Adult Indoor Sports Leagues Process
Project Summary
As part of the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, adult indoor sports leagues managed by Austin Parks and Recreation were reduced. Due to the significant impact on this community, Austin Parks and Recreation will continue the leagues until a solution to continue adult indoor basketball and volleyball can be implemented. The Department is seeking ideas and sustainable solutions to continue these indoor sports in Parks and Recreation facilities.
Background
As part of the Fiscal Year 2027 City of Austin Budget, Austin Parks and Recreation made the tough decision to reduce two indoor adult sports leagues – volleyball and basketball.
While staff originally announced that the indoor leagues would be paused starting this fall, the Department had already scheduled leagues through May 2027 and recognized the need for additional time to shift to a third-party operating model. As we develop a sustainable model to continue these programs, staff will focus on listening to community priorities, concerns, and solutions to continue indoor basketball and volleyball. City staff will continue to operate the indoor volleyball and basketball leagues until a solution can be implemented.
Project Description
Austin Parks and Recreation will identify and implement an alternative method for operating adult indoor basketball and volleyball leagues in Parks and Recreation facilities that does not rely on funds from Parks and Recreation.
The primary purpose of engagement around adult indoor sports leagues will be to generate ideas for third-party operation of adult indoor sports that includes priorities and addresses concerns of possible participants.
Objectives
- Inform participants about all elements leading to the shift away from Parks and Recreation operated sports leagues, including staffing, locations, and priorities;
- Develop alternatives for third-party operation of sports leagues;
- Gather feedback and suggestions to understand the desired priorities of leagues by participants;
- Make recommendations for operation model and modifications to programming and services based on feedback; and
- Connect with community members and community groups.
Schedule is subject to change as the process proceeds
Anticipated Schedule
- Planning: September 14 to October 30
- Survey and Community Meeting: November 2 to December 11
- Initial Analysis, R&R Narrowing, Round 2: December 14 to January 29
- Internal Review and Approval for Next Steps: February 1 to February 26
- Next Steps and Implementation: To Be Determined Based on Final Decision
Communications and Engagement
Communications and engagement will focus on connecting with present and past participants of adult indoor sports. During the Planning stage, Austin Parks and Recreation will prepare materials and schedule meetings.
We will be looking to participants for ideas and recommendations to implement at the end of this process.
Funding and Resources
No additional funding or resources for this engagement have been identified.
Contact Information
Kelly Maltsberger, Community Recreation District Manager, will lead this process. Email Kelly.Maltsberger@austintexas.gov if you have questions or comments.