North - Northwest Austin Edition | January 2025

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 12 FEB. 1MARCH 3, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Plans progress for $15.97M in park projects

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Austinites love their parks, said Alison Alter, former District 10 Austin City Council member—and city leaders are making strides to bring more of these types of projects to the northernmost parts of the city. Over 1,000 acres of parkland already span the Northwest Austin area with picnic areas, ball elds and courts, playscapes, and more, while regional projects such as the Northern Walnut Creek Trail aim to connect North Austin with East Austin with nearly 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The parks and recreation department, or PARD, has mainly been working out of Proposition C’s $149 million from the 2018 bond for the past several years, said Lindsey Machamer, PARD’s park development division manager. Now that money is running out, and PARD ocials are hoping to leverage some funds in a potential 2026 bond that is set to address climate-related goals, infrastructure and other public improvements. “We select and advance projects with a focus on increasing access to parkland and reinvesting in some aging infrastructure,” Machamer said. “That need certainly exists in North and Northwest Austin, and is something we’re committed to moving forward with in that area.”

WALNUT CREEK METROPOLITAN PARK

NORTHERN WALNUT CREEK TRAIL

WALNUT CREEK

OAKBRIDGE DR.

The Northern Walnut Creek Trail opened in 2015 and expanded in 2019 and 2023. Phases 2B and 3A3C are expected to be completed by 2026 and connect Govalle Neighborhood Park in East Austin to Balcones District Park in North Austin.

CONTINUED ON 22

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

Also in this issue

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INSIDE

Impacts: Get a taste of American fare at Corinne in The Domain (Page 6)

Events: Check out these 9 events in Northwest Austin (Page 24)

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

45 TOLL

LYNDHURST ST.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

LAKELINE MALL DR.

4 Banh Mi Oven The Vietnamese restaurant serves banh mi, or Vietnamese sandwiches made with chicken, beef, pork, sausage or tofu. Also on the menu are a variety of signature teas, Vietnamese iced coffee, salad bowls, edamame and miso brussels sprouts. • Opened Dec. 3 • 13219 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin • Instagram: banhmioven_atx 5 Don Pepito Latin Food The food truck located in the lot next to Xpress Carwash serves Venezuelan street food such as pepitos, or sandwiches made with chicken, steak and other meat, and tequeños, or fried dough sticks served with queso. • Opened Nov. 2 6 Happy Lamb Hot Pot The hot pot chain restaurant, which also has locations in the Houston and Dallas areas, serves seafood and meat cooked in a soup base of choice with vegetables and noodles to add in. • Opened Jan. 8 • 13343 N. US 183, Ste. 290, Austin • www.happylambhotpot.com 7 First Light Home Care of Wells Branch The business offers companion and personal care including meal preparation, shopping and errand services, laundry assistance, light housekeeping, walking and mobility assistance, and eating assistance. • Opened Nov. 11 • 4408 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 203, Austin • www.firstlighthomecare.com/home-healthcare-wells- branch • 6508 McNeil Drive, Austin • Instagram: donpepitolatin 8 Kesos Tacos The Austin-based taco joint features a menu filled with breakfast and lunch/dinner tacos including a migas taco, a pork carnitas taco and a fried avocado taco. Items also include nachos, burritos and salad. • Opened Dec. 7 • 3901 C. Spicewood Springs Road, Austin • www.kesostacos.com

MOPAC

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

620

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

CENTURY OAKS TERRACE

CEDAR BEND DR.

MOPAC

JOLLYVILLE RD.

FEATHERGRASS COURT

183

WALNUT CREEK PARK

RENFERT WAY

GREAT HILLS TRL.

