The Next Generation of Park Lovers

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Little Hummingbird Society, one of our newest programs, is bridging the gap between kids and our parks and helping us create the next generation of park lovers here in Austin. Parks are the places that we go to feel connected to nature and our community. From volunteer workdays, to grant projects, there is so much that APF has done to …

The Invisible Benefits of Parks

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Greenspace exists as a place for reflection, recreation and a cross section for nature and urban life. Aside from the physical benefits of open space, there are invisible traits that make greenspaces worth valuing. We’re talking about mental health and green-ness. The connection between the two seems unlikely, but park-space plays an undeniable role in our happiness, community, and well-being. …

People + Parks: Turning Grief into Goodness

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By Elizabeth McGuire When faced with a mountain of grief, one couple found a way to move through it with the help of their friends and their parks. Alexandra Rodriguez and Christopher McBryde are the kind of dog owners who every pup deserves. In 2012 they rescued a 3-month-old Australian cattle dog, and from then on Bailey rarely left their …

APF Awards $172,000 in 2018 Spring Community Grants and Announces First Recipient of Design Services

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Funding will be used for various community-initiated Austin parks’ improvements, renovations and construction projects AUSTIN, TX (June 25, 2018) – Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is thrilled to announce their 2018 spring grantees that will receive over $170,000 in collective funding to improve various Austin parks, trails, and green spaces. Projects include new playground equipment, improved community pools, school parks, sports …

Connect With Your Council Member

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While elected officials can feel distant and unresponsive at the national and state level, citizens can have a significant effect on their elected official’s views and votes at the local level. This is even more true in recent years in Austin, where the city voted in 2014 to change from an at-large Council system to a 10-1 district representation system …

Migratory Bird Day: How APF Funded Projects Help

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Grant projects over the years have helped improve migratory bird habitats Each year, migratory bird species in Austin fly south for the winter, seeking warmer temperatures. Our very own mascot, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, is one of the many species that participates. Also included, the famous Mexican Free-tailed bats, which flock from under the Congress bridge. Just like ourselves, these birds …

Advocacy Update: Budget Town Hall Dates Announced

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City Council and key city leaders want to hear from you about your thoughts and priorities for the city budget! New this year to the budget development process are town halls in each district attended by that district’s City Council Member, new City Manager Spencer Cronk, and Deputy Chief Finance Officer Ed Van Eenoo. We know that parks are a …

Advocacy Update: How does the 2018 Bond work?

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Every five to six years, Austin voters have been asked whether or not they will approve the city to issue general obligation bonds. These bonds fund capital improvement projects in areas such as parks & open space, cultural centers & museums, libraries, fire & police stations, affordable housing, stormwater infrastructure and transportation. The Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) is …

People + Parks: Local Support and Global Wisdom

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By Elizabeth McGuire If you were planning an expansive, open-ended trip to the other side of the globe, how would you spend your last days at home? Tying up loose ends? Buying supplies? Saying goodbye to friends? Triple-checking your passport and flight details? If you were Eric Nichols you would be raising money for a treasured hometown organization. This past …