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Austin presents inaugural Step Up Award to volunteer Scott Knaebel
Summary
The Austin City Council presented the new quarterly Step Up Award to longtime Riverland ballfields volunteer Scott Knaebel for decades of field maintenance and youth baseball support, saying volunteers extend limited city staff capacity and boost local events and tourism.
The Austin City Council presented its inaugural Step Up Award on April 6 to volunteer Scott Knaebel for long-term maintenance of the Riverland ballfields and support of youth baseball.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Jason Sehan introduced the award, saying it will be presented quarterly and selected by the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Board. Sehan described the award’s purpose as recognizing “volunteer service, sponsorship of programs and events, promotional efforts, outstanding service in the interest of the city, and other meaningful contributions that significantly enhance the quality of life here in Austin.”
Sehan highlighted that the city will present the award during the first meeting of January, April, July and October and that recipients will be nominated by the Parks board. He added that the city will continue field renovations and that Riverland hosts high-school section tournaments and youth tournaments that draw teams and hotel stays.
Knaebel, the award recipient, corrected the pronunciation of his name and thanked the city, invoking a civic motto about service to the community. “Don’t ask what the city can do for you…ask what you can do for the city,” he said.
City leaders said the recognition underscores the reliance on volunteers to maintain community amenities. The council took a brief photo and applause followed the presentation. The council did not take formal action beyond the recognition.
The city identified the award’s administration and selection process as duties of the Parks and Recreation director and the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Board, respectively. The council indicated the recognition will be ongoing on a quarterly schedule.
