Austin Climbs to 47th on 2026 ParkScore® Index

Austin Parks and Recreation is proud to announce that the City has climbed the 2026 ParkScore® rankings to 47th in the country. Austin earned 54.0 out of 100 points for the annual nationwide rating published by Trust for Public Land (TPL). The ParkScore Index compares park systems in the 100 most populated U.S. cities. 

“We’re thrilled to be making progress towards the City’s long‑term goal of ensuring every resident lives within a 10‑minute walk to a park,” said Austin Parks and Recreation Director, Jesús Aguirre. “While this honor shows us heading in the right direction, we still have a long way to go which is why investment in Austin’s parks is critical for the health and well-being of all Austinites.” 

This marks a seven-place climb for Austin due to new park openings and increased investment in parks. The City invested $236 per person in its park system, more than last year’s $211 and far above the 2026 national average of $154. According to TPL, 76 percent of Austin residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, a big increase over last year’s 68 percent.

“Austin’s parks are essential to the city’s identity, health, and quality of life,” said Molly Morgan, Texas State Director for Trust for Public Land. "The 2026 ParkScore rankings also underscore the growing momentum we’re seeing across Texas, with cities throughout the state making major strides through sustained investments in parks, trails, and public green spaces. Austin’s latest investments in their park system have paid off- leading to the big jump in access we saw this year- and the city continues to demonstrate how strong park systems help create healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities for everyone."

The index evaluates each city across five key categories that reflect the characteristics of a strong park system: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. While the rankings often spark friendly competition, the primary purpose of the index is to help local leaders advocate for needed resources and guide data-driven park improvements. To ensure fair comparisons across cities, the index includes data from all public and private organizations that support local parks.

Austin’s 2026 score reflects the City’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its park system amid rapid population growth, increasing land costs, and a commitment to equitable access for all communities. Additional funding for park development and maintenance is critical for the system’s continued long-term success.

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About Trust for Public Land  
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,504 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, and raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.