The Austin Parks and Recreation Board meeting on September 29, 2025, focused on a proposal for the temporary use of a parking lot on Parkland at 1108 West Riverside Drive. The proposal aims to utilize 4,756 square feet of this area for storage and staging related to the West Riverside reclaimed water main project, with a request for approval not to exceed 150 calendar days.

Oistan Moen, the Austin Water Project Sponsor, presented the project, which involves the installation of a large diameter pipeline to enhance the city's reclaimed water system. The project is part of a broader capital improvement initiative designed to increase the reliability and service area of reclaimed water, which can be used for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation and manufacturing. The pipeline will connect existing systems and is expected to benefit nearby parks by allowing them to utilize reclaimed water for irrigation.

The project will employ horizontal directional drilling (HDD) for a portion of the pipeline, which is considered the safest method for crossing West Bolden Creek. This method requires heavy machinery, making the temporary use of the parking lot essential to minimize traffic disruption. The project team has worked to reduce the staging time from 18 months to five months, coordinating with local events to limit the impact on the community.

Board members raised concerns regarding the impact on accessible parking spaces during the construction period. It was noted that one to two accessible spots would be temporarily lost, prompting discussions about potential accommodations in nearby areas. The project team expressed willingness to explore options for replacing these spaces to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

The timeline for the project includes a public meeting held in August, with the bid award phase set to begin in October 2025. Construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026 and will take approximately two years to complete.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to expanding its reclaimed water infrastructure while addressing community concerns about accessibility and parking during the construction phase. The board's approval of the temporary use of the parking lot is a crucial step in moving the project forward.