360

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

breathwork and reset, Moondalini flow and rocket yoga, as stated on its website. • Opened Dec. 1 • 13435 Research Blvd., Ste. 414, Austin • www.anahatayogaatx.com 3 Athens Cafe Owner Ana Marie Karamalegos said she wanted to focus on “serving homemade fresh Greek cuisine and tasty gyros.” Karamalegos said new customers should try the gyro, Greek Salad with Chicken Souvlaki and Sagnaki. • Opened late November

Now open

1 Activate Games The business offers interactive gaming experiences, such as a laser beam room, a hide and seek challenge, and a “floor is lava” style game. • Opened Dec. 16 • The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Court, Austin • www.playactivate.com/domain 2 Anahata Yoga Sanctuary The sanctuary offers classes including foundations yoga,

• 13717 Burnet Road, Ste. 250, Austin • https://athens-cafe-atx.square.site

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & DACIA GARCIA

Coming soon

Now open

9 Wá Salon Founded by Oyefunke Fayoyin, the business offers services for various hair styles including natural styles, braids, locs, protective styles and crochet in addition to extension services such as sew-ins and wigs. The salon provides services for adults and children. • Opening in January • The Domain, 3201 Feathergrass Court, Ste. 108, Austin • www.wasalons.com

Relocations

10 Coach The business is relocating from its current location at 11601 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 125, to sit across from Plank Provisions Oyster Bar. The store sells handbags, wallets, shoes, accessories, charms and straps. • Opening in February • The Domain, 11401 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 121, Austin • www.coach.com

13 Corinne Customers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Dishes include pancakes, sandwiches, salads, soups, Braised Wagyu, Wild Mushroom Bolognese and Scottish Salmon. Seating at the restaurant includes a dining room, private dining spaces and an outdoor patio. • Opened Jan. 14

16 Dior Located near Agave Park, the business offers both women and men’s fashion including bags, shoes, accessories, sunglasses and ready-to-wear clothing. • Opened early December • The Domain, 11600 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 136, Austin • www.dior.com

• 11301 Domain Drive, Austin • www.corinneatxdomain.com

Expansions

11 Austin Regional Clinic North Austin The clinic is adding onto its current space by expanding into the suite next door. Senior Director of Operations Tamara Baker said the expansion will create three new sonogram rooms, a bathroom and an office. • Opening in February • 12201 Renfert Way, Ste. 250, Austin • www.austinregionalclinic.com 12 Zara A media representative for the shopping center said the storefront is developing from its current 11,796 square feet to 34,480 square feet. The business sells fashion for women, men and children in addition to accessories, beauty items and shoes. Renovation will be completed in September. • The Domain, 3409 Esperanza Crossing, Space P-100, Austin • www.zara.com/us

Gomez in 2021, and served tacos, quesadillas and more. • Closed Jan. 14 • 10001 Metric Blvd., Austin 17 Half Price Books The location originally opened in 2008 selling books, games, CDs, vinyls and more. • Closing Feb. 2 • 2506 W. Parmer Lane, Austin 18 Trudy’s The restaurant served Tex-Mex items such as enchiladas and burritos alongside cocktails. • Closed in January • 8820 Burnet Road, Austin

In the news

14 NXTLVL Marine NXTLVL Marine purchased MarineMax in North Austin in mid-December. The business specializes in high-end marine boats and products, including new and pre- owned boats plus golf carts and trailers. • 12971 Research Blvd., Austin • www.nxtlvlmarine.com

Closings

15 Con Todo The business was opened by chef and owner Joseph

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

After several hotel properties were reopened as supportive housing for homeless tenants in 2024, hundreds more apartments for clients exiting homelessness are expected in the coming years. The city’s hotel conversions are part of a broader strategy to boost the local stock of permanent supportive housing—units offering extended rental assistance and supportive services. In 2021, officials moved to buy or fund the conversions of three hotel properties in Northwest Austin to serve as long-term PSH. The complexes all opened in the second half of 2024. The cost Transforming the three hotels and offering Austin looks to fund more housing for the homeless

New housing options Austin contributed to opening four permanent supportive housing options in Northwest Austin in 2024. Hotel conversions 1 Balcones Terrace: 123 units 2 Pecan Gardens: 78 units 3 Bungalows at Century Park: 60 units New construction 4 Espero Rutland: 171 units

45 TOLL

620

183

PECAN PARK BLVD.

