Starting the week of August 11, 2025, Austin Parks and Recreation will begin annual mowing of selected wildflower meadows across parks in Austin, part of their seasonal maintenance.
Why Do We Mow the Meadows?
The annual mowing of wildflower meadows serves several important purposes:
- Vegetation Management: Helps control the growth of undesired plant species.
- Wildfire Risk Reduction: Minimizes fire hazards by reducing dry biomass.
- Ecosystem Health: Encourages the health and long…
Register for Youth Sports: Fall Soccer and Winter Bask…
Knowing how to identify and avoid poison ivy is essential for staying safe while enjoying Austin's parks and trails.
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native perennial plant that can grow as a vine, shrub, or ground cover. It typically features clusters of three leaflets with smooth, wavy, or serrated edges. While the saying “leaves of three, let it be” is a helpful rule of thumb, not every three-leaflet plant is poison ivy, so careful identification is key.
Why It Matt…
On June 7, the Givens District Park Pool reopens to the public for future generations to enjoy. New amenities include lap lane pool, zero-entry activity pool (toddler pool), spray ground features, diving board, bathhouses, family restroom, training/party room, picnic pads with shade structures, and aquatic office space. For more information about the project, visit AustinTexas.gov/GivensPool.
Givens District Park is located east of Downtown Austin. This historically African American co…
In Episode 6 of Latchkey Legends, Recreation Programs Specialist Santanu Rahman talks with Dr. Fred L. McGhee, an Anthropologist, Historian, Teacher, Activist, and Public Servant, about life as a Gen Xer.
Latchkey Legends is a Varsity Generation Podcast project that features Gen Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Many Gen Xers have turned 50 or are in their 50's, and as such, are qualified to be part of Varsity Generation programs! But Gen Xers have a unique take on the world that is a little different from the Baby Boomers. In this podcast project, hosted by…
There is a gap between what public funding can provide for our parks and what Austinites deserve. Fortunately, Austin Parks and Recreation has partnerships that help bridge that gap. Many community groups, nonprofits, and other organizations share our goals and values. When Austin Parks and Recreation teams up with these park advocates, we can do more for Austin parks.
Community PARKnerships grows and supports these park partnerships, or PARKnerships. Our fiscal year…
In Episode 5 of Latchkey Legends, Recreation Programs Specialist Santanu Rahman talks with Buzz Moran, a multimedia sound engineer in Austin, about life as a Gen Xer.
Latchkey Legends is a Varsity Generation Podcast project that features Gen Xers, people born between 1965 and 1980. Many Gen Xers have turned 50 or are in their 50's, and as such, are qualified to be part of Varsity Generation programs! But Gen Xers have a unique take on the world that is a little different from the Baby Boomers. In this podcast project, hosted by Santanu Rahman, a Gen Xer Recreation Programs…
Understanding Land Management
If you could somehow combine all of Austin’s parkland natural areas – our greenbelts, nature preserves, and other conserved natural lands throughout the city park system – into one contiguous land mass, it would cover about 20 square miles. That’s roughly the size of the area from 183 to Mopac between 51st Street and the Colorado River. It’s over 7% of the entire incorporated area of the city. That’s a lot of land!
One of the best ways to stay safe in the water is to be a strong swimmer and to always swim in a lifeguarded pool. Taking swim lessons and joining a swim team can reduce drowning risk by imparting essential water safety skills, building confidence, and improving swimming abilities. Strong swimming skills can reduce panic in emergencies, improve physical coordination, and even enhance cognitive development. For more information, visit…
In Episode 2 of Latchkey Legends, Recreation Programs Specialist Santanu Rahman talks with Karen Browning, a Senior Training Coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin, about life as a Gen Xer.
Latchkey Legends is a Varsity Generation Podcast project that features Generation X. Gen Xers were born betwen 1965-1980. Many Gen Xers have turned 50 or are in their 50's, and as such, are qualified to be part of Varsity Generation programs! But Gen Xers have a unique take on the world that is a little different from the Baby Boomers. In this podcast project, ho…