Community Activated Park Projects

Learn more about the CAPP program and how you can participate:

• CAPP Projects
• CAPP Process
• Submit a CAPP
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Can I submit a CAPP without a detailed plan?
  • What types of projects are NOT reviewed in a CAPP proposal?
  • Can I propose a CAPP for a wildlife habitat structure?
  • Can I propose a CAPP at a school park?
  • How does the City prioritize CAPP proposals?
  • Who will review my CAPP proposal?
  • Do I need funding for my CAPP? How do I get funding, and when do I look?

  • How does implementation of a supported CAPP work?

     

North West Austin Neighborhood Association proposed a CAPP to improve the depreciated nature trail in the Steck Valley Greenbelt from Hyridge Dr. to Adirondack Trl. In collaboration with Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Parks Foundation contracted Texas Conservation Corps (TXCC) to clear invasive plants and remove downed debris that was the making the trail impassable. This project not only made the trail safer and more accessible but also provided valuable training to TXCC members.

CAPP Projects

Since 2018, Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD) has received over 580 CAPP submissions from community, non-profit, and other local partners. In fiscal year 2024, PARD reviewed 67 CAPP proposals.  

Park improvement projects should align with both community needs and the priorities set by PARD (Parks and Recreation Department) to enhance access and upgrade parks and greenspaces in key areas. The feasibility of each proposal is assessed using the PARD Long Range Plan, current projects, staff availability, and equity maps.

Projects can be any physical park improvement, from new features to ecological restoration. Keep in mind that not all physical park improvements are suitable for the CAPP program. You can learn more about whether a project is right for the CAPP program in our FAQs.

CAPP Process

The City of Austin reviews each CAPP proposal for feasibility. The evaluation considers whether the project aligns with the goals and priorities of the community, the City, and Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD). If the City of Austin determines the CAPP proposal is feasible, or doable, the partner organization secures funding. PARD then coordinates with the partner to carry out the approved project. You can learn more about how feasibility is determined and how groups secure funding in our FAQs.

When reviewing CAPP proposals, PARD carefully considers the long-term maintenance needs for new projects. Except in priority areas of Austin, PARD isn’t able to take on additional maintenance for new amenities on parkland. PARD knows how important it is to connect neighbors to parks and green spaces and beautify these spaces, and to help meet this need, the Community PARKnerships team has put together a list of projects that require minimal maintenance are more likely to be feasible. Examples include:

• Replacement or refurbishment of existing amenities that need it
• Nature trails
• Management of trees and brush to improve park access
• Wildflower meadows
• Eco-restoration
• Removing invasive plants
• Seeding native plants
• Managing brush
• Certain Nature Play features

Steps to the CAPP Process

Stage 1: Submit a Proposal

• You are welcome to reach out to the Community PARKnerships team to help guide your project idea.
• When your idea is ready, you submit a CAPP form through our website.
• Community PARKnerships sends an email to confirm that your proposal was received.

Stage 2: Internal Review (typically 4-6 weeks)

• City of Austin reviewers meet regularly to intake CAPP proposals. If determined that a CAPP will require a more involved review from multiple entities, such as different departments, processing the CAPP is postponed until our next large-scale review in January, April, or July.
• If the site or group already has a CAPP in progress, the new CAPP proposal will need to wait until the current CAPP is complete.
• Next, the City reviews your proposal. This process includes:
  • Prioritizing the proposal through planning tools (see FAQs)
  • Considering planned capital improvement projects at the site
  • Referencing city code for site constraints and challenges (if needed)
  • Consulting other relevant agencies (such as Transportation and Public Works, Watershed Protection, or Austin Independent School District) (if needed)
  • Determining whether the project is feasible to install and maintain
• Large or complex projects may take longer than six weeks to review.
• When the review is complete, you will receive an email with next steps.

