Parks News 12/16/2020

Parks News 2021 Polar Bear Plunge Canceled 12/16/2020 In consultation with Austin Public Health and City leadership, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will not open Barton Springs Pool on January 1, 2021 (New Year's Day), and the 2021 Polar Bear Plunge event is canceled.   This decision was made after careful consideration of the local characteristics of the virus and related community priorities. It's been determined that this event should not proceed during Stage 4: COVID-19: Risk-Based Guidelines. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department would like to commemorate the Polar Bear Plunge, and asks prior attendees share photos/videos of past events on social media using the hashtag #polarplungeatx. The Department hopes for a return to this time-honored tradition in 2022 while this year Austinites share their memories of prior Plunges.    For more information on City pool schedules, visit austintexas.gov/pools.  Read the rest of this story... More to read: Carver Museum Hosts Art and Business Conversation Series Hancock Golf Course Community Meetings Postponed George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center Celebrates 40 Years City of Austin - Park Fire Restrictions Effective October 21 Romeo and Katrina: Virtual Performance of Opening Scene Oct. 10 Thanks for your interest in the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Austin, Texas. Visit AustinTexas.gov/parks for more information about these and other services.