Concern Raised Over Austin Park Foundation's Movies in the Park Attendance Decline

A passionate plea for the revival of community movie nights at Deep Eddy Pool took center stage during the Austin Parks and Recreation Board meeting on August 25, 2025. Local resident Mr. Dombek expressed his concerns about the significant decline in attendance at these events since they transitioned from the aquatics department to the Austin Parks Foundation.

Before the pandemic, Deep Eddy Pool hosted 3 to 4 movies each summer and fall, attracting crowds of 1,000 to 1,500 attendees, predominantly families with children. However, since the events resumed in 2024 under the new management, attendance has plummeted to as low as 40 to 150 people, with a noticeable lack of diversity and family participation. Dombek described the current gatherings as resembling "a private party for Austin Parks Foundation staff and their friends."

He urged the board to reconsider the management of these movie nights, suggesting a return to the aquatics staff who previously organized the events successfully. Dombek's heartfelt request highlights the community's desire for inclusive and engaging recreational activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vibrant public events that cater to families and children.

The board acknowledged Dombek's comments, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about community engagement and the role of local organizations in public programming. As the meeting progressed, the board moved on to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, but the call for action regarding the movie nights at Deep Eddy Pool remains a pressing issue for the community.