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.

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.

Ready to apply? Submit an interest form below!

Submit An Interest Form Here

Prospective Adopters

Ready to Apply?

Submit an online interest form.

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

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 submit an interest form or contact adopt@austinparks.org. Visit our map of adoptable parks.

Q: What if the park I'm interested in is not eligble for adoption?

A: We would still like to talk with you about stewardship opportunities and resources APF can provide! Please reach out to adopt@austinparks.org to get the conversation started.

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.

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 have access to resources provided by APF such as access to our tool warehouse, educational opportunities like our Parks Summit, and park funding opportunities like our ACL Music Festival Grants and Design Services.

Q: What kind of commitment is expected?

We work with groups of all sizes, but we do require that groups be as representative of the park users, neighbors and stakeholders as possible - as opposed to just an individual. We want park adopters to have an ongoing presence in their park, whether that be via ongoing volunteerism through events like It’s My Park Day, adopter-led volunteer workdays throughout the year or simply bringing people together to activate and celebrate the park and build community. Park adopter groups should always be open to anyone who may want to join as time goes on. If you have any questions about this or would like help in building an inclusive and diverse group, please reach out to adopt@austinparks.org to get the conversation started.