SUMMER FUN

by: Cathy Kyle

Summer arrived in full force last week, bringing unbearably hot and humid afternoons. The rains of early June seem a distant memory, although our lakes and streams are still wonderfully full. It’s the only time of year that you’re able to swim in Barton Creek! Despite the heat, there’s lots going on in our neighborhood that you won’t want to miss.

The best is the annual July 4th parade. Kudos to Charisse Sayers and her team for taking over the planning, organizing, and fundraising for this event. I vividly remember decorating the boys’ bikes in festive streamers, lining up near Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and making our way through the neighborhood to Reed Park. Some brought picnic lunches, others were grilling, and I believe that Jim-Jim’s was on-hand. This year’s event is definitely more upscale, with food and games to celebrate the day. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with neighbors and meet new folks.

Another terrific local event is the upcoming Movie in the Park, organized by the inimitable Elizabeth Adams. On Friday, July 15, we’ll screen Inside Out at Tarrytown Park. The fun will start about 6 pm, with games, food and other delights. The movie was chosen based on an online poll conducted through WANG’s website –many thanks to all who took the time to vote. The screening will start at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic, and join in the fun. This event is sponsored by WANG and Grande Communications, among other underwriters.

You may have heard that Deep Eddy pool is celebrating its centennial this summer. It will also be screening a series of movies through the Parks and Rec Department. The ever-popular Raiders of the Lost Ark will be shown on July 9. Nothing beats the summer heat quite like watching a great movie from the water.You can find a complete listing of movies at Deep Eddy at www.deepeddy.org, along with other opportunities to support the pool by joining with Friends of Deep Eddy.

Whatever your preference or inclination, there’s sure to be something something going on in the neighborhood to help you beat the heat and enjoy the inimitable Austin summer. We’ll continue to post events on the calendar at www.westaustinng.org, so check it out!

As shown in the posted here, WANG has requested that the City Council dramatically slow the process for adopting CodeNext.  WANG is concerned that the proposed Code was first published very recently, has continued to be revised in the intervening weeks, and remains incomplete. While City staff and its consultants, Opticos, have had over four years to develop this proposal, citizens are expected to assimilate unfamiliar and confusing terminology and concepts in order to provide a reasonable response to the proposal. We are also concerned that the proposal has been generated with no direct neighborhood input, and we now have only a few weeks to response.  Accordingly, WANG urges Council to extend the time periods for comment, demand that Opticos deliver a complete and comprehensive revised LDC, and respect Imagine Austin, the Neighborhood Plans, and our Future Land Use Map.