Stage 3: Site Visit

• PARD staff will coordinate a site visit with you and other stakeholders. At the site visit, the group assesses the proposed location of the project. Discussion includes project feasibility, maintenance, and how the project meets City and community goals.
• City reviewers will discuss feasibility and next steps at the site visit.
• Once the City has completed its review, you will receive an email with the formal decision about your CAPP proposal.

Stage 4: Community Support and Funding (if needed)

• If the City of Austin supports your CAPP, you will be advised on the need for community support and/or funding.
• Although PARD cannot provide funding, Community PARKnerships can recommend potential funding sources (see FAQs).

Stage 5: Implementation

•  Working with nonprofit partners, neighbors, and outside contractors as necessary, the project begins implementation.  
•  CAPP approvals expire after one year. If the project has not begun implementation after one year, you will need to submit a new CAPP proposal.  
•  If needed, PARD can support with design and permitting based on available staff resources. Projects with a large scope or budget may require a formal Parkland Improvement Agreement.

Photos by Erik Harris

Taken in 2021 and 2023, these before and after photos show the growth of the wildflower meadow by the the parking lot at Balcones District Park. Friends of Balcones Park and Milwood Neighborhood Association proposed this wildflower meadow as a Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) and teamed up with Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Watershed Protection, and Austin Parks Foundation to bring it from idea to reality.

Submit a CAPP

Before submitting a proposal, please take a few minutes to read this page and its FAQs. When you are ready to submit a project on behalf of your organization or neighborhood group, fill out the CAPP proposal form in English or Spanish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I submit a CAPP without a detailed plan?

Community PARKnerships encourages you to include a detailed plan in your CAPP proposal. That said, we understand if you see a need in your park but you’re not sure of the best way to address it.

You are welcome to reach out to our team before submitting a CAPP and tell us the need that your organization or neighborhood group has identified. We can help brainstorm an effective solution.

What types of projects are NOT reviewed in a CAPP proposal?

Before you submit a CAPP proposal, please make sure that your project is suitable for the CAPP program. Below is a list of park improvements that the CAPP program cannot review with links to the appropriate department.

• Art – managed by Austin Economic Development’s Art in Public Places Program
• Community gardens – managed by PARD’s Community Gardens Program
• Grow Zones – managed by Austin Watershed Protection
• Large-scale capital improvements – The City of Austin has separate planning and funding processes for large-scale improvement projects, or Capital Improvement Projects. Learn more on the Capital Improvement Projects Explorer.
• Monuments and memorials – PARD has a memorial bench program managed by our Cemeteries Operations division. PARD is currently developing a process for other monuments and memorials on parkland. We will update this page with more information as it becomes available.
• Park and vision plans – If a park does not already have an active plan, Park Planning leadership can speak to the possibility of creating one.
• Pickleball – managed by PARD’s pickleball program
• Projects from a group or at a site with a CAPP currently in progress – In order to share our time equitably across the City, PARD cannot accept a new CAPP proposal for review if the group or site already has a CAPP in progress.
• Projects at undeveloped sites beyond eco-restoration
• Projects that change use of features – PARD cannot make changes to a feature that would change its established use and purpose.
• Projects that require additional maintenance – Except in priority areas of Austin, PARD currently does not have the staff capacity to commit to additional maintenance.
• Repair or maintenance of an existing park feature – coordinated by Austin 3-1-1
• Safety lighting – managed by PARD’s Park Development team, reachable at parklighting@austintexas.gov

Can I propose a CAPP for a wildlife habitat structure?

Artificial wildlife structures like bird houses and bee boxes are not recommended for conservation purposes. There may be an exception if the target species is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Texas Conservation Action Plan and if specific circumstances make an artificial structure necessary. Artificial structures installed for educational or engagement purposes may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if the property’s primary purpose is education or outreach. In either case, the artificial structure would need to be safe, not provide resources for exotic species, and not result in other negative consequences for native wildlife.

Can I propose a CAPP at a school park?

Yes, you can propose a CAPP at any of the joint-use sites (school parks). The City shares some school parks with Austin Independent School District (AISD). You will also need to submit AISD’s Schoolyard Improvement Project Review form. Both the City and AISD will need to review and approve your project.

