Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has finalized the Bolm District Park Vision Plan. The Vision Plan process included a review of park needs and priorities, property analysis, and community engagement. The vision plan has been finalized. City Council District 3

Final Bolm Vision Plan Report (PDF, 11MB)

Aerial view of Bolm Park with Colorado River in foreground and Austin skyline in background

Background

Bolm District Park is made up of 68.1 acres of undeveloped land in East Austin. Located at 6700 Bolm Road, the city acquired this parkland in 2013. Named after the prominent Bolm family, who ran the largest laundry business in Austin in the 1920s, the site was primarily vacant or used for agriculture. In 1972, Capitol Aggregates purchased the property and began using it to store equipment, supplies, and stockpile aggregate. By 2008, the aggregate operations had ceased and the site is currently vacant. Approximately ten acres of the northwest portion of the property are being reserved for a future maintenance facility for the Parks and Recreation Department. 

Project Description

PARD has contracted with Halff Associates to assist in the development of the Bolm District Park Vision Plan. This plan will provide a framework of park programming and a conceptual site layout to guide the future development of the park. The Vision Plan is being developed through a review of City and PARD priorities identified in the 2020-2030 Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan, a site analysis of the park and surrounding properties, and community engagement. 

Community Values

The Community Values were created based on the Park Values Discussions from October 2023. These values continue to drive the planning process.

  • Provide a variety of active, passive, natural, and cultural experiences for a multi-generational and multi-cultural community.    
  • Preserve, enhance, and celebrate the parks existing natural features to allow park users to connect with nature.    
  • Support accessibility to and within the park.    
  • Develop the park as an environment that is safe, respectful, and inviting to all.

Project Timeline

  • Spring 2023: Site Analysis and Data Collection 
  • Fall 2023: Community Engagement Round 1: Park Introduction 
  • Winter 2024: Vision Plan Concept Options Development and Community Engagement Round 2: Concept Options Review 
  • Spring 2024: Draft Vision Plan Concept Development and Community Engagement Round
  • Fall 2024: Received approval from the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board
  • Spring 2025: Final Vision Plan Report Approved

Drawing of Bolm Park map with proposed additional elements such as Nature Interaction Area, Cycle Zone, Passive Play Area, trails, parking, restrooms, connections with other areas

The draft concept plan shown above includes many elements. View Draft Park Concept slides from the presentation (PDF, 27 MB) for more details.

Community Engagement

PARD and the planning team worked with community members to identify values and priorities for the Bolm District Park Vision Plan. Community engagement included a series of public meetings (both online and in-person). In addition to feedback captured during public meetings, surveys were used to document community members' input. Information on past community engagement events is listed here.

Round 1: Park Introduction

Pop-Up Events

  • Pop-Up #1 at Govalle Elementary
    Wednesday, November 15, 2023 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
    3601 Govalle Ave, Austin, TX 78702
  • Pop-Up #2 at Govalle Neighborhood Park
    Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. to noon
    5200 Bolm Road, Austin, TX 78721
  • Pop-Up #3 at Montopolis Recreation and Community Center
    Saturday, December 9, 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.

Community Survey # 1 (Survey closed December 12, 2023)

Community Meeting #1 (Virtual)
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 5:30 p.m. (67 attendees)

Round 2: Design Concepts 

Pop-Up Events

  • Pop Up #1 at Allison Elementary
    Wednesday, February 14. 2024. 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
    515 Vargas Rd, Austin, TX 78741
  • Pop Up #2 at Black History Month Kids' Day! 
    Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center
    1165 Angelina Street, Austin, Texas 78702
  • Pop-Up #3 at Southwest Key Programs
    Wednesday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
    6002 Jain Lane, Austin, Texas 78721
  • Pop-Up #4 at Cepeda Branch Library
    Tuesday, March 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
    651 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, Texas 78702

Community Survey # 2 (Survey closed March 24, 2024)

Community Meeting #2 (Virtual Zoom)
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:00 p.m.

Round 3: Vision Plan

Pop Up Events

  • Pop-Up #1 at Latinapalooza
    Sunday, May 26 from noon to 2 p.m.
    Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Park
  • Pop-Up #2 at Montopolis Neighborhood Center Food Distribution
    Wednesday, June 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
    1200 Montopolis Drive, Austin, Texas 78741
  • Pop-Up #3 at Givens Recreation Center 
    Thursday, June 20 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
    3811 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78721

Community Survey # 3 (Survey closed June 24, 2024)

Community Meeting #3 (Virtual Zoom)
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 6:30 p.m.

Stakeholder Outreach Small Group Meetings

Park Values Discussion #1

  • Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
  • In-person at Cepeda Branch Library
  • Meeting Notes

Park Values Discussion #2

  • Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Virtual
  • Meeting Notes

Funding and Resources

This project is funded by the 2018 GO bond.

Contact Information

For more information or to provide feedback, please contact Charles Mabry by email or phone at (512) 974-9481.