It was wonderful to see thousands of smiling faces helping their local parks, trails and green spaces on Saturday, November 6th! After an all-virtual event in Fall 2020 and a hybrid event in Spring 2021, over 2,230 volunteers participated at 75 in-person projects and virtually across Austin. From trash clean up events to building community gardens, volunteers provided our parks …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Outdoor Learning: APF Awards Grants to Several Austin ISD Elementary Schools
In December 2020, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) awarded grants to six Austin ISD schools to create new outdoor classroom areas. The following elementary schools received a grant for $2,000 each: Oak Springs, Pecan Springs, Andrews, Cook and Pickle. Gullett Elementary School received a matching “Challenge Grant” of $1,000 to help build an outdoor stage for the school and community. “We are …
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 …
Park Neighbors As Local Experts: How We Approach Community Engagement
At Austin Parks Foundation, we believe that the people who know best about the needs of their parks are those who live near the park! Your perspective as a neighbor and stakeholder provides valuable insight about park priorities. Our community engagement efforts are therefore centered around ensuring that the public is included in the decision-making during park improvement projects and …
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 …