stage 1) submit a proposal. stage 2) internal review. stage 3) site visit. stage 4) project development. stage 5) implementation

Have an idea for an improvement for your neighborhood park but not sure where to start? The Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) program streamlines the proposal process for neighbors, community groups, and partners seeking to initiate improvements on city-owned parkland. Park improvement projects should reflect community and PARD priorities and can include anything from invasive species removal and signage to new benches and nature play features. The feasibility review of CAPP proposals includes the site and operational constraints. Projects proposed in joint-use school parks will have additional maintenance and ownership constraints. Flood zones, easements and utilities are considered when determining feasibility. Due to operational constraints, PARD is unable to commit to maintaining new amenities on developed and undeveloped parkland that will require regular maintenance at this time. PARD understands the importance of connecting Austinites to useable parkland. To meet this need, PARD has developed a list of projects that require minimal maintenance and may be feasible, depending on site constraints and the neighborhood’s commitment to stewardship:

  • Installation of Nature trails
  • Tree and brush management to expand park access
  • Establishing Wildflower meadows
  • Eco-restoration, such as managing invasive plants, seeding native plants, managing brush
  • Some Nature Play features

Every CAPP proposal is different, and ideas do not need to be fully formed before submitting a proposal. After the CAPP is reviewed internally, proposers and city staff meet at the site to discuss feasibility and determine next steps.   

On this page you’ll find helpful resources for developing a CAPP proposal. Included are examples of previous CAPPs, our CAPP proposal form in English and Spanish, an infographic of CAPP Stages, and Frequently Asked Questions.  

Previous CAPP Projects

Previous CAPP Projects collage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does the CAPP process look like?
  • Stage 1: Submit a Proposal
    • https://www.austintexas.gov/department/community-activated-park-projects
  • Stage 2: Internal Review
    • Consideration of planned capital improvement projects at the site.
    • Survey by other relevant agencies (e.g. Public Works, Watershed, AISD).
    • Review of city code for site constraints and challenges.
  • Stage 3: Site Visit
    • PARD staff coordinates site visit with stakeholders.
    • Discussion of park proposal feasibility, maintenance implications, and how the project relates to community and city-wide goals.
    • Determine feasibility and appropriate next steps.
  • Stage 4: Community Support and Funding
    • Proposer holds community engagement sessions and seeks funding.
  • Stage 5: Implementation
    • PARD can support with design and permitting.
2. What happens after I submit a CAPP?

The CAPP intake process occurs monthly, excluding in October. This review may take longer depending on project scope and complexity. For most projects, the PARD review team will review and contact you regarding next steps within 4-6 weeks. During this time, CAPP proposals are initially reviewed by the Community PARKnerships team and the Park Planning Division. Depending on the project site and scope, additional City Departments and staff are brought into the feasibility review process. Following CAPP intake, a member of the Community PARKnerships team will reach out with next steps to begin the CAPP feasibility review process.

3. Do I need to secure funding in order to submit a CAPP?

Funding does not need to be secured before proposal submission. Prior to seeking funding, project feasibility must be confirmed by City staff. The CAPP process is designed to refine project scope and improve cost estimates prior to beginning a fundraising campaign or submitting a grant proposal.

Not all CAPPs require funding to be implemented, but the CAPP process is still necessary. Examples of these include invasive species removal and native plantings.

4. If needed, where can I find funding for my project? 

The funding resources listed below can assist in bringing your project to life:

5. Do I need to show community support before submitting a CAPP proposal?

No. PARD encourages gathering community support after your proposal has been reviewed for feasibility. This helps ensure that the project is viable before promising parkland improvement implementations.

Please note that although PARD does not require community support in the CAPP proposal, some grant programs may require demonstrations of community support in their grant application process.

6. What if my project is with a school park?

Projects occurring on joint use school parks must also submit AISD’s Schoolyard Improvement Project Review form.

7. Can I install an animal home?

CAPPs regarding the installation of constructed wildlife structures on City of Austin public lands will be directed to take action maintaining and supervising current wildlife structures. Artificial structures for wildlife (nest boxes/towers, feeders, perches, platforms, etc.) temporarily and artificially provide resources for wildlife but may cause unintended negative impacts. Unintended negative impacts include decreasing populations of native species, increasing invasive plant species, threats to visitors and staff on site(s), etc.

Contact  

For additional information or assistance, please contact Christine Chute Canul by email or phone at 512-974-9515.