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 …
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Highlighting Our Parks Programming in 2020
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 …
How Your Vote Can Help Austin’s Trails and Clean Transportation in 2020
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 …
Victory at City Hall: Essential Funds for Parks Added to the City Budget
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 …