Adopt-A-Park Program

The success of our parks system depends on the support, assistance, advocacy and enthusiasm of the public as stewards of their parks. The Adopt-A-Park Program helps citizens like you become those stewards through a collaborative partnership between the Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF). The goal of this program is to build community pride and ownership around every neighborhood park in Austin.

Park Adopters serve as key community representatives for their park by organizing a community-based volunteer group, and making an ongoing commitment to improving their park. They also encourage engagement with neighbors and park users, and ultimately bring greater innovation and creativity to the park system.

Submit An Application Here

SEE ADOPT-A-PARK HANDBOOK HERE!

Prospective Adopters

Ready to Apply?

Please review the Adopt-A-Park Handbook and then visit our online application.

Connect with a Park Adopter Group

Want to join an existing group?

Send an email to adopt@austinparks.org with the park you’re interested in connecting with, and we’ll put you in touch.

Adoptable Parks Map

Check out our map lists all of the parks available for adoption!

Quick Links

Adopt-A-Park Handbook
Online Application
The Parks Summit - The Adopt-A-Park Summit has gone digital! We're excited to bring you sessions you can enjoy from home.
Sponsored Fund Accounts
Tools for Park Projects
It's My Park Day

Apply

Adopt-A-Park Handbook

The Adopt-A-Park Program is a partnership between you, PARD and APF. We’ve put together some helpful information, including key contacts and resources, in our Adopt-A-Park handbook.

Download Handbook

FAQs

Q: Which parks are available for adoption?

A: Most City of Austin parks are adoptable, however a few exclusions apply - currently undeveloped parks and metropolitan parks are not available for adoption. If you’d like to adopt a greenbelt or nature preserve, please contact Kathleen Barron for details. Visit our map of adoptable parks.

Once you’ve selected a park you’re interested in, submit an application online and you will be contacted by APF.

Q: Who can adopt a park?

A: Ideal adopters are regular park users, neighborhood groups and nearby residents who are interested in improving their park. Businesses are not eligible to adopt a park. Read more about what it’s like to be a park adopter in the Adopt-A-Park Handbook.

Q: Why should I adopt my park?

A: Above all, park adopters enjoy a sense of pride in championing their parks! PARD considers park adopters key stakeholders, and provides opportunities and support for volunteer maintenance and park improvement projects. Additionally, park adopters are eligible for exclusive resources provided by APF such as access to our tool warehouse, educational opportunities like our Adopt-A-Park Summit, and park funding opportunities like our ACL Music Festival Grants and Design Services.

Q: What kind of commitment is expected?

A: We work with groups of all sizes, and the time and volunteer commitment may vary. In general, we ask that park adopters participate in at least one of our bi-annual It’s My Park Day events (First Saturdays in March and November), as well as commit to being the main point of contact for the park for at least one year. We also ask the group to allow anyone who wants to participate in the park adopter group to do so, without requiring dues or implementing other membership barriers.