183

MOPAC

N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

360

RUTLAND DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

million to develop hundreds of new PSH units annually. City Council will vote to adopt ECHO’s report and find ways to fund new PSH Jan. 30. Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray said new development, rather than the rehabilitation of existing buildings, will likely make up the bulk of new PSH projects in Austin going forward.

supportive services has cost the city around $50 million combined. The Ending Community Homelessness Coa- lition, or ECHO, oversees the regional homeless response system. Last fall, ECHO reported at least $350 million may be needed to meet Central Texas needs over the next decade, including nearly $220

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin officials sworn in; elect mayor pro tem Six Austin City Council members were inaugu- rated Jan. 6 to start off the new council term. The big picture Three incumbents were sworn in after their reelection in the fall, joining three newly elected officials: Krista Laine from District 6, Mike Siegel from District 7, and Marc Duchen from District 10. The action taken Following inauguration, the new-look council took its first action by holding an election for mayor pro tem. Recent councils decided to split up mayor pro tem duties on an annual basis, a trend that contin- ued this year. District 2 council member Vanessa Fuentes was chosen for the role in 2025, and District 4’s Chito Vela is set to take over in 2026.

City sets standards for hospital entrances All new medical facilities in Austin will be required to build safety barriers at their pub- lic entrances under new standards approved by City Council. The setup The security requirement was formally codified in December months after former council member Mackenzie Kelly first proposed the change. In a resolution she drafted this summer, she cited a fatal crash at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center as an example of the types of incidents that could harm hospital patients, visitors and staff without features like security bollards in place. Going forward, Austin hospitals and clinics must include safety bollards or other barriers at all pedestrian entryways.

Austin Council terms

2023 2025 2027 2029

Mayor Kirk Watson

Vanessa Fuentes, District 2* Natasha Harper- Madison, District 1 José Velásquez, District 3

Chito Vela, District 4* Ryan Alter, District 5 Krista Laine, District 6 Mike Siegel, District 7 Zo Qadri, District 9 Paige Ellis, District 8 Marc Duchen, District 10

*SELECTED AS MAYOR PRO TEM

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin reports impacts of HOME development Nearly a year after the policy went into effect, Austin released a report on the early impacts of the Home Ownership for Middle-income Empow- erment, or HOME, initiative. The big picture City Council passed the first phase of

The city processed dozens of plans for two- and three-unit housing projects. HOME development plans Applications approved Applications submitted

December. The land-use update officially went into effect in February, and hundreds of applica- tions for construction under the new rules have since been filed citywide. Through HOME Phase 1’s first six months, nearly 160 applications for projects of various sizes were submitted to the city with about 100 approved in that same time. Altogether, those applications included 300 potential new housing units.

120 103

80 40 0

HOME—allowing up to three housing units on single-family properties across Austin—last

Two-unit

Duplex

Three-unit

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT *APPLICATIONS FROM FEB. 5-AUG. 7, 2024.

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ & BROOKE SJOBERG

AISD reports progress on special education order

RRISD considers new state curriculum Round Rock ISD is considering adjustments to a controversial reading and language arts curriculum provided by the Texas Education Agency ahead of the 2025-26 school year. Diving in deeper A Dec. 16 news release from RRISD states that district administrators are considering how to implement the new curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning. In November, the new learning materials were approved by the State Board of Educa- tion. Critics of the new curriculum said the inclusion of Bible stories is inappropriate for public schools, while those in favor have said it will help close student achievement gaps and reduce teacher workloads, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

Austin ISD is making “significant strides” in fulfilling an agreed order between the district and Texas Education Agency that first came about in 2023 due to shortfalls in the special education department. There is still “work to be done,” officials said in a news release. The gist The district has completed 74 of 99 action items detailed in the agreement, officials said. The action items are associated with four main priority categories, including data management, completing outstanding special education evalua- tions, operational practices and family outreach. There are also items associated with a Lone Star Governance agreement. Lone Star Governance is a TEA program providing coaching and support to district governing bodies focused on improving student outcomes. The district must complete all action items to avoid a TEA-appointed conservator.

25 improvements remain AISD has yet to complete 25 action items detailed in an agreed order with the TEA.

