Manor Residents Push for Park Improvements Amid Development Plans

Residents of Manor, Texas are advocating for improvements to local parks as the city considers larger development plans for Timmermann Park. The ongoing discussions focus on small, low-cost amenities such as bocce courts and a proposed nine-hole disc golf course. As the city evaluates spending priorities, community members like local resident Robert Battaile are pushing for features that enhance recreational options in the area.

Located in eastern Travis County, approximately 12 miles northeast of downtown Austin, Manor has experienced rapid growth. With an estimated population of around 21,500 in 2024, the demand for accessible parks and recreational facilities continues to rise. Timmermann Park, situated at 400 W. Parsons Street, serves as a venue for city events and youth activities, making it a focal point for community enhancement.

Current Debates at Timmermann Park

The city’s engagement portal lists “Timmermann Park Recreational Amenities” as a topic under discussion. Battaile, alongside Zach Jansen, owner of Mint Discs, has outlined a proposal for a nine-hole disc golf layout on the park’s south side. Their plan details the dimensions of each hole, prioritizing safety by ensuring that the course is designed away from pedestrian paths. They also propose donating nine baskets and providing low-cost signage to support the project.

Despite these efforts, the city has classified improvements to the bocce courts as a “public health and safety hazard.” Battaile disputes this designation, asserting that features like wheelchair-access doors, ball holders, and movable back walls were added to improve safety under a licensing agreement and insurance coverage. He claims that months-long lockouts have impacted senior residents and Special Olympics players, limiting access to these facilities.

Financial Implications and Community Priorities

Battaile’s filings include sections of Ordinance No. 714, which outlines park-land dedication and development fees—set at $50,000 per acre as in-lieu park-land fees. These financial details are significant as they relate to the city’s ability to fund various amenities. His arguments reflect a broader community desire for affordable recreational options, emphasizing that small amenities can create greater engagement across neighborhoods than a singular high-cost feature.

Parks are among the most utilized city services, and residents favor low-cost amenities like bocce courts and disc golf facilities over larger expenditures. This ongoing debate highlights differing views on how best to allocate resources for community recreation. Battaile’s comments and legal filings encapsulate this core issue, illustrating the community’s desire for accessible and varied recreational opportunities.

Battaile’s ongoing case is under the jurisdiction of the 459th District Court of Travis County (D-1-GN-25-000719), with related appeals filed in the 15th Court of Appeals. His filings include requests for mandamus relief, which aims to compel the city to address these issues more transparently.

As discussions progress, NewsBlaze is seeking further clarification from the City of Manor regarding park fees, project timelines for Timmermann Park amenities, and any safety assessments concerning the bocce area. The aim is to ensure that residents are informed about the status of proposed improvements and the city’s plans moving forward.

Battaile has provided videos documenting local park facilities and the disc golf proposal, with transcripts detailing comments made during walkthroughs of the bocce courts and discussions about park spending and safety. These materials are intended to support his claims but are not court findings unless formally adopted by the court.

Looking Ahead

The growing interest in Manor’s park facilities demonstrates the community’s commitment to enhancing recreational options. Battaile’s proposals, alongside the city’s discussions, may lead to significant changes at Timmermann Park. As the situation develops, updates from the city and further documentation will shed light on the future of these community amenities.