Park destroyed by arson in April is coming back to life thanks to donations and volunteers
Oak Springs School Park is a playground park located in East Austin off Webberville Road. Connected to Oak Springs Elementary, the park is operated by both the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Independent School District. However, in April, a fire destroyed much of the park resulting in $95,000 worth of damages. Thankfully, many members of the Austin community banded together and took action.
The park received donations from C3 Presents, individual donors, and a community grant from Austin Parks Foundation for $50,000. The grant and money raised will go toward rebuilding the playground, replacing amenities, and rehabilitating grass and trees.
On July 15th, Austin Parks Foundation welcomed volunteers from the University of Texas football team to help restore the park. Players mulched trees, focusing especially on those affected by the fire. They also helped by painting park structures such as benches. We appreciate the work put in by the team, and their dedication to their community.
“Helping with the playground showed the community that they have support from Texas Football and also sends a message that the community of Austin will band together when something devastating like this happens,” said Director of Player Development, Kevin Washington.
More volunteer days are scheduled for late summer, with help from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and C3 Presents. Volunteerism is essential to projects like these because of their low cost and high impact. We can ensure that parks are taken care of and can continue to be enjoyed by the community through these volunteer days.
If you are interested in volunteering with Austin Parks Foundation, check our volunteer page, subscribe to us on Dojour, check us out on GivePulse, or subscribe to our newsletter (right at the bottom of this page)!
Donate to us to see more projects like this in parks around Austin!