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Introducing APF’s New Board Members and Officers!

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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 …

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Outdoor Learning: APF Awards Grants to Several Austin ISD Elementary Schools

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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 …

highlighting our parks programming in 2020

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Highlighting Our Parks Programming in 2020

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 …