It’s been a tough year for Austin’s parks. Already perennially underfunded, Austin’s parks and trails systems have been inundated, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Tens of thousands of new users, overwhelming some of Austin’s most beloved parks, have taken their toll. Whether it be habitat degradation, increased littering and pollution, or just the daily wear and tear from thousands of visitors, …
Putting Programs to Work: Our Commitment to Inclusivity & Equity in our Programs
Our commitment to inclusivity & equity in our programs Here at Austin Parks Foundation (APF), we’re committed to creating thoughtful and inclusive programming. And we strive to infuse equity into every project, in order to intentionally bring Black, Indigenous and People of Color neighbors to the table, and include them in the decision-making process. We understand no one can be …
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 …
Investing in Parks: Austin’s Parks + Trails as Economic Drivers
On April 7th, the civic world in Austin seemed to halt for a few brief moments. John Hockenyos, an Austin based economist, delivered a less-than-rosy economic impact update to Austin’s City Council in the wake of COVID-19. “I’m hoping that is a slightly pessimistic scenario, but I think it is a realistic scenario,” Hockenyos said. The scenario predicted Great Depression …
Art in the Parks: 6 Unique Public Art Pieces in Austin’s Parks
From Blanton Art Museum to the beloved, but newly-housed, Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, there’s no denying that Austinites appreciate good art when they see it. But did you know some of the best art is in the parks? These pieces help us deepen our connection to or understanding of the parks’ history, view the parks and amenities in new …
Active Transportation + Project Connect in the Time of COVID-19
×Hey there! COVID-19 has changed how we do things, and your safety is our priority. Please keep social distancing best practices in mind if you choose to visit parks, trails and green spaces. Thanks, y’all! Written by Thomas Visco, Advocacy Manager at Austin Parks Foundation Last year, Austin City Council approved the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP). This set an …
Nature Play Activity: Create Your Very Own Fairy Park!
Presented by Little Hummingbird Society Written by Ladye Anne Wofford, Chief Mission Officer at Austin Parks Foundation Fairy Gardens are miniature gardens complete with structures and living plants that have been gaining huge popularity as home and garden decorations. In fact, the Zilker Botanical Garden even hosts a Woodland Faerie Trail Exhibit every year! Tiny houses, chairs, lawns and ponds …
Easter Eggsibition: Bunnies on Parade in Your Neighborhood
× Hey, y’all! Though the city’s parks may be closed for Easter weekend, there are still some great ways to have fun right in the comfort of your own home! Be sure to check out our Eggstravaganza at a Distance and Neighborhood Eggsploration blogs for more Easter fun! Everyone loves a Parade! We’ve seen people all over the nation come …
Neighborhood Eggsploration: An Easter Scavenger Hunt
× Hey y’all! Though the city’s parks may be closed for Easter weekend, there are still some great ways to have fun without leaving your neighborhood! Be sure to check out our Eggstravaganza at a Distance and Bunnies On Parade blogs for more Easter fun! So, how can we make the most of Easter weekend while sheltering in place? How …
Eggstravaganza at a Distance: Egg-free Easter Ideas
× Hey y’all! Though the city’s parks may be closed for Easter weekend, there are still some great ways to have fun without leaving your neighborhood! Be sure to check out our Neighborhood Eggsploration and Bunnies On Parade blogs for more Easter fun! While we are all being good neighbors and only purchasing what we need, we thought now would …










