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.
Bolm_ConceptPlan_DRAFT 2024-05
Proposed Site Plan for Bolm District Park. For more details, read the Final Report at the link below.

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

Community 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.

Round 1: Park Introduction

Stakeholder Outreach and Small Group Meetings
  • Park Values Discussion #1: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Park Values Discussion #2: Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Pop-Up Events
  • Pop-Up #1 at Govalle Elementary: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • Pop-Up #2 at Govalle Neighborhood Park: Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Pop-Up #3 at Montopolis Recreation and Community Center: Saturday, December 9, 11:30 to 1:00 p.m.
Surveys and Meetings

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.
  • Pop Up #2 at Black History Month Kids' Day at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Pop-Up #3 at Southwest Key Programs: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • Pop-Up #4 at Cepeda Branch Library: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Surveys and Meetings

Round 3: Vision Plan

Pop-Up Events
  • Pop-Up #1 at Latinapalooza in Rosewood Park: Sunday, May 26, 2024 from noon to 2 p.m.
  • Pop-Up #2 at Montopolis Neighborhood Center Food Distribution: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Pop-Up #3 at Givens Recreation Center: Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Surveys and Meetings

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.

  • Aerial view of the undeveloped Bolm District Park