AllStarSportsCamp.org

Ages: K-9th graders Dates: June-August Cost: $200-$400 per week • Various locations • www.atxballers.com/holidaycamps Austin Eco Bilingual School Type: education Ages: 2-11 years old

Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts Ages: 5-16 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $339-$549 per week • 9217 Hwy. 290 W., Ste. 140, Austin • www.cordovanartschool.com

Dates: May 27-29 Cost: $250-$370

• 8707 Mountain Crest Drive, Austin • www.austinbilingualschool.com

Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camps Type: arts, education Ages: third-12th graders Dates: June-July Cost: $400 per two-week-long sessions; $550 per three-week-long session • Parkside Community Montessori School, 3207 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.austinlibrary.org

ART + Academy Type: arts Ages: 5-17 years old Dates: June 30-Aug. 15 Cost: $300-$350 • 5424 W. Hwy. 290 Service Road, Ste. 110, Austin • www.artplusacademy.com

The Art Garage Type: arts

Ages: 6-14 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $95 per day; $399 per week • 11190 Circle Drive, Austin • www.theartgarageaustin.com

CONTINUED ON 20

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Community

Camp Headwaters at Springs Campus Type: day Ages: 3-5 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $750 per two-week-long session

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy Camps Type: arts Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $240-$390 • 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin; 11091 Darden Hill Road, Driftwood • www.austin.imagineartsacademy.com

CONTINUED FROM 19

Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Inc. Type: sports Ages: 7-16 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 7; four-day-long sessions Cost: $299 per session • St. Michaels Athletic Center, 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., Austin; Hyde Park High School, 11400 S. MoPac, Austin; Covington Middle School, 3700 Convict Hill Road, Austin • www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

• 6305 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.headwaters.org/camp

Club SciKidz Austin Type: education Ages: 4-15 years old Dates: June-July Cost: $365 per weekly session • 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.austin.clubscikidz.com Coyote Kids Nature Camp Type: sports

Creator Camp Type: arts, education Ages: 6-13 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8

Camp Drip Type: sports Ages: 6-11 years old Dates: July 7-July 24; four-day-long sessions Cost: $350 per session • Cypress Springs Elementary, 11091 Darden Hill Road, Driftwood • www.campdrip.com

Cost: $174-$266; discounts and summer passes available • Gateway Church, 6800 W. Gate Blvd., Ste. 120, Austin • www.creatorcamp.org Drumset Boot Camp for Beginners at Oak Hill Drum Studio Type: arts Ages: 8 years old and up Dates: June 2-Aug. 15; weekly sessions Cost: $150-$595 per session • 7003 Pinto CV, Austin • www.austindrumlessons.com

Ages: 6-11 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8

Cost: $250 per weekly session • Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs • www.drippingspringsranchpark.com/ coyote-kids-camp

Camp El Ranchito Type: education, sports, overnight Ages: fourth-ninth graders; ninth-12th graders; varies by session Dates: June 15-July 18; weekly sessions vary by age Cost: varies; scholarships and discounts available • Crumley Ranch Road, Austin • www.elranchito.org

Austin Zoo Summer camps! A WILD ADVENTURE! Ages 6-12 | Weekly programs starting June 2, 2025! Explore our wild world through Summer Camp adventures at Austin Zoo! Daily activities include animal encounters, scavenger hunts, experiments, games and crafts! Zoo Camp experiences are age-appropriate and encourage learning through exploration. Visit www.AustinZoo.org for camp information & registration! 10808 Rawhide Trail Austin, TX 78736 education@AustinZoo.org | 512-288-1490

The World’s Leading Science Enrichment Provider for 35 Years and Counting!

Designed for kids ages 4*-12 (*select camps are for 4-6 year olds) Hands-on science discovery

Wide range of STEM concepts Entertaining educational

Summer Camps located all over town including Southwest Austin & DSISD Campuses!