Incomplete

Completed

Complete corrective action plans (Priority I) 20

Improve SPED procedures (Priority II) 28 19

Parent outreach (Priority IV) 15 Data management (Priority III) 2

Lone Star Governance 9 6

NOTE: DATA AS OF DEC. 12, 2024

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & BEN THOMPSON

Project Connect legal proceedings continue On Dec. 20, District Court Judge Eric Shepperd dismissed a lawsuit from a group of community opponents seeking to halt Austin’s tax collections for Project Connect. The suit was filed in August alleging the city broke promises to taxpayers with a “drastically reduced” transit plan and unclear construction timeline. What’s happening? The December outcome came as Attorney General Ken Paxton seeks to reverse a separate decision that’d allow a trial over the project’s financing to proceed. After a state appeals court rejected his push to halt those proceedings in October, Paxton is now asking the Texas Supreme Court to consider the case.

Oak Knoll flood risk reduction project delayed until spring

CHELSEA MOOR POND

Residents in the Oak Knoll neighborhood in Northwest Austin can expect a delay in the Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction project, per an announcement from the capital delivery services department Dec. 26. Construction on the project, which will upgrade the neighborhood’s storm drainage system to prevent local flooding in the area, is set to begin this spring and take at least two years to complete. The project will install new storm drain pipes, increase the capacity of the Chelsea Moor detention pond, and relocate water and wastewater lines. Funds for the $9 million project will come from the city’s $925 million 2018 bond. Due to utility coordination delays, although the project was expected to begin in April 2024, construction

COLUMBIA OAKS DR.

is now expected to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by late 2027. What residents should know Construction on this type of project is substan- tial, officials said in an email to Community Impact , and will cause disruption to the neighborhood, including extended road closures, noise and work at the edge of some yards in the right of way.

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

There was a 53% increase year over year in the number of homes sold in ZIP code 78759 in December, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

December 2023

December 2024

+50%

-12.50%

+33.33%

+20%

+53.33%

45 TOLL

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

78729

620

MOPAC

183

Median home sales price

78727

78750

78759

December

2023

2024

78758

360

$517,922 $430,000 $470,500 $427,400 $525,000

$510,000 $497,500 $709,000 $399,000 $685,000

78727

2222

78729

78750

78758

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

78759

Average days on market

North-Northwest Austin

+18.18%

+162.5%

+15.09%

+5.8%

-14.81%

December

2023

2024

New listings

Closed sales

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in December

Months of inventory

3.2

3.0

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

8 5 5 4

7 4 7 4

$900,000+

2 8 6 2

2 2 8 6

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$285 $294

6 6

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

264

271

<$299,999

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BY GRACE DICKENS Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. This Health & Wellness edition kicks o our rst issue of the year, and also marks our return to delivering the Northwest Austin paper to every business mailbox each month. Everyone deserves to be informed about what is happening in their own backyards, and we believe this extends to our local businesses, the economic engine of our community. Happy New Year, cheers to good health!

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What's inside

HEB program provides nutrition services, guidance (Page 16)

Austin-area specialist shares tips for nding a therapist (Page 19)

Park projects progress across Northwest Austin (Page 22)

Sponsor:

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County health data Travis County performs better than the state average in health indicators such as life expectancy and number of those insured, while statewide numbers outpaced the county on the percent of those who drink excessively and spend more than 50% of their income on housing.

Snapshot

Health indicators

The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.

These are some of the statistics that inuence the overall health and wellness of the county.

Travis

Health factor

Health outcome

Travis County

Texas

Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.

Life expectancy Food insecurity

80.6 years

77.2 years

12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%

14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%

Limited access to healthy foods

Health outcomes

Adult smoking

Travis County

Excessive drinking

Access to exercise opportunities

Uninsured (under age 65)

State average National average

Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing

1,190:1

1,660:1

Health factors

270:1 30% 37% 16%

640:1

Travis County

33% 39% 14%

National average

State average

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Health & wellness

BY KAROLINE PFEIL

HEB program oers guidance from dieticians For those looking to improve their diet and health, HEB oers the assistance of registered dietitians, who provide medical nutrition ther- apy through its Nutrition Services program. The program assists individuals of all ages with a wide range of dietary concerns, from picky eat- ing to sports nutrition to family meal planning, Nutrition Strategy team member Mary Katharine Hutchinson said. Most major insurance plans are accepted but Medicaid is not, Nutrition Strategy team member JoAnn Breaux said. Learn more about the program at www.heb.com/wellness/ nutrition-services. What does HEB’s Nutrition Services program provide? Breaux: One of the coordinated care services that we provide is nutrition services with a reg- istered dietitian. Currently, we provide Medical

