From peaceful park outings to competitive pickleball games with friends, our People of the Parks, Megan and Jonathan Holden enjoy all that Austin’s parks have to offer.
The Holdens spend time at Onion Creek Greenbelt with their dog, Roscoe, meet up with friends at Dick Nichols District Park for pickleball and Megan enjoys a “Friday Flop Around” with her friends at Barton Springs. Though Megan and Jonathan don’t have a favorite park, Roscoe is partial to Onion Creek Greenbelt and the off-leash dog park.
“If we didn’t have access to parks, we wouldn’t have the hobbies that fill our life with joy…and our mental health would definitely be impacted.”
Through every phase of their relationship, parks have held a special place. Prior to moving to Austin, Megan and Jonathan lived in Columbia, Missouri, and spent their second date enjoying a picnic and ending the evening with a friendly game of HORSE🏀. A couple years later, they got engaged at a park on the banks of the Missouri River, making a park the setting of some of their favorite memories.
Jonathan moved to Austin first and Megan followed shortly after, but before her move, she asked, “Are there any green spaces that she would have access to?” After a quick laugh, Jonathan assured that Austin is packed with nature and parks to explore.
Once Megan arrived in Austin, she quickly found out just how accessible Austin’s parks can be! As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, she utilizes parks across the city to meet up with clients. She works with kids on emotional and sensory regulation, executive functioning, self-advocacy, friendship building, feeding, fine and gross motor skills, and daily living skills. The ability to meet families all around Austin and surrounding suburbs to provide them with support in their favorite local park has been beneficial for all.
“The parks are a space that is free and available to everyone. Wherever you spend your time, there is a park nearby that is ready to be explored.”
This series is meant to celebrate the deep connection Austinites feel to our outdoor spaces – and these photos and interviews might just inspire you to get out there and experience our parks for yourself. If you do, be sure to share a photo or two and tag @austinparksfdn.