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Parks and Recreation
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Parks
Park Directory | Alcohol Prohibited Parks| Off Leash areas| Facilities| Museums, Historic Structures or Places | Gardens| Downtown Squares and Plazas| Disc Golf| Park Rules| Adopt-A-Park| Concession Contracts

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 16,682 acres of land containing 206 parks, 12 preserves (sanctuaries for native plants, native animals and unique natural features), and 26 greenbelts (parkland on creeks and canyons). Parks are open for public use each day from 5am - to 10pm unless otherwise posted. Exceptions may be authorized by the director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

view of Zilker Park photo
View of Waterloo Park photo</td> <td width=
Flower garden at Mayfield Park photo
Auditorium Shores photo
Republic Square photo
The City of Austin has developed a Park Viewer using GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping technology to allow you to find parks and facilities in Austin. See a map or aerial view of a park by selecting the "Find Closest Park" button. Use the pull down menu by "Park Facility" to look for specific park amenities. Please contact Allison Hardy if you have any questions or problems with the Park Viewer.

Park Directory, a complete list of parkland including parks, preserves and greenbelts with maps and a list of amenities.

Park Improvement Projects
On Nov. 7, 2006, Austin voters approved a $84.7 million bond program $84.7 million in tax supported General Obligation bonds and Notes for constructing, renovating, improving and equipping public parks, recreation centers, natural areas, and other related facilities, including, without limitation, playgrounds, hike and bike trails, sports courts, and swimming pools; and acquiring land and interests in land and property necessary to do so; and the levy of a tax sufficient to pay for the bonds and notes.

Zilker Park Improvement Projects
The Parks and Recreation Department has implement a multiple year improvement project to improve and maintain the turf, conserve potable water, and enhance the overall appearance of the park. These improvements will provide a durable, resilient turf that will serve to create a space that inspires visitors to play, imagine, rest and interact with nature and each other.

Town Lake Corridor - the jewel of the center city that includes a hike and bike trail, hosts special events, and captures spectacular views of nature and the urban skyline.
The Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake Proposed Plan. The City of Austin is considering a plan that would close the southeastern gap of the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail. The Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake would extend the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail more than one mile from the east side of the Austin American-Statesman building to Lakeshore Park.
Town Lake Corridor Study
Riverside Boardwalk Investment Study - Completing the Town Lake Trail, September 2007
Waterfront Overlay Sub-districts
2000 ROMA "Austin Town Lake Corridor Study"

Alcohol Prohibited Parks, the parks where the possession, sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Park Rules are established as written guidelines for the use of City of Austin parks, wildlife preserves and recreational facilities. (City Code, Chapter 11-1).

Off-Leash Dog Area, there are 12 off leash areas in Austin parks for you to enjoy with your dog. When not in these specified areas, the Austin leash ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet on all City land.

Facilities, including the Dougherty Arts Center, Austin Nature and Science Center,17 Recreation Centers, 3 Senior Activity Centers, and those facilities only open for private meetings, parties, weddings and celebrations.

Museums, Historic structures or Places, these locations represent a historic site or structure. These facilities offer a great learning experience to the public.

Gardens, offer visitors a various amount of knowledge and experiences a great place for learning and experiencing different cultures.

Downtown Squares and Plazas, the downtown squares are considered some of the first City of Austin parks. The plazas are small gathering places great for relaxation and reflection.

Disc Golf, courses are available at five parks thoughout the city.

Concession Contracts, the Parks and Recreation Department offers three types of concession contracts within the park system.

Adopt-A-Park, volunteer to preserve and protect your park.


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Austin City Connection - The Official Web site of the City of Austin
Contact Us: Parks@ci.austin.tx.us or 512-974-6700.
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P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 (512) 974-2000