Service pricing Most insurance plans are accepted, and the services are FSA and HSA eligible. In-person or virtual services are available, depending on location. Initial 60-minute consultation: $118 • In-depth nutrition assessment and personalized goals Follow-up 45-minute consultation: $89 • Basic nutrition assessment, label education and healthy food solutions In-body scan: $50 • Analyzing the body’s metabolic rate alongside muscle, fat and water composition

How can interested readers get started on their nutrition journey with HEB? Breaux: The best way we could get folks to schedule with a dietitian or to leverage our ser- vices would be sending them through our online scheduling or through our online platform. What does the first appointment look like? Breaux: It’s a lot of questions, just the dietitian getting to know the patient, the way you would expect at a primary care visit. Do you have any general nutrition advice to share with individuals looking to improve their diet? Hutchinson: It sounds so rudimentary but just getting more ber in [your diet]. We know something like 90% of the population is under-consuming ber so adding maybe a fruit to their breakfast or trying to ll half of their plate at one meal with a non-starchy vegetable. ... Another one is protein. If they’re not typically getting at least 10 grams of protein at breakfast, let’s try and get started adding a protein source at breakfast.

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist • Licensed Dietitian JoAnn Breaux

• Master of Science in Nutrition • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist • Licensed Dietitian Mary Katharine Hutchinson

HEB’s Nutrition Services program allows patients to work with registered dieticians on nutrition goals.

SOURCE: HEB NUTRITION SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LIZZY SPANGLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What does HEB hope to achieve through this program, and how might you expand in the future? Breaux: Our goal is always to try to reach as many Texans as possible. We’re planning to expand over the next two years, just to reach more communities across Texas. ... In the

meantime, for those hard to reach communities, we do oer those virtual services.

Nutrition Therapy, or MNT for short, which is a dietitian working with a patient one-on-one, for as many visits as are necessary [for] their specic health goals and needs. Is this program offered at all locations? Breaux: We have dietitians in specic locations

but our services can be reached across Texas because we also do virtual consultations. As far as cost goes, we do have cash pay options and insurance options, so hopefully there is something that our customers can nd works for them.

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

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Health & wellness

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The Austin area is saturated with mental health providers specializing in a variety of therapies, said William Schroeder, co-owner and counselor at Just Mind Counseling. Despite the saturation, a 2024 Mental Health America report showed Texas ranked 44th in adult mental health and 15th for youth. Cost and accessibility is often a barrier to therapy, while others may delay therapy out of feeling vulnerable or judged by a stranger, Schroeder said. “[The new year] is often a time where—from the data side—people start making those changes,” Schroeder said. Just Mind Counseling therapists say the process of starting a therapy journey can look like: Knowing the signs of when to consider therapy 1 Understanding individual goals, challenges and needs out of therapy 2 Doing research 3 Considering the financial implications 4 Austin counselor offers tips for finding therapy

1 Austin DBT Associates: $70-$180 per session 2 Autonomy Therapy: $50-$175 per session 3 Center For Relational Care: $30-$130 per session 4 Just Mind Counseling: $100-$200 per session 5 Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates: $40-$175 per session 6 Moonstone Counseling: $165-$225 per session 7 Therapy Austin: $65-$200 per session Affordable therapists in the Northwest Austin area

The cost

Schroeder said utilization of mental health ser- vices has increased since the start of the COVID- 19 pandemic, but some insurance companies may not have covering therapy costs modeled into their care, he said. If they do, coverage varies. On the clinician side, more local providers seem to take insurance, but Schroeder said this can present challenges if insurers decrease their reimbursement rates. “There’s the [therapist’s] desire for acces- sibility that exists, and yet there’s also the fundamental principle of being able to survive on the rates that are there,” Schroeder said. “Over the next five to 10 years, we’re going to see more people leave the field just because it’s really hard to survive taking insurance—because insurance [companies] like to play these different games.” Just Mind Counseling also provides resources for finding affordable therapists in Austin, with most sessions listed in its guide starting at $100 or below.

