You are here
Programs
Discover local art and artists. Watch a play under the stars or in a vibrant community theater. Visit a serene and natural setting from the work of a 20th century American sculptor.
The Athletics section caters to the adult population of Austin, offering year-round softball leagues and tournaments for men and women, men and co-rec competitive recreational flag football leagues and tournaments and men and women recreational basketball leagues.
The Parks and Recreation Department has an abundance of opportunities for Austinites to enjoy cultural activities and learn the history of the area.
The goal of the master plan is to return the site to its former glory, where the water was cleaner and the experience of the pool was more enjoyable. The plan intends to propose appropriate additions and renovations to the swimming pool, its buildings and its grounds that respect the fragility of this unique natural and historical setting and also accommodate the significant user demands on Austin's most popular park amenity.
The City of Austin was founded in 1839 and shortly thereafter, the State of Texas deeded what is now known as Oakwood Cemetery to the City. Today, there are five cemeteries currently operated under the guidance of the City.
The department has observed a growing demand for use of City parklands by a variety of private commercial entities. The department has designated certain recommended park sites for this purpose.
Permanent concessions are eligible for a contract of a year or more and generally have a permanent structure. The department currently manages 11 permanent concession contracts.
The City of Austin operates five municipal golf courses focused on a great golf experience at an affordable price. While all five courses offer beautiful greens, low prices and exceptional customer service, they are also the only courses in Austin that allow you to bring all your own food and beverages of choice, making for a great day of golf.
Austin is known for its prized quality of life, talented workforce and extraordinary business opportunities. Austinites are some of the fittest people in Texas, with miles of hike and bike trails. An internship with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is a valuable opportunity for a student to grow professionally and personally.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers several ways for individuals and families to explore Austin's beautiful natural spaces.
Austin's official love with nature preserves began in 1935, when an area west of Zilker Park was designated as a nature preserve and bird sanctuary.
The Parks and Recreation Department operates 11 off leash areas in Austin for you to enjoy with your dog. In general, all parks are open for public use each day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted. At times, access is limited or affected by events or maintenance issues.
The City of Austin Park Ranger program was created to provide educational services, safety and security in Austin’s parks and recreational facilities.
On November 7, 2006, Austin voters approved an $84.7 million bond program in tax-supported General Obligation bonds and notes for constructing, renovating, improving and equipping public parks, recreation centers, natural areas and other related facilities, including, without limitation, playgrounds, hike and bike trails, sport courts and swimming pools; and acquiring land and interests in land and property necessary to do so; and the levy of a tax sufficient to pay for the bonds and notes.
The Office of Special Events coordinates reservations and filming requests at a number of facility and picnic sites within the Austin parks system.
From volunteer opportunities and the adopt-a-park program, to park improvement projects and public-private partnerships, there are many ways to partner with the Parks and Recreation Department.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department oversees approximately 16,000 acres of land containing 251 parks, 15 preserves (sanctuaries for native plants, native animals and unique natural features), and 40 greenways (parkland on creeks and canyons).
The Aquatic Division operates 50 public pool facilities, which includes 28 neighborhood pools, 3 wading pools, 6 municipal pools, 11 splash pads, 1 rental facility and Barton Springs Pool.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs and services for people 50 years of age and older.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department currently operates two skate parks - one in Mabel Davis District Park and the AustinBMX and Skate Park at 1213 Shoal Creek Boulevard next to Austin Recreation Center.
The purpose of the municipal tennis centers is to offer year-round tennis play and supervised tennis activities to the community through comprehensive programs for all ages.
Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) offers free community-based arts education for teenagers who may not otherwise have such opportunities.
The mission of the Urban Forestry program is to provide, protect and preserve the highest quality care of Austin’s urban forest through the planting, maintenance and replacement of trees in parks, along streets and in other public areas, thereby contributing to positive recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community.
Each year thousands of Austinites volunteer to help the city’s parks, preserves, trails, playgrounds, athletic and recreational facilities flourish through individual and group volunteerism. The Volunteer program invites community and business groups to partner with us one-time or on an ongoing basis.
Wildlife Austin promotes the creation and conservation of wildlife habitats through community-wide collaboration and public education, and helps bridge existing city initiatives that encourage a well balanced and healthy urban environment for people and wildlife. Austin has a long track record of being dedicated to preserving and enhancing our environment. All of us have an important role to play, from you, the individual homeowner, apartment dweller and your neighbors to our City green spaces, firehouses, public libraries and businesses.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs for children 3-12 years of age.
The Zilker Tree is lit each evening from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight until December 31.
