Only 60% of residents currently live within a 10-minute walk to a park, and the amount of green space varies greatly throughout the city. At APF, we feel a critical responsibility to invest in, and maintain our parks for future generations in every area of the city. We believe our public parkland should be preserved and maintained. We believe all …
Austin Parks Foundation and its partners recently sent a letter to Austin City Council outlining the needs of our park system that should be addressed in the city budget process. This advocacy by APF and 15 partner organizations is in preparation for the City Council voting on the next fiscal year’s budget in August. Parks funding comes in large part …
The virtual open house for work along Mopac South is happening between now and January 7th. This looks to be the only opportunity for public comment before Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) reveals their preferred alternative sometime in 2022. The project goes through Zilker Park, and there is potential for CTRMA to pay for parking in Zilker Park by …
After November 2020 elections, we have two new Austin City Council Members! We reached out to Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes of District 2 and Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly of District 6 to ask them a few questions about themselves and Austin’s parks. They were kind enough to respond, so be sure to check out their answers below. If you’d like to reach …
Learn how the city and community partners are working to understand, uncover and address racial equity in Austin, with particular focus on parks and outdoor spaces. Equity in the outdoors has serious implications for so many Austin residents’ access to nature, participation in recreation activities, and opportunities to advance in green jobs. Key City of Austin Parks & Recreation and …
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, …
Volunteerism is critical to the health of our parks, and coordinated efforts between park stewards and city staff can lead to incredible positive outcomes in Austin’s natural spaces. Join Jerry Levenson and David Todd – veteran park stewards, Patrick Chaiken – City of Austin Park Ranger Program, James Duff – City of Austin Wildfire Division, and Barry Rivera – Volunteer …
Asvini Thivakaran is an award-winning environmental activist and 6th-grade student at Brushy Creek Elementary. Join Austin Parks Foundation as we chat with Asvini about her mission to save the environment, how kids can get involved in big and small ways, and how Little Hummingbird Society is helping get kids engaged in protecting our parks and our planet!
Every Summer, Austin has the opportunity to prioritize city assets like parks, transportation and housing through the City’s budgeting process. It is often said that “budgets are moral documents.” But how do budgets truly impact public amenities like parks, programming and the people who enjoy and rely on them? APF’s Advocacy Manager – Tom Visco, will lead a conversation with …
Our next installment of The Parks Summit series will focus on the importance of parks and civic engagement in the time of COVID-19, featuring Council Member Paige Ellis, and members of the Austin Parks Foundation and Austin Parks & Recreation staff. TUNE IN HERE!
