📢 Important Announcement: 16th Annual Texas Autism Walk Venue Change! 📢
Dear Participants, Sponsors, and Supporters,
In light of recent concerns regarding our previously selected venue, we have made the decision to relocate and reschedule this year’s event. Our top priority is to ensure a fantastic and inclusive experience for all participants, sponsors, and exhibitors.
For those of you already registered, we are thrilled by your commitment to joining us for the 16th Annual Texas Autism Walk, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing support. For those of you not registered yet, we’d love to have you join us, and registration fees include Volente Beach admission! We are thrilled to be able to accommodate additional participants and sponsors at our new location!
New Date and Location:
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Location: Volente Beach, 16107 FM 2769, Leander, TX 78641
Volente Beach offers a boutique waterpark experience, featuring four acres of Lake Travis waterfront, complete with a beach, two swimming pools, grassy play areas, and a sand volleyball court. The Texas Autism Walk festivities and resource fair will be held on the lawn and picnic area near the stage.
Guests will enjoy exclusive access to Volente Beach water activities from 9 AM to 12 PM, with a special focus on Autism-friendly accommodations. Families are welcome to stay and enjoy the park for the remainder of the day at no additional charge. We will also have lots of wonderful exhibitors, crafts and activities on the lawn and picnic area.
Registration & Event Info Here
Questions:
What if I don’t want to participate in the water park activities?
That’s ok! We’ll have plenty to do at the Resource Fair and Walk! Volente Beach has a lovely lawn with picnic tables and participants may bring towels or blankets for the lawn. There will be many participants who do not utilize the water park attractions, and we’ll have all of our festivities on the lawn and picnic area. Our actual Walk will be on the beach which is next to the picnic area.
Is there an additional cost?
There is no change in fees. If you are already registered -your water park admission is now included. If you are about to register, your water park admission fees are also included. There are no water park admission fees for exhibitors, sponsors, participants and volunteers.
What about parking?
Parking is free for everyone. If you are a participant, sponsor, exhibitor or volunteer, please tell the Parking Attendant that you are with the Autism Walk, and they will give you a free pass for your dashboard. Parking lot is adjacent to the venue and will be signed.
What about safety?
Volente Beach lifeguards will be on duty in all water areas. We will have volunteers staged along the lake edge. The lake is currently experiencing a significant lack of water due to severe drought, and Volente Beach’s lake swimming area has completely dried up. (It’s currently an overflow parking lot). Due to the drought, the lake water is quite a distance from the water park and lawn, however, we do plan to have volunteers at the perimeter of the park on the lake side.
We have some water safety social stories on our website and encourage families to utilize them. https://www.texasautismsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Water-Social-Story.pdf
How will this be Autism-Friendly?
A huge thank you to Volente Beach for helping us to make this an Autism-friendly event! We will have some revised rules only from 9-12, our exclusive time. At noon, Volente Beach’s usual rules will apply when the park opens to the public.
From 9 AM-12 noon:
- Pirate Ship play area- Available to all ages during our event time.
- Water slides – Parent/caregiver and child are allowed on the water slide together during our event time if needed for safety or support.
- Lifeguards – Will get the attention of the parent/caregiver first and try not to blow whistles, unless it’s an emergency. Please help the lifeguards by reminding your child to walk near the water attractions!
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are allowed.
Will food and drink be available? Can I bring a water bottle?
Yes, yes, and yes! Starbucks is donating coffee and beverages for our event and will be onsite to hand them out! Volente Beach will have food and drinks available for purchase and will have gluten free and dairy free options. Water bottles are allowed and we’ll have a couple of water refill stations and cups available too. Volente Beach will also have bottled water available for sale for those that prefer to purchase it.
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If you have additional questions, please reach out to me at jacquie@texasautismsociety.org or call our office at 512-479-4199.
Thank you for your flexibility, understanding, and unwavering support for the Autism community!
Warm regards,
Jacquie Benestante
Executive Director, Autism Society of Texas