Support Austin Parks
Your Support Matters
Over a million people benefit from Austin Parks and Recreation services. We care for over 20,000 acres of parkland. We maintain hundreds of recreational facilities. We teach life skills and bring people together with programs for all ages. We build community.
Our parks and programs change lives, and you can be part of our impact. Donating, volunteering, and participating in Parks and Recreation Board all make a difference. Learn more below about how you can give back.
- Donate
Austin Parks and Recreation is grateful for donations in any form. You can donate with a credit card through our online portal. You can donate in person at any Community Recreation Center via cash, a check, or a money order. You can also use this donation form.
- Support Austin Energy’s Parks & Libraries Fund
Austin Energy customers can add donations to their utility bill payments. Look for the option to give to the Parks & Libraries fund. Austin Parks and Recreation uses the fund to plant trees and provide program scholarships.
- Volunteer
Austin Parks and Recreation appreciates the volunteers who care for parks and green spaces! We would love to connect you with a service opportunity. Learn more on our Parkland Stewardship page.
- Partner with Us
Organizations of all kinds partner with Austin Parks and Recreation! Opportunities range from one-time projects to ongoing stewardship of a park space. Visit the Community PARKnerships page for more information.
- Participate in Parks and Recreation Board
Want to impact how Austin Parks and Recreation works? The Parks and Recreation Board enables Austinites to participate in these government processes. The board meets once a month, usually on the fourth Monday of the month. Members are volunteers who advise and consult City Council. Learn more about attending a meeting or joining the board.
Give where needed most, or choose how your donation makes a difference
Support Austin Parks and Recreation
Aquatics
Why donate to aquatics? Austin Parks and Recreation operates 34 public pools and 11 splash pads. Austinites swim, play, and cool off at these community spaces. Barton Springs Pool draws almost 800,000 visitors per year!
Your donation will fund our pools and splash pads. Community support helps train and outfit lifeguards, buy equipment for swim lessons, and more.
Nature Play
Why give to nature play? Children who learn and play in nature are healthier, happier, and more successful in school. As part of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, Austin Parks and Recreation creates opportunities for children to play and learn in nature.
Austin Parks and Recreation builds and maintains natural play areas in parks, including every new park that we open. These areas include features like boulders, logs, stumps, and dry creeks where children can balance, climb, jump, and explore. We also offer free rentals of Loose Parts Lending Kits for on-the-go play. Children can explore and play with animal toys and natural materials like rocks, seeds, and shells. They can also build forts out of bamboo poles and fabric. Anyone can check out a kit.
Your donation will buy nature play items for Loose Parts Lending Kits that the community can borrow for free.
Trees
Why give to trees? Austin’s urban forest improves quality of life. Trees clean our air and water. They cool our streets and city. They reduce noise and beautify public spaces. The social, economic, and environmental benefits of Austin’s trees provide millions of dollars of value to the community each year.
Your donation will buy trees and support tree planting in Austin parks.
Youth Program Scholarships
Why donate to youth program scholarships? Austin Parks and Recreation youth programs include summer camp, after-school activities, swim lessons, youth sports, and therapeutic recreation for special needs. Many families rely on Austin Parks and Recreation programs. We provide safe, affordable childcare and teach life-saving skills like swimming. Youth get to play, learn, explore nature, and connect with their community.
Austin Parks and Recreation wants all children to have access to our programs, no matter their family’s financial situation. Qualifying families can get financial aid to cover 50% to 100% of program costs.
Your donation will cover safe, fun, and educational youth programming for a child with financial need. Your support allows Austin Parks and Recreation to offer more aid to families who need it.
Where Needed Most
Why give where needed most? You can help Austin Parks and Recreation do more with limited public funds. Our department’s share of the City of Austin’s General Fund unfortunately does not meet all the community’s needs. Your support helps us provide the parks and programs that Austin deserves.
Your donation will go where it will have the biggest impact. Here are some examples:
- Servicing parks and facilities
- Building and maintaining trails
- Planting, watering, and tending native plants and trees
- Restoring natural environments
- Installing new park features
- Repairing or replacing worn-out park features
- Providing free and low-cost programming
- Providing more program scholarships
"This was a lifesaver at a very difficult time in our lives. Being able to afford programs that would offer consistency to the kids was huge."
- Parent who received financial aid for Austin Parks and Recreation youth programs