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 …

Austin ParkScore Changes

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Last month, the Trust for Public Land published its annual ParkScore index; a ranking of the top 100 largest U.S cities parks. TPL determines the rankings by looking at factors like accessibility, funding, integrity and resources. For 2018, some of last year’s hard work on advocacy and public participation helped Austin move up four spots to #42. Compared to other …

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 …

People + Parks: Veteran Volunteer, at Age 12

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by Elizabeth McGuire Like many kids, 12-year-old Kei Yarbrough grew up in parks—climbing on playscapes and running around with friends—but she also spent her early years at those same parks picking up trash and mulching trees. She is quick to say that all of it was fun. Since she was four years old, Kei has been volunteering for parks-related events …

Julie Sondecker

People + Parks: Keeping Austin Clean, One Day at a Time

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By Elizabeth McGuire For the last 337 days, Austin’s green spaces have been cleaner than ever before. That’s because Julie Sondecker, creator of Instagram’s @365DaysofHiking, has been picking up trash in parks and on trails every single day since May 30, 2017. During her daily outings, she fills her signature blue mesh bag, artfully arranges the trash in a beautiful …

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 …