Why the 2026 Bond Package for Public Parks is So Important

Austin voters will decide the future of a $260 million bond package on Nov. 6 that could fund much needed improvements to parks across the city and fill needed positions, like irrigators, that will benefit Hyde Park’s neighborhood park.

“Shipe Park has been fortunate to get recent upgrades in park amenities, from our pool to basketball and tennis courts, but it is so important for everyone to support this bond package to improve parks and recreational facilities across Austin,” said Jill Nokes, longtime Hyde Park resident and parks advocate.

She said Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) depends on bond elections, usually every six to eight years, to fund park improvement projects, purchase land for new parks as Austin expands, and make badly needed upgrades and repairs.

The November bond proposal includes funds for park buildings (such as a Senior Wing Addition at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center), pool upgrades (including Big Stacy, Walnut Creek, and Garrison), additional parkland in underserved areas and to improve trail connectivity, and more.

“PARD has already allocated and distributed funds from the 2018 bond election and now is the time to give our parks the financial help they so desperately need,” Nokes said. She added that a very small percentage of the city’s General Funds are allocated to parks.

Visit austinparks.org for more information.