Austin Parks Foundation

We're back with another episode of People of the Parks and we're gettin' down with the data!

Suzy is joined by Taylor and RETURN guest, Austin Parks Foundation CEO, Colin Wallis. The Trust for Public Land ParkScore dropped last month, and they discuss where Austin ranks, what it means and how APF (and other outdoor nonprofits) are helping to move the needle!

Listen now🎧: https://peopleoftheparks.buzzsprout.com/

This spring, we’ve shared the A-B-Cs (and D-E-Fs!) of our work with you. Together we’ve seen how we can work together to build more accessible, vibrant and welcoming green spaces for ALL Austinites.

Now, as Austin Parks Foundation celebrates our 34th birthday (that’s today!) we leave you with one last letter to explore: G

G is for Gratitude:

This summer, we celebrate more than just 34 years of APF, we also celebrate decades of generous support from our parks community. People like you have helped transform our parks, engaged with neighbors at events, rolled up your sleeves to give back at volunteer events and advocated for what our parks deserve at City Hall and beyond.

We are grateful for each and every voice, helping hand and generous donation. Because of you, Austin Parks Foundation can continue our work to make sure our nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces continue to thrive for decades to come.

As we celebrate our 34th anniversary, we’re asking our community to help continue carrying this work forward! Will YOU make a gift to support Austin’s parks?

As a token of our Gratitude, the first 100 donors to make a one-time gift (https://bit.ly/3OEzqyH) of $34 (or more!) OR become a Perennial Partner (https://bit.ly/4viqD5y) with a recurring donation of $5 or more will receive a special summer “Thank You” gift from APF! (Swipe to the end to see the gift➡️)

In May, the City Council passed a resolution (https://bit.ly/3RQq04w) that directs the City Manager and staff to prepare a proposed November 2026 bond package with a recommended $250 million going toward improving our parks and trails.

The $250 million currently on the table represents a meaningful investment in the parks we love most. However, this bond package is not final yet — Council can still change the package.

Between now and July 23rd, our voices as a community will continue to shape how Council makes deliberations. Here’s how you can stay engaged:

🗓️ Mark your calendar for the July 23rd City Council meeting.

🗣️ Talk to your neighbors. One of the beloved parks in your neighborhood could be at stake under this bond. Continue to build community and have conversations on the parks that matter most to you.

📞 Contact City Council Leaders. Let them know that parks cannot wait any longer. Advocating will demonstrate the power of collective action. Besides, some members are still on the fence about waiting another two years! Find your district at https://bit.ly/4uSA8Zc.

To learn more: https://bit.ly/4udWTpi

Earlier this month, we introduced you to the ABCs of APF: Accessibility, Breaking Ground, and Community. Today, we’re going a little bit deeper into the alphabet to show you how Austin Parks Foundation supports our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces!

D is for Digging In:

At APF, we love to dig in and get our hands dirty! At any given time, park improvement projects are happening across all ten city districts. Head to our website to check out our Interactive Impact Map and see what we’ve accomplished over the past 15 years!

E: Engagement

With a tagline like “People Plus Parks”, you know engaging park lovers is at the heart of what we do! From our free In the Park Series to our robust volunteer program, we engage more than 20,000 people in our parks each year.

F: Funding

Funding is what makes this work possible, and that’s where you come in. As you enjoy this beautiful spring season in our parks, will you support the work APF is doing to make our green spaces better for all? Make your gift today: https://bit.ly/3OEzqyH