CAMPS

AFTER-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

SPECIAL EVENTS

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Call Today 512-892-1143 Austin.MadScience.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

ESTEAM Learning Labs Type: education Ages: 4-16 years old Dates: tailored camp session to the time frame needed by families Cost: $450 per week • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin; 1701 Lohmans Crossing Road, Austin; 4219 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood • www.esteamlearninglabs.com Ages: 6-15 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Cost: $599 • 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. K-200, Austin • www.icodeschool.com/austin113/camps INIC Spanish Immersion Summer Camp Type: education iCode Summer Break Camps Type: education

Jump! Gymnastic Camp Jump Type: sports Ages: 3-10 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Cost: $345-$445 • 6800 W. Gate Blvd., Austin • www.jumpgymnastics.com/campjump KidStrong South Austin Type: sports Ages: 4-9 years old; must be potty-trained Dates: begins May 27 Cost: $300 per weekly session • 9900 S. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 950, Austin • www.kidstrong.com/camp

Austin

Mad Science Camps Type: education Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $240-$390

kidsActing Studio Type: arts Ages: 4-19 years old Dates: May 26-Aug. 15 Cost: $305-$1,525; varies by session length • Various locations • www.kidsactingstudio.com

Ages: 0-7 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1

• 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin; 11091 Darden Hill Road, Driftwood • www.austin.madscience.org

Cost: $450 per weekly session; discounts available • 2100 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. L, Austin • www.inic-edu.com/summer-camp-austin

CONTINUED ON 22

This list is not comprehensive.

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Community

OnStage Ready Type: arts Ages: second-sixth graders Dates: June 9-13 for "Oz"; June 16-20 for "Best of Roald Dahl"; June 23-26 for "Shakespeare's Showcase" Cost: $345 per session • 1091 Darden Hill Road, Driftwood • www.onstageready.com Premiere Dance Center Summer Dance Camp Type: arts Ages: 3-18 years old; varies by session Dates: June 9-July 31; four-day-long sessions Cost: $235-$350 per session • 3834 Sawyer Ranch Road, Dripping Springs • www.premieredancecentertx.com

Ages: 8 years old and up Dates: June 23-Aug. 1; weekly sessions Cost: $200 per weekly session • 100 Commons Road, Ste. 5, Dripping Springs • www.thesatedsheep.com

CONTINUED FROM 21

McKinney Roughs Nature Park Type: sports Ages: 5-15 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $280 per week • 1884 W. Hwy. 71, Cedar Creek • www.lcraparks.com/summer-camps/ mckinney-roughs-nature-park

Shalom Austin JCamps Type: religious, overnight Ages: preK-ninth graders Dates: June 2-Aug. 20

Cost: $485-$545 per weekly session; $895-$965 per two-week-long sessions • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin; 1701 Lohmans Crossing Road,Austin; 4219 Bee Creek Road, Spicewood • www.shalomaustin.org/camp

Meteor Theatre Type: arts

Ages: fourth-ninth graders for “High School Musical Jr.”; seventh-ninth graders for “High School Musical Jr. Technical Theatre Camp” Dates: July 7-24 Cost: $1,100 • 11091 Darden Hill Road, Driftwood • www.meteortheatre.com

Snapology Type: education Ages: 5-14 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 22 Cost: $295-$455 per week • 1910 Fort View Road, Austin; • 7817 La Crosse Ave., Austin • https://tinyurl.com/SnapAUS

Rock-About Kids Climbing Camp Type: sports Ages: 9-18 years old Dates: June 2-July 18 Cost: $425 per session • 3755 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.rock-about.com

Moxie Gymnastics Summer Camp Type: sports Ages: 3-13 years old Dates: June 27-Aug. 8 Cost: $400 per weekly session • 31430 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs • www.moxiegymandcheer.com

Sportball Austin Type: sports Ages: 3-9 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15, varies by session