ANGUS RD.

183

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360

5 6 7

FARLEY DR.

SHOAL CREEK BLVD.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

What the experts say

“Sometimes you can find somebody that looks great on paper, and then you get in there, and it’s like watching paint dry.” While therapy helps build the skills and coping mechanisms needed to make lasting change, Schroeder said it may require work to “lift some of the fog” before feeling able to commit to one. Schroeder suggests joining support groups, reading therapy blogs and talking with a health care provider about medication.

It’s important to understand an individual’s needs going into therapy, Schroeder said, and to make note of any provider preferences, such as their age, gender or cultural background. Talking with health care providers, friends, family members or using an online directory such as Psychology Today can also help people find a therapist that fits their needs, he said. “It’s really important to kind of gut check the [therapist] and see if it feels right,” Schroeder said.

consultation 5

Scheduling an initial session or

Gathering any questions, concerns or documents needed before the first session 6

Committing to going 7

SOURCE: JUST MIND COUNSELING/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Major takeaways

“When you’re in a room with somebody, you get that energy in a different way from them,” Schroeder said. “That can also be very demonstrative and important [for] knowing a variety of different things, like if what you’re doing is actually working.” While each experience will differ, Schroeder said it’s important for people to check in with how they feel at the end of each session to make sure their therapist is a good fit.

The structure of therapy sessions vary, Schroeder said, and it’s important to know the provider’s style. Some may be more directive and give clients homework or goals to work on, while others offer a less structured approach. Telehealth therapy has also expanded access, but Schroeder said it could lead to providers missing major body language cues.

Checking in after a session

Feel like progress is being made

Feel the therapist’s approach and feedback is effective

Feel respected, heard and valued

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Health & wellness

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Some of TBA’s local aliations, such as the Temple Area Beekeepers Association, oer youth programs.

COURTESY DANIELLE FLEMING

A variety of honeys can be found across Texas, including wildower honey, cotton honey and brush honey.

COURTESY DANIELLE FLEMING

Texas Beekeepers Association aids bee education There are over 1,500 beekeepers across 53 local beekeeper associations in Texas that help make up the Texas Beekeepers Association. ltered and pasteurized their product, resulting in a loss of “a lot of the benets.”

Texas Beekeepers Association’s Real Texas Honey seal indicates the bottled honey is raw, pure and unltered.

Texas’ huge land area and diverse forage also means there are a variety of honeys across the state, depending on what the bees are bringing in, with Central Texas known for its cotton honey and North Texas for its wildower honey. Get involved For prospective beekeepers, Barber said January and February is the best time of the year to start doing research in order to purchase a bee nucleus colony, or “nuc,” by springtime. Seeking out a local beekeeping association for education and support is a good rst step, he said.

The association, which was formed over 140 years ago, represents the interests of beekeepers across the state, said TBA president Gary Barber. How it works TBA is also partnered with the Texas Honey Bee Education Association, which promotes honey bee education throughout Texas, and Real Texas Honey, which locates local beekeepers and can provide a unique seal to beekeepers who sell pure, unadulterated honey. While there’s nothing wrong with store-bought honey, Barber said a lot of brands have highly

COURTESY DODIE STILLMAN

Support the bees

Plant pollinator-friendly plants and trees with high nutritional value Provide water sources for bees to hydrate Limit the use of environmental contaminants such as herbicides and pesticides Buy honey from local beekeepers or brands that have the Real Texas Honey seal

SOURCE: TEXAS BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Plans progress for $15.97M in park projects From the cover

In a nutshell

Machamer said PARD is “putting a lot of thought” into what comes next for park development across the city. “The priorities continue to be equitable development, increasing access to park amenities, reinvesting in aging infrastructure like pools and playground replacements, and also a focus on our maintenance facilities,” Machamer said.

Neighborhood Park, slated to open in 2025. The project was conceptualized in 2018 and will include a new playground, picnic pavilion, basketball court, loop walking trail and more. Another new project, Jamestown Neighborhood Park, has already been identified as one of PARD’s top priorities for its parkland improvement program ahead of potential 2026 bond funding.

