Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has officially surpassed the $1 million mark in its $2 million commitment to expand shade across Austin’s park system, marking a major milestone in the organization’s partnership with the City of Austin to combat extreme heat and improve park accessibility.
In 2023, APF pledged to match the City of Austin’s $2 million budget allocation for shade structures in parks and green spaces. Since installations began in 2024, projects have been completed or are underway in neighborhoods across the city, bringing heat relief to playgrounds, pools, athletic courts, and gathering spaces.
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“This $1 million milestone represents Austin Parks Foundation’s continued investment in making all neighborhood parks across our city accessible and safe,” said Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation. “Reaching the halfway point of our commitment means more families can use their neighborhood playgrounds longer, more athletes can safely access courts, and more communities have comfortable spaces to gather, even during our hottest months. We are proud to partner with Austin Parks and Recreation to make Austin’s parks more resilient and more equitable.”
From large pavilions and athletic court coverings to shaded swings and native canopy trees, the work reflects a mix of built and natural shade solutions tailored to each park’s needs.
Completed shade projects include:
- Earl J. Pomerleau Pocket Park: Pavilion installed and trees replaced
- Oertli Neighborhood Park: Large pavilion installed and two additional small pavilions added
- Colony Park District Park: Playground shade replaced
- Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park: Basketball court shade structure added
- Montopolis Neighborhood Park: Shade structures added at new pool; pavilion and shade added over new swings and playground; new shade trees planted around playground
- Trailhead Park: Fabric replaced on two existing playground shade structures
- Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park: New shade structure installed over playground
- Northwest District Park: Smaller shade structure added on the south side of the pool
- Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park: Canopy trees planted near the existing playground
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- Trailhead Park
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- Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt
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- Colony Park District Park
Shade projects currently in progress include:
- Rosewood Neighborhood Park: Pavilion near new playground and integrated shade elements at renovated playground
- Grand Meadow Neighborhood Park: Pavilion for brand new park
- Mary Moore Searight Metro Park: Shaded swings replacing existing swings and a new shade structure over the play area
- Ramsey Neighborhood Park: Replacing existing swings with shaded swings
A significant portion of APF’s $2 million match is made possible by funds generated through its partnership with the ACL Music Festival, as well as private donations and grants. As installations continue in 2026, APF and APR will identify additional priority sites to ensure shade improvements are distributed across all City Council districts. Austin Parks Foundation remains on track to fulfill its full $2 million commitment, helping ensure Austin’s parks remain usable spaces year-round.