The Sated Sheep Type: arts

Summer ART CAMPS

Buy 3, Get 4th Camp FREE* or $25 off any Half-Day Camp Sale applies to 5-Day Camps *Only pay supply fee for 4th camp. Cannot be combined with other offers Expires March 31, 2025 Art Classes / Art Camps / Pottery / Parties CordovanArtSchool.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

University of Texas at Austin camps Type: education, arts, sports, overnight options Ages: varies by camp Dates: June-August Cost: varies by camp • Varies locations; The University of Texas Wet and Wild Adventure Camp Type: sports Ages: 9-15 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Cost: $540-600 per week • 2008 Enfield, Austin; 6001 Westcreek, Austin • www.wetwildcamp.com at Austin campus • www.utexas.edu Young Rembrandts Summer Drawing Workshops Type: arts Ages: 6-12 years old or first-fifth graders Dates: June 2-Aug. 15; weekly sessions Cost: $186-$310 • Various locations • www.youngrembrandts.com/austinwest

Cost: $240-$300 per week, varies by camp • Location varies by camp • www.sportball.com Steve & Kate’s Camp Austin—South Type: art, sports, education Ages: 4-12 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $114 per day pass; $3,192 per summer pass • 9607 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.steveandkatescamp.com/austin Squishy Banana Studios Film Camp Type: arts Ages: kindergarten-ninth graders Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Cost: $375-395 • 11800 Johnny Weismuller Lane, Austin • www.squishybananastudios.com Teen Girls’ Summer Boxing Clinic Type: sports Ages: 12-17 years old Dates: June 10-12; June 24-26 Cost: $175 per session • 2919 Menchaca Road, Ste. 210, Austin • www.austinwomensboxingclub.com/ classes/teen-boxing

Austin

Sportball Austin Type: sports Ages: 3-9 years old

Dates: May 27-Aug. 15, varies by session Cost: $240-$300 per week, varies by camp • Location varies by camp • www.sportball.com

This list is not comprehensive.

STATE OF THE ART TENNIS FACILITY WITH COVERED COURTS OPENING SPRING 2025 SERVING SPICEWOOD, BEE CAVE, LAKEWAY, DRIPPING SPRINGS

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SUMMER FILM CAMP & filmmaking workshops

Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

June 2nd - Aug 10th Ages: 4-15 years Starting at $200 per week

For more information and to register, call 512-478-4795 or visit austinfilmfestival.com/sfc week-long sessions | June 2 - JulY 25, 2025 Sponsored by:

4200 Crawford Road, Spicewood TX 78669 • (512) 996-1462 • hello@legendtennisacademy.com Sign up for our newsletter & register: legendtennisacademy.com High Performance Coach: Vince Casariego | Junior Program: Kapil Rajurkar REGISTER BEFORE MARCH 31ST AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

SPRING INTO SPECIAL SAVINGS (Now through March 31)

We provide your family with :

• Care: Nurse-led health support • Activities: Meals, transportation, art, music, and exercise • Socialization: Activities and friendships reduce isolation • Respite: Breaks for family caregivers to prevent burnout

Thrive Social & Wellness Center South Austin Affordable Adult Day-Health Care for Seniors ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW!

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Keep Austin Hired! April 2, 2025 | 10 AM - 3 PM Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd CAREER EXPO HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT CITY OF AUSTIN Free and Open to the Public Complete list of employers at AustinTexas.gov/CareerExpo

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LIVING MULCH (BAGS)

(REGULARLY $ 35 / YARD)

Garden-Ville.com

Offer valid through March 31, 2025 at all Garden-Ville locations. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid for retail customers only. One cubic yard minimum purchase required for bulk offer. Wholesale and contractor pricing available by the pallet at our Evans Road and Creedmoor locations only.

BUILD YOUR NEW HOME WITH CONFIDENCE. With a commitment to quality and a reputation for excellence, Toll Brothers is a home builder you can trust in Dripping Springs.

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Open Mon 10 am–6 pm; Tue 2 pm–6 pm; Wed–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun Noon–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Prices shown may refer to the base house and do not include any home site premium, or any optional features. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law.

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