New year, new opportunities to explore! Maybe your resolution is to get your heart rate up, try a new hobby or spend more time offline with loved ones (two and four-legged alike). No matter how you want to spend your time this year, Austin’s parks have you covered. We’ve rounded up the perfect spots to help you take your resolutions …
Project Playback: Helping Neighbors Improve North Oaks Neighborhood Park
One of our favorite things about the work we do is the people and organizations we get to work with. In 2018, Austin Parks Foundation completed four park improvement projects thanks to a $210,000 Active Parks Project grant from the St. David’s Foundation! With COVID delaying an official ribbon cutting and some additional community-initiated improvements coming this year, we wanted …
Take Action: Comment on the Mopac South Project’s Impacts to Zilker Park
The virtual open house for work along Mopac South is happening between now and January 7th. This looks to be the only opportunity for public comment before Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) reveals their preferred alternative sometime in 2022. The project goes through Zilker Park, and there is potential for CTRMA to pay for parking in Zilker Park by …
Project Playback: The Long-Awaited Alliance Children’s Garden Now Open
Park History Michael Butler Park has been a fixture of Austin’s green spaces for the past 20 years. With all kinds of activities for Austinites to enjoy and Austin’s stunning skyline as a backdrop, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors right in the center of our city. In November 1998, the City of Austin enforced a motor vehicle …
Project Playback: Replacing the Failing Playground at Springdale Park
The 2019 park review came with some difficult news for Springdale Park and local residents. According to the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s annual assessment, the Springdale playground was failing and became a priority for replacement. The assessment considers safety, age and the condition of the equipment when evaluating each park. Using Board Designated Funds, and grant funds from the …
No Leash, No Problem: 5 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, TX
Living in Austin means there are many opportunities to explore nature with Fido, but space to run is always a high priority. Below are five recommendations from Austin Parks Foundation for off-leash dog areas, where you and your dog can freely enjoy the beauty of Austin’s parks to the fullest. Have other favorites? Tag us in your park adventures at …
8 Great Austin Parks and Green Spaces for Flying a Kite
As the usual warm Texas weather approaches us, it’s time to get outside and enjoy it! What better way to do so than flying kites? Founded in 1929, the ABC Kite Fest is one of Austin’s favorite, family-friendly traditions. Austin Parks Foundation is thrilled that the kite fest is returning to Zilker Park on April 3, 2022 for the 93rd …
The Summer Heat is Gone! 6 Park Escapes for Austin’s Cooler Weather
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 …
Project Playback: Helping the Georgian Acres Neighborhood Get Their Park
The Georgian Acres neighborhood had the highest amount of children and multi-housing units without a park nearby. For many years, residents of the neighborhood have been advocating for the park they were missing. Georgian Acres Neighborhood Association (GANA) was determined to provide their fellow neighbors with a park they would be proud of. They envisioned a new park that would …
Bluebonnet Season: Quick, Enjoy Them While They’re Here!
By Elizabeth McGuire The bluebonnets are here and that means it’s time for the quintessential Texas photo op! Bluebonnets only show their faces for a short time each year, so be sure to catch them before they’re gone. Here’s how to best capture this springtime tradition. 1. Act quickly. There is a small window of time when the bluebonnets peak, …