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Austin’s New City Council Members Discuss the Importance of Parks

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After November 2020 elections, we have two new Austin City Council Members! We reached out to Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes of District 2 and Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly of District 6 to ask them a few questions about themselves and Austin’s parks. They were kind enough to respond, so be sure to check out their answers below. If you’d like to reach …

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Outdoor Learning: APF Awards Grants to Several Austin ISD Elementary Schools

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In December 2020, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) awarded grants to six Austin ISD schools to create new outdoor classroom areas. The following elementary schools received a grant for $2,000 each: Oak Springs, Pecan Springs, Andrews, Cook and Pickle. Gullett Elementary School received a matching “Challenge Grant” of $1,000 to help build an outdoor stage for the school and community.  “We are …

highlighting our parks programming in 2020

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Highlighting Our Parks Programming in 2020

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2020 was a tough year. As we all spent more time at home than ever before, we also relied on Austin’s outdoor spaces as a much-needed respite. Many things were different, but our mission to improve parks, trails and green spaces across Austin remained that same. Many of Austin Parks Foundation’s programs relied on in-person events and gatherings before March …

Park Neighbors As Local Experts: How We Approach Community Engagement

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At Austin Parks Foundation, we believe that the people who know best about the needs of their parks are those who live near the park! Your perspective as a neighbor and stakeholder provides valuable insight about park priorities. Our community engagement efforts are therefore centered around ensuring that the public is included in the decision-making during park improvement projects and …

Fairmont Austin Invests in Parks + Trails that Make Austin, Austin

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When people visit Austin, they expect live music, excellent food and to take in the city’s natural beauty. Fairmont Austin recognizes that parks, trails and green spaces are big part of the Austin experience. They’ve put their money where their mouth is by sponsoring Austin Parks Foundation and participating in volunteer events like It’s My Park Day! We’re so grateful …

Thank you, Austin, for Making IMPD – At A Distance a Great Success

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It's My Park! Day
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In a year where a lot of things are uncertain, y’all made it clear that Austin’s parks, trails and green spaces are important. It’s My Park Day – At A Distance was a great success thanks to the 850+ Austinites that helped our city’s outdoor spaces. Thank you for all your support. We’re also grateful to all of the City …

The Summer Heat is Gone! 6 Park Escapes for Austin’s Cooler Weather

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Now that we’re past the intense Summer heat, it’s the perfect time to visit Austin’s parks and trails, while staying safe! Whether you want to hike for a few miles or find a nice spot for lunch – the park people at Austin Parks Foundation made this list of park escapes to help you recharge and unwind.1. Commons Ford Ranch …

People + Parks: Celebrating the History of the Train at Zilker Park

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People + Parks


The Zilker Train has been an Austinite favorite for almost 60 years. Here at Austin Parks Foundation, we couldn’t be more excited to bring a new mini train to Zilker Park in 2021. Don’t forget to participate in the final round of voting to name the new Zilker Train before November 15, 2020! We think it’s important (and fun!) to …

Honoring our Adopt-A-Park Team of the Year: Brentwood Park

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Brentwood Park has had a dedicated park adoption team for so long that it goes back before recorded history – APF history, anyway. You can count on Friends of Brentwood Park to run an It’s My Park Day project twice a year, every single year, and round up the best taco and coffee donations from neighborhood businesses to treat their …

How Your Vote Can Help Austin’s Trails and Clean Transportation in 2020

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On August 13th, Austin City Council took a historic step to expand Austin’s trail system. CM Paige Ellis led City Council to add a $460 million safe mobility bond to the ballot in November! Included in this bond is the single largest contribution to Austin’s trails system in history, with $80 million dedicated to building out Austin’s Tier 1 Urban …