PARD completed a handful of projects in Northwest Austin just last year, such as basketball court improvements at Balcones District Park; increasing trail accessibility at Bull Creek District Park; installing a new playground at Highland Neighborhood Park; and installing fitness equipment at TA Brown Neighborhood Park. One of the newest projects is Brownie In progress 1 Beverly S. Sheeld Northwest District Park • Project scope: aquatic center renovation • Phase: construction • Cost and funding source: $12.4M from 2018 bond and parkland dedication • Estimated completion: spring 2026 2 Walnut Creek Metro Park • Project scope: softball field light replacements • Phase: bid/award/execution • Cost and funding source: $772K from 2018 bond and Deferred Maintenance Fund • Estimated completion: TBD 3 Jamestown Neighborhood Park • Project scope: concept plan for undeveloped park • Phase: design • Cost and funding source: TBD by Austin Parks Foundation • Estimated completion: TBD; concept plan adoption anticipated in early 2025 4 Northern Walnut Creek Trail • Project scope: trail connection from Oakbrook Drive to I-35, trail connection to Southern Walnut Creek Trail • Phase: design/permitting • Cost: $1.5M from 2016 and 2020 mobility bonds • Estimated completion: summer 2026 5 Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt • Project scope: trailhead development • Phase: design • Cost and funding source: $1.3M from 2018 bond and parkland dedication • Estimated completion: TBD

TOPRIDGE DR.

EVENING PRIMROSE PATH

SCOTLAND WELL DR.

Balcones District Park • Completed summer 2024

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360

Bull Creek District Park • Completed summer 2024

BROWNIE DR.

Brownie Neighborhood Park • Opening 2025

JAMESTOWN DR.

TA Brown Neighborhood Park • Completed January 2024

ARDATH ST.

PEGRAM AVE.

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2222

GUADALUPE ST.

COLORADO RIVER

Highland Neighborhood Park • Completed summer 2024

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Northwest Austin parks and trails, 2020-present

Project funding

payment of parkland dedication fees shifted, which could result in a yearslong delay in fee collection. Other entities work to support PARD, such as Austin Parks Foundation, which has invested over $80 million into Austin’s parks through private fundraising. APF has helped fund over $400,000 for projects in Northwest Austin, said Katie Kennedy, APF’s director of marketing and communications.

Machamer said PARD relies mostly on bond fund- ing to complete projects but also utilizes parkland dedication fees, where developers choose to pay the city instead of allocating parkland in their plans, as a funding source. However, House Bill 1526—signed into law in 2023—capped parkland dedication at 10% of the site area citywide, down from a 15% cap in the urban core and no cap in suburban areas. Additionally,

22 projects completed or in progress

$7.2M invested

1,060 acres of land covered

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Park walkability

Dig deeper

Looking ahead

The dip between 2018 and 2019 reflects PARD’s improved data collection methodology, which started measuring barriers of urban environment walkability.

Much of PARD’s parkland acquisition and new park development projects are strategically cho- sen and advanced to decrease the walk residents have to parks, Machamer said. A half-mile walk is about 10 minutes and considered to be the standard for parks when yielding a quality-of-life impact, city of Austin data states. District 7 council member Mike Siegel said farther North Austin corners such as Tech Ridge have a “real need” for amenities such as parks and pools. “These areas that have been more recently incorporated [into Austin] don’t have the same access to the city services,” Siegel said.

PARD is nearing the end of its 2018 bond funding, Machamer said, and is collaborating with city officials to plan for a potential November 2026 bond. “I do know there’s a lot of competing priorities across the city, so that’s just a challenge in terms of prioritizing work,” Machamer said. In the meantime, Alter, formerly representing District 10, said the next two years could be “really challenging” with making further park and trail investments as HB 1526 comes into play and PARD awaits the new bond.

Percentage of residents within park walking distance

70% 80% 60% 50% 40% 0%

2025

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• January Community engagement plan, working groups established • February-June Bond task force gathers data, presents initial report to council • August-September Community input events held • October-November Community feedback integrated into projects, rankings • July Project scoping, cost estimating begins

Austin park accessibility, 2023

Offering input

Percentage of people living within a 10-minute walk Low income (less than 75% MAI*) 70% Medium income (75%-125% MAI) 68% High income (over 125% MAI) 69% Youth (under 20) 68% Adults (20-64) 70% Seniors (over 64) 67% Data from Parkserve, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing parkland access, shows which demographics live within a 10-minute walk to a park in Austin.

