The Trust for Public Land (TPL), the national organization responsible for assessing and ranking parks in America’s 100 largest cities, released its annual ParkScore rankings. The rankings are based on the five qualities that make park systems great: park access, acreage, amenities like playgrounds and basketball courts, funding to create new parks and maintain and improve existing ones, and, new …
A Fresh Look at Our 2020 Commitments to Inclusion in Our Programs
In 2020 we made a commitment to move deeper into justice, equity and inclusion through our programming. Now, with 2020 behind us, we wanted to give you an update on the ways we have succeeded – and failed – to follow through on those commitments. Below are some of the ways we have tried to infuse our value of inclusivity …
ABC Kite Fest Returns as City-Wide Celebration of Austin’s Parks and Children’s Creativity
The ABC Kite Fest, one of Austin’s most iconic traditions, announced details for its 92nd year. In accordance with local health and safety guidelines, the 2021 ABC Kite Fest will return March 27 and 28 as a city-wide celebration of Austin’s parks in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation. Sponsored in part by KXAN and Texas Mutual, this year’s ABC Kite …
Protecting People + Parks: It’s My Park Day Spring 2021 Update
Though we wish we could return to the original format of It’s My Park Day, the pandemic means it isn’t safe just yet. That’s why we’ve moved the first It’s My Park Day of 2021 to early June. We’re planning a week-long event of virtual volunteering opportunities kicking off on National Trails Day – Saturday, June 5th – and stretching …
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 …
Introducing the Austin ParksCast: APF’s Brand New Podcast!
Austin Parks Foundation is thrilled to introduce you to our brand new podcast: the Austin ParksCast! If you’re passionate about Austin’s parks, trails and green spaces, this podcast is for you. We’ll tackle important topics related to our city’s park system and discuss all things parks. Your Austin ParksCast hosts are Kathleen Barron, Sr. Programs Manager, and Grant Ausbury, Sr. …
Amplify Austin 2021: Help Our City’s Over-Loved Parks + Trails
Amplify Austin Day is an annual day of giving hosted by I Live Here I Give Here (ILHIGH), a local non-profit organization. This 24-hour giving period provides an easy and fun way for our entire community to support over 700 non-profits in Central Texas! Together, individuals, families, and businesses raised $12.3 Million for 760 Central Texas nonprofits in 2020. Over …
Lunar New Year & COVID-19: Year of the Metal Ox
Featured photo by Nell Carroll. Check out their their website here! Tomorrow marks a brand new year in the lunisolar calendar and celebrations in many Asian countries including China, South Korea and Vietnam. Here in Austin we would normally be preparing for parades, fireworks and festivals at parks and cultural centers across the city. Unfortunately, the threat of COVID-19, coupled …
Austin Marathon 2021: Run with the Austin Parks Foundation Team!
Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is proud to have been selected again as an official charity partner of the 2021 Austin Marathon! That means we need YOU to run with us and help us cross our fundraising finish line. Our goal is $5,000 and we hope you’ll join us in supporting our parks, trails and green spaces. Whether you join us …
Introducing APF’s New Board Members and Officers!
Austin Parks Foundation is excited to announce three new members of our Board of Directors, as well as a new slate of officers who will lead us through new opportunities in 2021! With a wealth of leadership experience, these new board members and officers bring unique expertise to support our work in making our public parks, trails and green spaces …