Austin Parks and Rec Honors Volunteer for Baseball Field Work

Scott Knoebel recognized for maintaining Riverland Community College's baseball complex

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:39pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a baseball field at dusk, with soft, blurred pools of warm light and color, conveying a sense of community and recreation.A volunteer's dedication to maintaining a community baseball complex reflects the spirit of Austin's new parks and recreation award.Austin Today

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department presented its first-ever 'Step Up Award' to Scott Knoebel in recognition of his volunteer work maintaining the baseball fields at Riverland Community College. Parks and Rec Director Jason Sehon praised Knoebel as an example of the strong group of volunteers who help keep the fields in good condition.

Why it matters

The new Step Up Award is part of Austin's effort to recognize and celebrate the contributions of local individuals, businesses, and organizations that make meaningful impacts on the community. Knoebel's volunteer work to maintain the Riverland baseball complex is an important example of how community members can support public recreational spaces.

The details

Knoebel was nominated and selected by the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board to receive the inaugural Step Up Award. As a volunteer, he has dedicated time and effort to preparing and maintaining the baseball fields at Riverland Community College, which are used by local youth and adult leagues.

  • The Step Up Award was presented during the Austin City Council Meeting on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Scott Knoebel

A local volunteer who has dedicated time to maintaining the baseball fields at Riverland Community College.

Jason Sehon

The Director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, who presented the Step Up Award to Knoebel.

Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board

The board that nominated and selected Knoebel to receive the inaugural Step Up Award.

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What they’re saying

“What a good example of who to give this award to. He's part of a strong group of volunteers that helps maintain the fields at Riverland.”

— Jason Sehon, Parks and Rec Director

The takeaway

The Step Up Award highlights the important role that community volunteers play in supporting public recreational spaces and facilities in Austin. Knoebel's dedication to maintaining the Riverland baseball complex is a model for how residents can contribute to their local parks and recreation programs.