Austin Parks and Recreation

Person walking a dog on a paved trail by a river lined with trees

Bolm District Park Vision Plan

City Council District 3

Project Summary

Austin Parks and Recreation 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 adopted.

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 Austin Parks and Recreation (APR).
 

Read the Full Vision Report Here (PDF, 11 MB)

 

Project Description

Austin Parks and Recreation contracted with Halff Associates to assist in the development of the Bolm District Park Vision Plan. This plan provides a framework of park programming and a conceptual site layout to guide the future development of the park. The Vision Plan was developed through a review of City and department 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 developed from 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

 

Communications and Engagement

Austin Parks and Recreation 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.

Meetings, Surveys and Outreach

    Round 1: Park Introduction
    DateEventLocationMaterials
    October 10, 2023Park Values Discussion Small Group Meeting 1Cepeda Branch LibraryMeeting Notes
    October 12, 2023Park Values Discussion Small Group Meeting 2VirtualMeeting Notes
    November 14, 2023Community MeetingVirtual

    Presentation 
    (PDF in English/español)

    View Recording

    November 14 to December 12, 2023Community SurveyOnline

    Summary report (PDF)

    Full results (PDF)

    November 15, 2023Pop-Up 1Govalle Elementary 
    November 18, 2023Pop-Up 2Govalle Neighborhood Park 
    December 9, 2023Pop-Up 3Montopolis Recreation Center 
    Round 2: Design Concepts
    DateEventLocationMaterials
    February 13, 2024Community MeetingVirtual

    Presentation 
    (PDF in English/Español)

    View Recording

    February 13 to March 24, 2024Community SurveyOnline

    Summary report (PDF)

    Full results (PDF)

    February 14, 2024Pop-Up 1Allison Elementary 
    February 24, 2024Pop-Up 2 at Black History Month Kids' DayGeorge Washington Carver Museum 
    February 28, 2024Pop-Up 3Southwest Key Programs 
    March 19, 2024Pop-Up 4Cepeda Branch Library 
    Round 3: Vision Plan
    DateEventLocationMaterials
    May 14, 2024Community MeetingVirtual

    View draft park concept slides (PDF, 27 MB)

    Presentation 
    in English and Español (PDF 36 MB)

    View Recording

    May 14 to June 24, 2024Community SurveyOnline

    Summary Report

    Full Results (PDF)

    May 26, 2024Pop-Up 1 at LatinapaloozaRosewood Neighborhood Park 
    June 12, 2024Pop-Up 2Montopolis Neighborhood Center Food Distribution 
    June 20, 2024Pop-Up 3Givens Recreation Center 

    Funding and Resources

    This project was 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.