Austin is a vibrant, unique, and passionate community. Our city is known for its 300 plus parks and the amazing community members, nonprofits, civic groups, and business partners who help to build and maintain them. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is dedicated to creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places, and we value your interest in helping us achieve those goals.
The PARD PARKnerships program coordinates the efforts of partners and volunteers. By leveraging resources and talent, we can enhance Austin’s parks and help grow a sense of community and stewardship. Through the PARKnerships program, community members and business partners can adopt their park, participate in volunteer days, propose enhancements at their local park, and donate resources. By working together, we create community!
If you are interested in getting involved in your local park, check out the numerous opportunities below!
Volunteer
PARD has many committed nonprofit partners who assist with coordinating volunteer opportunities on parkland. Check out our partner’s websites below to find an opportunity that best fits what you’re looking for!
Due to recent uptick of COVID -19 cases, the City and County moved to Stage 4 of the Risk-Based Guidelines and the Stay Home, Work Safe Order was extended until August 15th. Based on the recent data, PARD is halting the re-establishment of volunteer activities on parkland. PARD/CoA will continue to revisit this issue and will keep our nonprofit partners updated on the status.
Keep Austin Beautiful
We provide resources and education to engage citizens in building more beautiful communities.
Austin Parks Foundation
Austin Parks Foundation partners with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Shoal Creek Conservancy
Shoal Creek Conservancy is a non-profit, community-based organization focused on improving Shoal Creek for all Austinites; present and future.
Trail Foundation
The Trail Foundation is enhancing and connecting the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all.
TreeFolks
TreeFolks mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger commnities through planting and caring for trees.
Pease Park Conservancy
Pease Park Conservancy is dedicated to the rehabilitation, beautification, & support of Austin's central city park for the enjoyment of Austin and future generations.
Adopt-A-Park Program
The success of our parks system depends on the support, assistance, advocacy and enthusiasm of the public as stewards of their parks. The Adopt-A-Park Program helps citizens like you become those stewards through a collaborative partnership between the Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) and Austin Parks Foundation (APF). The goal of this program is to build community pride and ownership around every neighborhood park in Austin. Learn how you can get involved with your parks existing group or adopt your park here.
Community Activated Park Projects
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer the Community Activated Park Projects program for our neighborhood groups and partners. Community Activated Park Projects (CAPP) provide an opportunity for neighbors, non-profits, community groups and partners to raise funds and in-kind contributions to implement park improvements projects that are in alignment with PARD goals and meet community priorities.
PARD collaborates with community partners to develop and execute park improvements. Learn more about the CAPP program and the steps to propose and fund improvements in your neighborhood park.
PARD Partners
Non-profit organizations, conservancies, community groups and businesses are invited and encouraged to partner with the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) to enhance and improve parks, increase recreational and cultural opportunities and preserve natural areas in Austin.
At Austin Parks and Recreation we are committed to partnerships that align with our overall mission, vision, values, and provide benefit to the public and the Austin parks system. We actively seek partnerships with non-profit organizations, conservancies and businesses for park development, maintenance, management and programming.
