Hancock Golf Course Operations Meetings Postponed In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Two meetings that had been scheduled this week to discuss the future of the Hancock Golf Course operations have been postponed, officials said Monday.

The postponement was implemented toward fully adhering to the City of Austin Public Participation Principles after registration for both meetings reached nearly 185 attendees as of Monday morning, Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) officials said in a news release. Community meetings had been set for Monday and Thursday this week.

The original meeting presentation that was made available on the project’s website includes survey results from previous city engagement, initial goals outlined for the public process and information on a new survey. The new survey will launch following the upcoming small group meetings, officials said.

"The large group sizes would significantly limit dialogue opportunities for attendees in the online format," officials wrote. In order to maintain a "mutually respectful environment that cultivates and supports inclusive public engagement and honest dialogue between and among participants and city representatives," officials wrote "PARD will be adding additional options for participation, focusing on small group meetings."

To that end, parks officials said they will reach out to neighborhood and community groups to schedule online meetings regarding the course operation proposal. Interested groups may also send meeting requests to pard.golf@austintexas.gov. All meetings will be recorded and posted to the project’s website. Additional opportunities for participation will also be identified.

"PARD values community engagement and wants to ensure all interested stakeholders can provide feedback on the Hancock Golf Course proposal," officials wrote. The City of Austin Public Participation Principles provide guidance to achieve successful engagement with community members, parks officials added. "Input gathered from the meetings and survey will inform future action on course operations. Any future engagement meetings will be announced at the conclusion of the small group meetings."