Under the warm glow of city hall lights, the Austin Parks and Recreation Board convened to address pressing community concerns, with a spotlight on the future of family-friendly movie nights at local pools. Once a cherished summer tradition, these events have faced significant changes since the pandemic, prompting passionate pleas from residents eager to revive their former glory.

Before COVID-19, the aquatics department hosted three movie nights each summer at the Betty Pool, drawing crowds of 1,000 to 1,500 attendees per event. Families from across Austin gathered to enjoy G-rated animated films, with screenings timed to end before children's bedtimes. However, the transition to management by the Austin Parks Foundation has led to a stark decline in attendance and engagement. Recent screenings, such as the June 2024 showing of "Jaws," saw only 200 to 250 attendees, and the upcoming screening of "The Half of It" attracted a mere 40 viewers.

In a heartfelt appeal to the board, a community member urged the cancellation of the upcoming screening of "Splash," scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 8 PM. The speaker proposed a return to the previous model, advocating for three additional movie nights in September and October, when families could enjoy the cooler evenings. They emphasized the importance of selecting G-rated animated films that resonate with children and suggested a return to traditional advertising methods, such as flyers at local pools, to boost attendance.

The board also addressed other community concerns, including the management of mesquite trees and the impact of the I-35 project on local parks. Director Aguirre acknowledged the feedback and assured residents that efforts were underway to enhance the park experience, including the construction of a multimodal bridge to improve safety and accessibility.

As the meeting concluded, the board's commitment to community engagement was evident. The future of pool movie nights hangs in the balance, with residents hopeful that their voices will lead to a revival of this beloved summer tradition, fostering connections among families in the heart of Austin.