As the 4th of July approaches, the City of Austin has announced a series of closures and schedule adjustments for city services and facilities in observance of the Independence Day holiday. According to the city's official website, Austin's Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Museums and Cultural Centers, the Austin Nature & Science Center, and Zilker Botanical Garden will be closed on Thursday, July 4. However, for those looking to spend the holiday outdoors, city parks, playgrounds, and tennis centers will remain open for regular hours.
Golf ATX courses are expecting to welcome golfers within their usual hours but with holiday rates, aquatic lovers can take a dip in most City pools from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., per city guidance. Barton Springs Pool and Deep Eddy Pools are set to keep to their standard operation schedules. All facility closure information can be found on the Parks and Recreation Department's dedicated page.
Bookworms take note: all Austin Public Library branches, including the Austin Central Library and the Austin History Center, will be taking a day off on the 4th of July. These facilities will, however, resume their regular service on July 5th. Remote access to library resources will remain available through the library's website for those keen to continue their reading during the holiday.
In terms of city administrative functions, trash and recycling services will not skip a beat, operating on their normal schedules. However, residents taking note that the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will not be accepting items on the 4th. Of note, Austin Energy will be closing its walk-in centers and its call center on the holiday, but online utility payments can still be processed through its website.
The Austin Animal Center will also take a pause on Independence Day, urging pet owners to provide a safe indoor environment due to the expected fireworks displays. The Downtown Austin Community Court and associated services, such as their Violet KeepSafe Storage program, will be shuttered as well on the holiday but will return to normal operation hours on the following day.
For the public's safety, the city is proactive in suggesting planning for transportation post-celebration to ensure a safe return home. Various holiday precautions and recommendations, including refraining from personal fireworks and celebratory gunfire, which are illegal within the city limits, have been detailed in an effort to ensure a joyous and secure environment for all citizens and visitors. In case of non-emergency complaints about fireworks, the city is directing people towards the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app, rather than calling emergency services.
Further information on holiday schedules and safety tips can be directly obtained from the City of Austin's website, or by contacting 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. One can also navigate to the city's mobile app for service requests.
