The City of Austin is in the process of exploring the possibility of programming across generations (older adults and younger children) called intergenerational programming. Intergenerational programs can enhance the mental and physical health of older adults and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. The programs can also increase social development of youth and their perceptions of older adults. City Council Resolution No. 20221208-059 requests that the City of Austin work with the Intergenerational Resource and Activity Center Advisory Group to explore using the Nash Hernandez Building for an intergenerational center pilot program. In addition, the City will hold additional community engagement around intergenerational programming. Districts 2 and 3

Background

The Intergenerational Resource and Activity Center Advisory Group (formerly IDC Advisory Group) began working with the City of Austin in 2020, first exploring opportunities for older adults and then opportunities for intergenerational connections (older adults, younger children, adolescents and teens). During this process, Austin Public Health and the Parks and Recreation Department began exploring opportunities.

Project Description

On December 8, 2022, City Council passed Resolution No. 20221208-059, which has 3 parts:

  1. The City Manager is directed to partner with City departments and the IDC Advisory Group to work towards the implementation of an IRAC that will address the need for resources and provide a better quality of life for the fast-growing senior and low-income population of Austin, while also addressing the needs of childcare in the 78702 zip code area and surrounding areas.
  2. The City Manager is directed to work with the IDC Advisory Group to identify licenses, certifications, and funding resources, including, but not limited to, public private partnerships, creative financing options, revenue generation at the property, and other potential means required for an IRAC, and return to Council with proposals that have been reviewed to ensure compliance with any requirements, legal or otherwise, necessary to fund an IRAC at the Nash Hernandez Building.
  3. The City Manager is directed to conduct community stakeholder engagement meetings to gather input on initiating a pilot IRAC partnership program at Nash Hernandez Building and at the locations recommended by the Parks and Recreation Department [Mendez Recreation Center, Dittmar Recreation Center, and George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center].

Austin Public Health (APH) and the Parks and Recreation Department have been identified as the City departments in this resolution. For the first two parts, APH and PARD will work with the Advisory Group to explore the implementation requirements of an Intergenerational Resource and Activity Center at the Nash Hernandez Building is 78702.

Part 3's community engagement will be led by PARD and APH with the purpose of seeking to identify the issues and opportunities as well as understand the views of community members about initiating a pilot IRAC partnership program at Nash Hernandez Building, George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center, Rudy Mendez Recreation Center, and Dittmar Recreation Center.

Objectives:

  • Understand the views of community members around possibility of IRAC in one of the named areas.
  • Inform community of what an IRAC is or could be in the community and ways it can be modified to the space.
  • Connect with community groups representing underrepresented community members.
  • Identify aspects of IRAC that are supported by community members.

Memorandum to Council, August 2, 2023, updating progress

Anticipated Schedule

  • May through June: Community Engagement
  • September 2023: Report responding to Resolution

Community Engagement

Community Survey: Intergenerational Program Exploration (May 10 through June 26)

Pop-up Schedule

  • Montopolis Recreation and Community Center, Fiesta de Mayo, May 18, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Mendez Recreation Center, May 25, 9 a.m.
  • George Morales Dove Springs, May 27, 9 a.m.
  • Mendez Recreation Center, Movie Night, June 9, 7 p.m.
  • Mendez Recreation Center, June 13, 9 a.m.
  • Dittmar Recreation Center, Juneteenth Celebration, June 16, 6 p.m.

Virtual Community Meeting
Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Recordings

Presentations

Additional Information

Funding and Resources

No additional funds have been identified.

Contact Information

  • Part 1 and 2 of Resolution:
    • Nicole Howe, APH
    • Rachel Farley, APH
    • Kelly Maltsberger, PARD
  • Part 3: Community Engagement
    • Justin Schneider