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 …
People + Parks: Celebrating the History of the Train at Zilker Park
The Zilker Train has been an Austinite favorite for almost 60 years. Here at Austin Parks Foundation, we couldn’t be more excited to bring a new mini train to Zilker Park in 2021. Don’t forget to participate in the final round of voting to name the new Zilker Train before November 15, 2020! We think it’s important (and fun!) to …
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 …
Project Playback: Investing in the Treasured Barton Springs Pool
March 22nd marks World Water Day, so we are highlighting projects at Barton Springs Pool, one of our city’s favortie swimming holes!
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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 …
Celebrating Juneteenth: Austin’s Historically Black Parks
As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, amidst a restored sense of how urgently our city must face the truth of our past and work to improve our present and future, we wanted to take a step into history with you. We’ve gathered some links, photos and stories that we hope will help illustrate just how hard Black Austinites have had …
The Great Indoors: Nature Films for Adventuring in Place
×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! We’re all dreaming of a world where we can flock to the world’s most beautiful natural spaces. But since we’re unable to travel, your friends …
Normalizing Self Care: 7 Self Care Tips to Be Your Best Self
Over the last year, we’ve done our part to keep each other safe by sheltering in place, wearing a mask and much more as we adjusted to a new normal. Now more than ever, it’s important that we take care of ourselves as well! Let’s work on normalizing self care and doing what we can to promote a healthy mind …