ATX-SWA: Impact 10/7/2025

With Austin's ability to add new parkland to keep pace with population growth greatly limited under a new state law, local parks leaders are now eyeing millions of dollars in new land acquisition to ensure adequate access to green space around town.

The approach: Priority areas for parks additions, including a new recreation center for Southeast Austin, have already been identified and could guide future bond investments. According to Heymans, every $100 million of new acquisition funds would serve up to 10% more of the city's population by adding:

• 60 acres of destination parks
• 60 acres of pocket or neighborhood parks
• More than 200 acres of greenbelts

Mosaic Church launched in Austin in the fall of 1995 and has since served as a spiritual community option for Austin locals and visitors. Oct. 5 marks the church's 30th anniversary.

The details: The church operates two locations serving both the North and South Austin communities. The spaces are multiethnic, multigenerational and nondenominational.

In addition to its church services, the church also manages Mosaic Street Ministry which provides coffee, breakfast, clothes, hygiene products, mail services, showers, housing information and prayer to the unhoused community.

• North Austin: 12675 Research Blvd., Austin; South Austin: 9910 Bilbrook Place, Austin

Austin and neighboring cities are hosting various fall events featuring pumpkins, mazes, bounce houses and haunted houses. 

Round Rock Pumpkin Festival
The fourth annual pumpkin festival will bring all things fall to Round Rock including farm animals and feeding, a barrel train, pumpkin painting, a bouncy house and funnel cake. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive and the Old Settlers Association.

• Oct. 3-Nov. 1
• Free (admission for teachers, military and first responders), $10 (ages 3 and up)
• Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

• Sept. 27-Oct. 25
• $40-$50
• Old West Market, 14219 Littig Road, Manor

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.