ATX-SCA: Impact 10/6/2025

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

Located outside CrossFit Central in downtown Austin, Strong Coffee Company is now serving breakfast and coffee out of its first trailer.

The details: Founder Adam Von Rothfelder was inspired to create a coffee with functional benefits without compromising quality taste. With its launch in 2018, the company began traveling to fitness events across the country hoping to gain support for its products, as stated on its website.

Community members can find protein-packed waffles and collagen-filled coffee in addition to the business’s take home offerings including whole bean coffee, instant coffee and more.

• 410 Pressler St., Austin

Here are the top trending Community Impact stories in the Austin metro from Sept. 29-Oct. 3.

1. New restaurant Grey Orchard to open in Round Rock

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen now serving comfort food in Round Rock

3. Jet's Pizza opens Round Rock shop near Old Settlers Boulevard

4. Texas Roadhouse to open in Leander this November

5. Austin ISD adopts lower tax rate for 2025-26, homeowners could see savings

6. Q&A: Meet 4 candidates for Pflugerville mayor

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key