About Parks and Recreation
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| Interim Director - Angela Means |
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department has been the steward of the City of Austin’s public lands since 1928. As such, we protect and maintain parkland and our urban forest. We preserve trails, and offer a variety of sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, nature and aquatic activities.
Our Department is as diverse as the community we serve. As in so many aspects of life, the key to running a successful organization is having the ability to strike a balance between young and old, tradition and innovation, and the needs of one versus the needs of many. Keeping this in mind, our employees continually strive to honor the past while embracing the challenges of the future, and to serve an entire community while maintaining meaningful connections with individual participants.
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VISION
The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences
MISSION
Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places
- FY2023-2024 Fee Schedule
Vision, Mission and Values
View Austin Parks and Recreation Department Vision, Mission and Values Poster.
Annual Report
View the Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY23 Annual Report (PDF).
Long Range Plan
Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)
As part of our commitment for continuous improvement, the Department was one of the first park and recreation agencies in Texas to achieved national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA recognizes park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service, and is the only body that accredits park and recreation agencies at a national level. The Department was first accredited in 2007 and has been re-accredited in 2012 and 2017. Achieving accreditation is our commitment to the citizens of Austin that we strive for continuous improvement. Come visit us! We invite you to explore the many services, amenities, facilities, and programs we offer.