As we turn the calendar to 2013, I’m more excited than ever for APF. We are entering our 21styear of connecting people to resources and partnerships to develop and improve Austin’s many wonderful parks and open spaces. None of this would be possible without all of you who support APF through donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and most importantly volunteerism.
From all of us at APF to all of you – THANK YOU!
Saturday, March 2, 2013 marks the return of our signature event, It’s My Park Day, for the 11th consecutive year. As always, we will host thousands of park advocates in volunteer projects from across our great city in Austin’s parks. I’m looking forward to working alongside all of you in this amazing one-day effort to bring massive improvements to Austin’s parks.
Together, we are going to make a huge impact on our city. If you are interested in leading an It’s My Park Day volunteer project, please consider attending our orientation meeting for first-time project leaders on January 26th. Veteran leaders, you’ll be hearing from us soon! Please contact our program director, Eric for more information on how to get involved in this year’s event.
APF has continued to expand our reach. 2013 will see us participating in a variety of projects in parks and open spaces throughout Austin. Whether it is on the banks of Shoal Creek, in one of the downtown squares, Dove Springs, the Barton Creek greenbelt, or Festival Beach – APF is doing improvement projects in a park near you.
We are particularly excited to be working with many partners on the master planning process for Republic Square Park. APF has a long history of involvement with Republic – most recently a massive restoration and decking project around the historic Auction Oaks. As the new Federal Courthouse comes online just west of the park, we look forward to helping implement phases II and III of the Republic Square master plan to bring Austin an incredible restored green space in the heart downtown.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy 2013,
Colin Wallis, Executive Director
P.S. We are looking for beautiful photographs of Austin’s parks in action (like the one of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, above!). If you have photographs of any of Austin’s parks, please consider contributing them to our online library – you can upload them directly through our parks database. All submissions received by August 30, 2013, will be considered for “best photo of the year.” The winner – selected by staff – will receive two three-day passes for Austin City Limits Music Festival in October.
