Players urge board to keep city-run volleyball leagues, warn outsourcing would reduce access

Players and advocates for Austins adult volleyball leagues urged the Parks Board to preserve city-run leagues rather than outsourcing them to private vendors. Leslie Ivy said the citys program has historically provided balanced options for women and coed leagues at an affordable price, citing a city season fee of about $42 per person versus private alternatives that can exceed $100. "For many Austinites already facing the rising cost of living, that difference matters," she said.

Other players asked the board to place the item on a future agenda and to create a forum to gather the volleyball communitys data on participation and willingness to pay so Council and the city manager can consider affordable options. Board members noted adult recreational program cuts disproportionately affect older women and asked staff for follow-up information on operating cost and participation data.