Also, keep in mind that PARD cannot review projects at a school park that is under renovation. The CAPP will need to wait until any construction work is complete.

How does the City prioritize CAPP proposals?

The City aims to make the CAPP program as effective and equitable as possible. Part of our CAPP feasibility review is determining whether a project fits City and community priorities. If it does not, then the project is not currently possible.

PARD uses these criteria for evaluation:

• Alignment with City plans – The City prioritizes CAPP proposals that align with City plans. Key examples are the City’s Strategic Direction and PARD’s Long Range Plan.
• Equity – Nature and park equity is a top priority for PARD and the CAPP program. To evaluate a CAPP, the City considers data on nature and park equity from sources such as ParkScore, Cities Connecting Children to Nature’s Nature Equity Map, and the Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard.
• City resources – Due to limited resources, the City may not be able to support a CAPP proposal that requires significant staff time or supplies.
• Representation and cultural relevance – Successful CAPP proposals reflect the needs, population, and culture of the area.
• Number of CAPPs submitted for the site – The first CAPP proposed for a site will be higher priority than a CAPP proposed for a site that has benefited from past CAPPs. In order to share our time equitably across the City, PARD cannot accept a new CAPP proposal for review if the group or site already has a CAPP in progress.
• Number of CAPPs submitted by the proposer group – A CAPP proposed by a group that is new to the CAPP program will be higher priority than a CAPP from a group that has done CAPPs before. In order to share our time equitably across the City, PARD cannot accept a new CAPP proposal for review if the group or site already has a CAPP in progress.
• Park type – Austin’s various park types reflect different purposes and needs (see page 56 of PARD’s Long Range Plan for a breakdown of park types). The City considers whether a CAPP is appropriate for the type of park where it has been proposed. For example, an athletic field could be appropriate for a neighborhood park but not for a button park or greenbelt.
• Number and condition of current features at the site – A CAPP for a site that does not have adequate amenities or features will be higher priority than a CAPP for a site that does.

Who will review my CAPP proposal?

The City has a CAPP Committee, which is made up of the Community PARKnerships team and other staff in PARD’s Park Planning Division. The CAPP Committee does the first review of all CAPP proposals. Depending on the project location, type, and scope, other pertinent staff from PARD and other City departments will review the proposal for feasibility.

Do I need funding for my CAPP? How do I get funding, and when do I look?

Not all CAPPs require funding. For example, native plantings and the removal of invasive species have a huge impact but require little to no funding.

If your project requires funding, you do not need to secure those funds before proposing a CAPP. The City needs to confirm that the project is feasible first. The CAPP review process is designed to refine project scope and improve cost estimates. Knowing the scope and estimated cost of your project is important to a successful fundraising campaign or grant proposal.

When you receive CAPP approval and are ready to find funding for your project, resources are available to help. PARD does not have funding available for CAPPs, but other City and nonprofit programs can support projects on parkland.

The following resources can provide funding for CAPPs:

• City of Austin
  • Economic Development Department – Heritage Grant
  • Development Services Department – Urban Forest Grant
  • Office of Sustainability – Bright Green Futures Grant
  • Transportation and Public Works Department – Neighborhood Partnering Program
• Austin Parks Foundation – ACL Music Festival Grants Program
• Keep Austin Beautiful – Beautification Resources

How does implementation of a supported CAPP work?

Once approved and funded, the project can move into the implementation phase. The CAPP approval is good for one year. If you have not started the project within one year, you will need to submit a new CAPP form. For small projects like invasive species removal that require minimal to no funding, your group can begin to set up work days with the guidance of a relevant non-profit partner that can work with volunteer groups on parkland. For larger projects that require the work of a contractor, a PARD Project Manager will be assigned to the project when funding has been secured. The Project Manager will provide project coordination or oversight as required to implement the project.

Contact

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Community PARKnerships team by email or at 512-974-9515.