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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.
Athletics organizes adult recreational leagues for men, women and co-ed teams. Athletics reserves the Krieg and Havins softball complexes. Athletics partners with non-profit Youth Sport Organizations to provide recreational opportunities to Austin youth. Athletics collaborates with Recreation Centers to set standards for Youth Sports leagues.
The Parks and Recreation Department has an abundance of opportunities for Austinites to enjoy cultural activities and learn the history of the area.
It’s estimated that Austin’s Community Gardens are currently producing over 100,000 pounds of fresh local, organic produce for Austin residents every year!
Austin’s urban forest provides millions of dollars annually in social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community and enhances the quality of life for Austin residents. Our community's tree resource is an integral part of what makes Austin one of the most attractive cities in the country. As the city continues to grow and develop the urban forest remains an integral part of the Austin landscape, quietly performing as one of our most invaluable community members and infrastructure components.
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.
Cemetery Updates - Latest Information
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 arts school provides a variety of classes and camps for adults and youth. Call 512-974-4040, fax 512-974-4039 or select one of the following links to view additional information:
The City of Austin operates five municipal golf courses and one short practice course all focused on a great golf experience at an affordable price.
Book your tee time today!
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 preserve system began in 1935 with the creation of Zilker Nature Preserve. Over the years, the City of Austin has acquired over 2513 acres of preserve land. Preserve land is a unique type of park land that is set aside because it provides essential endangered species habitat, includes a unique natural feature such as a cave or stream, or provides a prime example of a specific type of ecosystem. Preserve land is set aside by either purchasing property from private or commercial land owners, if an area is designated as endangered species habitat or if it is deeded to the city.
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.
The Office of Special Events coordinates picnic and facility reservations, large special events/festivals, and commercial filming/photography requests for movies, commercials and advertising campaigns 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 Planning & Design Division provides planning, design, analysis, consultation, coordination and direction to staff, citizens and developers in order to achieve a balance between the natural and built environments and to ensure accessibility, safety and compliance with local rules, regulations, and best managed practices for park and recreation agencies.
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. Activities include traveling, pursuing old hobbies and learning new ones, socializing with friends, meeting new people, increasing knowledge, becoming and staying physically fit, supplementing income, contributing to the community and much more!
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of programs for children 3-12 years of age. The majority of these programs are held at our 20 recreation centers, the Dougherty Art Center and the Austin Nature and Science Center. In addition, the O.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers several Camp opportunities.
The Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to offering children ages 5–12 an unforgettable summer experience filled with a wide variety of sports activities, Arts & Crafts, water activities, and enrichment opportunities. We provide wholesome, interesting, and exciting activities in a character-building environment. This is no traditional summer camp; choose from our 10 weekly sessions! All recreation centers are proud to provide camp programs for youth ages 5 to 10 years old. $20.00 deposit due for each session. Register today! Space is limited.
Are you looking for a job this summer?
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is looking for extraordinary, talented people to join our team for our Summer Camp Program.
The Summer Playground Program is a Free, supervised, Drop-In program that allows children to come and go throughout the day. PARD staff offer a fun variety of games, crafts, active play, and science & nature activities for children to enjoy.
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.
Celebrate the benefits of Parks and Recreation in Austin with “Unase Al Reto” a 8 months Parks promotional campaign that is targeted to get the community moving!
Austin’s urban forest is made up of trees, vegetation and other components that are invaluable to the wellbeing and identity of our community. Explore and learn more about this growing resource:
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! We all can make a profound contribution to keep Austin wild!
The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs - totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.
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“Communities have found that gardens beautify areas, build a sense of community among neighbors, and abate criminal activity in or near vacant lots. These gardens also prevent trash accumulation, illegal dumping, and littering.” - University of Baltimore
"Community gardens give rise to a range of social processes, including social connections, reciprocity, mutual trust, collective decision-making, civic engagement and community building" - Health & Place Journal
"Community gardens have the greatest impact in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, (and) may be serving as catalysts for economic redevelopment of the community." - New York University School of Law
