The letter below from Austin Parks and Recreation Department Acting Director Warren Struss regarding the parking situation affecting our neighborhood is published on our web site with his permission.

June 3, 2004

Don Long, President

Barton Hills Neighborhood Association

2205 Farnswoods Circle

Austin, Texas 78704

Dear Mr. Long:

Thank you for allowing the Parks and Recreation Department to attend your upcoming Neighborhood Association meeting on June 22, 2004 and discuss concerns that have been raised regarding the parking on the south side of Zilker Park.

This is the second summer the Parks and Recreation Department has been charging for parking at the south gate in Zilker Park. The parking on the south side of the Pool is limited to approximately 200 vehicles.

The south side parking area of Zilker Park has experienced considerable increased usage over the past several years. While charging for parking does generate significant revenue needed to maintain city programs, the revenues also offset the expenses associated with controlling parking and traffic. Parking control ensures emergency vehicle access to the pool as well as managing the significant increase of vehicle use on busy summer weekends.

We are sensitive to the neighborhood concerns regarding the impact of cars parked in and around the neighborhood and I have asked our Park Police to monitor the neighborhoods to ensure that parking violations are enforced. In addition, beginning this weekend, we will begin placing cones along the Barton Hills Drive to deter parking in the bike lane.

As for the economic issue, as in the previous years Barton Springs Pool does not start charging until 9am. The parking fee does not go into effect until 9am through the front gate (Barton Springs Road) or until 11am at the South gate (Robert E. Lee). Anybody who wishes to enjoy this park and pool free of charge may arrive before those charge times.

We will continue this public discussion soon and look forward to a continued positive relationship with the Barton Hills Neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Warren W. Struss, Acting Director

Parks and Recreation Department

Meeting Minutes from the May 25 BHNA Executive Committee are now online, and include information about the upcoming newsletter and plans for the General Meeting on June 22.

Dear Barton Hills Residents,

Your numerous emails as well as BHNA discussions with city staff have led to some progress on the parking situation at the Robert E. Lee entrance to Barton Springs. No resolution has been reached yet, but I would like to pass along where we stand and alert you to an opportunity to have your voice heard on this issue.

City Manager Toby Futrell and Interim PARD Director Warren Struss have been receptive to discussion and concerned about the impact the new parking charge has had on the Barton Hills and Zilker neighborhoods. This weekend and beyond, the city will evaluate the parking charge and its impact on the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. As we receive updates (hopefully next week), this information will be passed along to you via the email listserv and the upcoming June BHNA newsletter.

Representatives from the city and PARD (Warren Struss & Jay Stone) are slated to attend our June 22nd BHNA meeting at St. Marks. As always, Green Mesquite will offer barbeque for $5 at 6PM, with the general meeting beginning at 7PM. We encourage you to attend the meeting so that your concerns about the parking charge are clearly heard. A strong turnout would be a great indication of the resolve our neighborhood possesses.

Regards,

Derek Stuart

BHNA Treasurer