Looking for some exciting ways to get involved in Austin’s Parks this year? Check out these 12 involvement opportunities:
1. Movies in the Park
Austin Parks Foundation puts on a series of movies in parks around Austin! While the schedule hasn’t yet been announced, you don’t have to wait long. Check back in February for a full calendar including titles, parks, and start times.
2. See some outdoor art installations
Many Austin Parks are home to amazing art pieces, including Pease, Patterson, and Perry.
3. Advocate for the parks
While Zilker Park may be one of Austin’s top attractions, the city only spends $102 per resident on maintaining parklands. This is less than half of what cities ranked in the top ten for parklands spend! Advocate for Austin parks by attending city council meetings, reaching out to your city council member, or just talking to others.
4. Go bird watching
Austin has more to offer than just neighborhood parks! There are many parks with beautiful natural habitats, such as Commons Ford and Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary, which are both great places to go bird watching.
5. Adopt a Park
Help us with our mission by becoming a Park Adopter! The Adopt-a-Park program helps to connect community members with their local parks through volunteer opportunities and park projects. Additionally, park adopters are able to apply for grants and are eligible for resources such as tools and educational opportunities.
6. Visit some of Austin’s pocket parks
Austin has some really great pocket parks, each with their own unique features! These small parks are scattered throughout the city, so there is one close to everyone. Some great ones to check out are Sparky Park (featured above), Lott Park, and Brownie Park.
7. Stay fit with park amenities
Keep up with those New Year’s resolutions by using park amenities to stay healthy and fit! Joslin Elementary School Park has a new outdoor gym thanks to an APF grant, and Dick Nichols Park has fitness equipment scattered around the paved trail. Or, get a group of friends together and use the fields at parks for a game of soccer or flag football!
8. Become an APF ambassador
This new program is a great way to get more involved in Austin’s parks! Ambassadors will be essential to spreading awareness of Austin’s parks, helping facilitate volunteer opportunities, and increasing community engagement. If this is something you are interested in, fill out an application today!
9. Hike a trail around Austin
Austin has a great system of trails to explore in 2018! Check out the Violet Crown Trail, Walnut Creek Trail, or St. Edwards Park.
10. Volunteer with APF
Twice a year, Austin Parks Foundation puts together It’s My Park Day, a city wide volunteer day with projects at parks all around the city! Our Spring It’s My Park Day is coming up on March 3rd, so if you are interested in leading a park project, apply here. Check back in early February for a list of all the projects, and how to sign up to volunteer!
Additionally, Austin Parks Foundation hosts monthly volunteer events which are open to the public. Check out our events calendar to stay up to date on all of our volunteer opportunities, which range from mulching and tree care to painting and clean up!
11. Explore Austin’s bike paths
Interested in a paved path to ride around on? The Veloway is perfect for anyone wanting to roll around a smooth path, whether on a bike, scooter or roller blades! If a natural terrain is more your style, make sure to check out Slaughter Creek Trail or Walnut Creek.
12. Rent a garden plot
Joining a community garden is a great way to become more involved in your community and benefit from fresh, local fruits and vegetables! Check out this website to find a community garden near you.
