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 …
Art in the Parks: 6 Unique Public Art Pieces in Austin’s Parks
From Blanton Art Museum to the beloved, but newly-housed, Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, there’s no denying that Austinites appreciate good art when they see it. But did you know some of the best art is in the parks? These pieces help us deepen our connection to or understanding of the parks’ history, view the parks and amenities in new …
Austin Parks Foundation Awards $199,000 in Community Grants
AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 18, 2019) – Austin Parks Foundation (APF)’s 2019 fall community grantees will receive $199,000 in collective funding to improve various Austin parks, trails and green spaces from their Austin City Limits Music Festival Grants Program. Projects implemented span across the city and consist of a wide variety of projects including a baseball field, nature center, trail and …
The First Ever It’s My Pool Day Is Happening August 3rd
Yep, you read that correctly. There’s going to be an It’s My Pool Day, a day to celebrate Austin’s pools inspired by It’s My Park Day, APF’s bi-annual, city-wide day of volunteering in Austin’s parks, trails and green spaces. Austin summers are hot! Swimming is what keeps us all from losing our minds, but our pools need some love. This …
People + Parks: Raise a Glass to this APF Donor
By Elizabeth McGuire To be perfectly clear, Matt Luckie would rather not talk about himself. He would rather not pose for a photo or elaborate on all the ways he is contributing to the community. He loves Austin and a good cause, but truth be told, he would much rather shine the spotlight anywhere else besides himself. Fortunately for us, …
Austin Parks Foundation Awards Over $180,000 In 2019 Spring Grants & Park Design Services
AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 2, 2019) – Austin Parks Foundation (APF) announced their 2019 spring grantees that will receive over $180,400 in collective funding to improve various Austin parks, trails, and green spaces across 5 districts. Projects include the creation of trails, installation of park amenities and more. Additional information on the specific park improvement projects and grant recipients can be …
Project Playback: Hartford Park
Swing set and playscape for children ages 2 – 5 years old. Hartford Park was once an overgrown traffic triangle in the middle of a neighborhood in central Austin. Thanks to the grassroots efforts of Friends of Hartford Park (FOHP), it has evolved into an urban green space that enhances the surrounding community. Neighbors raised close to $200,000 all on …
10 Austin Swimming Pools to Check Out This Summer
You probably already know about iconic swimming spots like Barton Springs or Deep Eddy, but where else can Austinites swim? We’ve gathered 10 swimming pools around Austin to help you beat the Summer heat! The majority of Austin’s pools are free to enter which makes them great places for friends and family to gather.Do you know someone looking for a …
In Memory: Louis René Barrera
We’re saddened to hear of the passing of Louis René Barrera, a man who dedicated so much of his life to Austin’s parks. He served as the Environmental Conservation Information Specialist for the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department for 24 years. His legacy can be seen clearly at any of Austin’s 15 nature preserves, but especially at Blunn …
APF Grants $250K Matching Grant to Norwood Estate
AUSTIN PARKS FOUNDATION GIFTS $250,000 AS MATCHING GRANT FOR RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC NORWOOD ESTATE Project construction poised to begin if grant is fully matched AUSTIN, TX (December 19, 2018) – Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is excited and proud to announce it has awarded a $250,000 matching grant to the Norwood Park Foundation (NPF) for the restoration and repurposing of …