Current Park Adopters
The success of our parks system depends on the support, assistance, advocacy and enthusiasm of the public as stewards of their parks. As Adopt-A-Park leaders you are those stewards. In partnership with the Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF) our goal is to build community pride and ownership around every neighborhood park in Austin starting with yours! Park Adopters serve as key community representatives for their park, encourage engagement with neighbors and park users, and ultimately bring greater innovation and creativity to the park system.
APF Resources for Current Adopters
APF offers funding, educational and volunteer resources to current adopters. Use the main navigation, or the links below to learn more about how Austin Parks Foundation can help make your park dream a reality!
- Impact Grants (English & Español)
- Community Grants (English & Español)
- Neighborhood Grants (English & Español)
- Design Services
- Submit a Volunteer Work Day Request
- The Parks Summit - The Adopt-A-Park has gone digital! Check out the revamped format. We're excited to bring you sessions you can enjoy from home.
- Sponsored Fund Accounts | SFA Holders
- It's My Park Day
Other Resources for Current Adopters
The City of Austin, the Parks & Recreation Department and other local environmental orgs also offer many resources outside of APF's programs.
Quick Links
- Adopt-A-Park Handbook
[PDF] - PARD's GIS Map
Includes all PARD assets - CAPP Application Form
PARD's Community Activated Park Project form is for all park improvements beyond typical work days
FAQs
A: Most City of Austin parks are adoptable, however a few exclusions apply - currently undeveloped parks and metropolitan parks are not available for adoption. If you’d like to adopt a greenbelt or nature preserve, please contact our Programs & Projects staff for details. Visit our map of adoptable parks.
Once you’ve selected a park you’re interested in, submit an application online and you will be contacted by APF.
A: Ideal adopters are regular park users, neighborhood groups and nearby residents who are interested in improving their park. Businesses are not eligible to adopt a park. Read more about what it’s like to be a park adopter in the Adopt-A-Park Handbook.
A: Above all, park adopters enjoy a sense of pride in championing their parks! PARD considers park adopters key stakeholders, and provides opportunities and support for volunteer maintenance and park improvement projects. Additionally, park adopters are eligible for exclusive resources provided by APF such as access to our tool warehouse, educational opportunities like our Adopt-A-Park Summit, and park funding opportunities like our ACL Music Festival Grants and Design Services.
A: We work with groups of all sizes, and the time and volunteer commitment may vary. In general, we ask that park adopters participate in at least one of our bi-annual It’s My Park Day events (First Saturdays in March and November), as well as commit to being the main point of contact for the park for at least one year. We also ask the group to allow anyone who wants to participate in the park adopter group to do so, without requiring dues or implementing other membership barriers.