Data from ParkServe—which tracks and maps park access across the United States—indicates 671,072 Austin residents are served by parks. Of that, only 449,618 seniors over 64 and 456,328 medium-in- come residents had access, the lowest out of the groups. Investing in parks and trails can address climate issues, promote health and youth recreation, and tie the community together, Siegel said. “If you have access to the basic needs of life within 15 minutes, that’s going to be a much better quality of life,” Siegel said. “The more we can get around without our cars, the more likely we’re going to stop into a store or a restaurant in the neighbor- hood instead of driving somewhere further.”

2026

• January-April Working groups present recommendations • May-June Bond task force final report presented, reviewed by council • July-August Council calls for a bond election

• November Bond goes before voters

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN BOND ELECTION ADVISORY TASK FORCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*AUSTIN’S MEDIAN AREA INCOME, OR MAI, WAS $122,300 IN 2023. SOURCE: PARKSERVE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

February

Anti-Valentine’s Day Crafters can enjoy some time making broken mosaic hearts, putting together friendship bracelets and customizing buttons. Both teens and adults are welcome. • Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov

Lunar New Year Celebration Welcoming the Year of the Snake, the event will feature a performance by Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team, lantern riddles, crafts, games, zodiac sign activities and education about the traditions surrounding the holiday. • Feb. 9, noon-1:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov Adult Craft Night: ‘Wicked’ Themed Paint & Sing Along The event will give attendees a chance to bring Glinda and Elphaba to life in a mixed-use painting with all supplies included. The new “Wicked” movie will be playing during the event and painters are encouraged to sing along. • Feb. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • $15 (admission) • Make at Rosie-Community Makerspace, 8711 Burnet Road, Ste. B30, Austin • www.makeatrosie.com Galentine’s Day Social Punch Bowl Social is celebrating Valentine’s Day with the nighttime event featuring a live DJ, custom flash tattoos, a jewelry charm bar, High Noon tastings, a card station and a caricature artist. • Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. • $15 (admission) • Punch Bowl Social, 11310 Domain Drive, Ste. 100, Austin • www.punchbowlsocial.com

Galentine’s Party Friends can celebrate their bond at Sixty Vines with a permanent jewelry bar, build-your-own bouquet station, photo opportunities and a friendship bracelet kit. The restaurant will also feature a specialty holiday cocktail and rosé flight for the occasion.

Austin FC vs Colorado Rapids Austin FC will take on Colorado for the team’s second home match of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. In the last matchup against one another in October, Austin FC won the game with a 3:2 score. • March 8, 7:30 p.m. • $60 and up • Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Place, Austin • www.q2stadium.com/event

• Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission)

• Sixty Vines, 3401 Esperanza Crossing, Austin • www.sixtyvines.com/locations/austin-tx

Romantic Reverie Couples can celebrate the romantic holiday with a serenade by The Pearl Trio featuring music by Mendelssohn, Piazzolla, Rachmaninoff and Schubert. Attendees may arrive early to enjoy cocktails and browse the art collection. • Feb. 14, 7:30-9 p.m. • $5 (students); $20 (adults) • Ao5 Gallery, 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 118, Austin • www.ao5gallery.com/pages/events OUTsider Festival Nonprofit OUTsider will host its annual festival and conference with the mission to unite LGBTQ+ artists, audiences and scholars. There will be performances from over 15 artists.

• Feb. 19-23, performance times vary by day • $69 (hardship festival badge); $69 (student festival badge); $129 (general badge) • The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road, Ste. 2135, Austin • www.outsiderfest.org/monstrosity Bingo & BBQ Night With food and fun, attendees can support local charities by playing 10 games of bingo, enjoying barbecue and winning prizes donated by local businesses and sponsors. • Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m. • $25 (admission) • Inner Diva Studios, 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 104, Austin • www.innerdivastudios.com/events

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